This coming weekend is a long weekend for me, in honor of Independence Day. We have some fun stuff planned so I'm eagerly anticipating its arrival!
Friday we're going to a matinee showing of Eclipse at the Imax, as well as dinner at the Melting Pot with our friends (and anniversary buddies) the Osbornes. I'm really excited about it. It'll be an early night but I love making it home to get Betsy to bed. I feel like such a bump on a log lately, going to bed soon after Betsy and I'm looking forward to an evening with adults i.e. John and Laura...and Ben...if you REALLY consider him and adult.
Saturday we're heading to Austin to meet my friend Corie and share lunch and watch volleyball games. I'm excited about that too! Maybe I can bug my brother and sister-in-law into meeting up with us while we're in ATX (hear that Tiff and JD? You'd better screen your calls if you don't want to hang out with us this weekend!).
Sunday, I think we're going to try to clean out the office, take a bunch of stuff to the Goodwill, and clean out the garage. This will probably spill over to Monday. I don't know WHY this project seems to daunting to me! I think if Ben and I jump in and work on it together we can knock it out in no time :) I'm also thinking of breaking out our 'John Adams' DVD series that we haven't watched in over a year, and enjoying that with Ben (and Betsy, it's never too early to learn about the founders of our nation!).
Tuesday we have our 'big ultrasound' to (hopefully) learn the gender of baby B 2.0! This is motivating me to get the office cleaned out so we can set up the crib and I can make a plan to order a dresser, pick some bedding, and generally turn the room into a nursery. Can I talk some more about how much I love the unfinished furniture store? I love the dresser in our room, I think it's such good quality, and I can't wait to order a piece or two of furniture for Baby B 2. Preparing for the second baby is a lot less work as we HAVE most of what we need, but I'm finally getting anxious to learn the gender so I can start preparing!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Another typical Betsy story
I've heard from both my Dad and my Mother-in-law Jane that they can see Betsy's mind working. They can see her looking at things and figuring them out before she jumps in and tries something. This is a good example!
Last week while I was working and Ben was fishing Jane kept Betsy Monday, Wednesday and Friday. These happen to be the same days that cousin William stays with Grandma and Grandpa. Betsy watched me put an almost-empty bag of mini-Nilla Wafers in her diaper bag along with yogurt and a banana for the day at Grandma's house.
After leaving her at Grandma's and a few of the fun activities at Grandma's house Betsy took the bag of wafers out of the diaper bag, stuck the bag on top of the table, climbed herself into the highchair, then onto the table, and started passing out cookies to William, herself and I imagine the girls (Moonie, Ruby and Madison).
She willingly shares. She's smart. She's coordinated. What's not to like about this kiddo?
Last week while I was working and Ben was fishing Jane kept Betsy Monday, Wednesday and Friday. These happen to be the same days that cousin William stays with Grandma and Grandpa. Betsy watched me put an almost-empty bag of mini-Nilla Wafers in her diaper bag along with yogurt and a banana for the day at Grandma's house.
After leaving her at Grandma's and a few of the fun activities at Grandma's house Betsy took the bag of wafers out of the diaper bag, stuck the bag on top of the table, climbed herself into the highchair, then onto the table, and started passing out cookies to William, herself and I imagine the girls (Moonie, Ruby and Madison).
She willingly shares. She's smart. She's coordinated. What's not to like about this kiddo?
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Typical Betsy Story
Betsy is trying to potty train herself again. Last night she pointed to the bathroom and said "Pee Pee" so I took off her diaper, she sat on the toilet and went potty. I wiped for her, then she held out her hand and said "me?" so I handed her some TP so she could wipe. She sat and looked at it so I said "Wipe it!" and she did. She took the toilet paper and wiped her nose.
Not what I meant by "Wipe it" but I still gave her some kisses and applause for the effort.
Not what I meant by "Wipe it" but I still gave her some kisses and applause for the effort.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
16 Weeks
Yesterday I had a quick doctor appointment for Baby B 2.0. My weight and blood pressure looked great and baby's heart beat was strong. My fundal height was right on track. I did some blood work then hurried home to see the sweet girl, and I enjoyed dinner out with my mother and sister in law, Betsy, and nephew William. Italian food, yum! I still haven't taken my first pregnancy picture to post on the blog, I'll try this weekend or when Ben gets back on Monday. Baby B 2 is about five inches long now. I've been feeling movement for a couple weeks, and more defined kicks the past couple of days.
That's about all, I've gotta run and get ready for the USA Ghana World Cup game!
That's about all, I've gotta run and get ready for the USA Ghana World Cup game!
Why tri?
Yesterday I got to wondering, why is pregnancy divided into three trimesters? It would make more sense to me to divide 40 weeks of pregnancy into four quarters. Plus it would be easier for my sports-minded husband to follow, if he could track my pregnancy like a football game. Am I the only crazy out there that gets irritated when trying to figure out what trimester I'm in between week 13-15 and week 26 to 29?
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Girl's week!
With Ben being gone for a week I have to confess, I've really enjoyed my alone time with Betsy. We play at night. We snuggle while she falls asleep. I get smothered in kisses and hugs. Maddie gets lots of attention from both of us. We eat easy foods and make no messes (tonight I'm picking up a veggie plate for us to split).
It helps that my mother-in-law is keeping Betsy while Ben is gone. I think it's so cute that Jane has activities for Betsy and William during the day. They play outside, they sing songs, they play piano, they have nap time and snack time. What better way to spend the day than with Grandma, a former Kindergarten teacher?
This week has flown by, I've been giving presentations at work everyday. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon so I'll get to hear the baby's heartbeat. Saturday I'm meeting a friend from El Paso for lunch (yay!) and Sunday I'm going to see my sorority little sister for the first time in YEARS! I cannot WAIT!
As for Betsy, her teething has stopped I think. She's sleeping well without the Tylenol again. She's also chatting a ton lately, and we pick up sentences from her vocabulary on occasion. Last night she told me to put my shoes away, and handed me my sandals from the floor of my bedroom. Not only does she boss me around, she tells me I'm pretty, and she constantly asks 'what's this?'. Her new favorite song is 'The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round'. She knows how to rub her eyes when the babies cry, and put her finger over her lips when the mamas say "SHHH, SHHH, SHH." And of course I receive an enthusiastic ovation when I finish singing. I dread the day when Betsy realizes that her Mama is a terrible singer.
It helps that my mother-in-law is keeping Betsy while Ben is gone. I think it's so cute that Jane has activities for Betsy and William during the day. They play outside, they sing songs, they play piano, they have nap time and snack time. What better way to spend the day than with Grandma, a former Kindergarten teacher?
This week has flown by, I've been giving presentations at work everyday. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon so I'll get to hear the baby's heartbeat. Saturday I'm meeting a friend from El Paso for lunch (yay!) and Sunday I'm going to see my sorority little sister for the first time in YEARS! I cannot WAIT!
As for Betsy, her teething has stopped I think. She's sleeping well without the Tylenol again. She's also chatting a ton lately, and we pick up sentences from her vocabulary on occasion. Last night she told me to put my shoes away, and handed me my sandals from the floor of my bedroom. Not only does she boss me around, she tells me I'm pretty, and she constantly asks 'what's this?'. Her new favorite song is 'The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round'. She knows how to rub her eyes when the babies cry, and put her finger over her lips when the mamas say "SHHH, SHHH, SHH." And of course I receive an enthusiastic ovation when I finish singing. I dread the day when Betsy realizes that her Mama is a terrible singer.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Quick update
I haven't been feeling too blogtastic lately. I just haven't been in the mood to write! Lots has been going on around here...
Betsy is teething again and has had some rough nights. We've figured out her Tylenol dosing, and it's helped her sleep better. We let her sleep in the bed with me though and I get lots of snuggles at night, she craves the physical contact.
She learns new things every day, we're recognizing more of what she says. She goes through spurts in the day when she just chatters non-stop. Last night she discovered Sesame Street, and she held her Elmo (Eh-moh!) doll while laying in her snoogle and watching a SS video. It was VERY sweet. She does everything we do. She folds clothes, she knows how to screw the cap on and off a water bottle, she likes to sit on her potty chair to read books. Speaking of, Betsy likes to pick up books in her bedroom and carry them around saying "WEED IT! WEED BOOK!" She's so grown up!
Ben left this morning for a week long fishing trip with 'the boys' in New Mexico. I know he's been looking forward to it, and we'll miss him but Betsy and I will enjoy our girl time for a few days!
Baby is developing well, Friday we went for an ultrasound with a friend who works at the hospital. We saw the baby's face, hands, feet, spine, brain and heart and everything looks wonderful. No gender determination yet, as the baby was modest and kept it's feet in front of it's private parts. Two weeks from today we'll go for our official 'big ultrasound reveal' when we will hopefully find out if Betsy is getting a little sister or little brother. Ben and I are happy either way, though I'm excited to find out so I can start planning! I haven't done a single thing to get ready for this kiddo which is completely against my nature!
So that's about it! We're just enjoying our time together as a family, I'm trying to rest as much as I can, and Betsy is determined to be a miniature person.
Betsy is teething again and has had some rough nights. We've figured out her Tylenol dosing, and it's helped her sleep better. We let her sleep in the bed with me though and I get lots of snuggles at night, she craves the physical contact.
She learns new things every day, we're recognizing more of what she says. She goes through spurts in the day when she just chatters non-stop. Last night she discovered Sesame Street, and she held her Elmo (Eh-moh!) doll while laying in her snoogle and watching a SS video. It was VERY sweet. She does everything we do. She folds clothes, she knows how to screw the cap on and off a water bottle, she likes to sit on her potty chair to read books. Speaking of, Betsy likes to pick up books in her bedroom and carry them around saying "WEED IT! WEED BOOK!" She's so grown up!
Ben left this morning for a week long fishing trip with 'the boys' in New Mexico. I know he's been looking forward to it, and we'll miss him but Betsy and I will enjoy our girl time for a few days!
Baby is developing well, Friday we went for an ultrasound with a friend who works at the hospital. We saw the baby's face, hands, feet, spine, brain and heart and everything looks wonderful. No gender determination yet, as the baby was modest and kept it's feet in front of it's private parts. Two weeks from today we'll go for our official 'big ultrasound reveal' when we will hopefully find out if Betsy is getting a little sister or little brother. Ben and I are happy either way, though I'm excited to find out so I can start planning! I haven't done a single thing to get ready for this kiddo which is completely against my nature!
So that's about it! We're just enjoying our time together as a family, I'm trying to rest as much as I can, and Betsy is determined to be a miniature person.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Summer Vacation
Although my hours don't change during the summer I still feel a nice reprieve from the daily grind at this time of year! Work slows down and having Ben home is the second best thing to being home myself!
After I go to sleep Benny makes my lunch and snacks and packs my bottled water for the next day. He takes Betsy swimming, or on a day like today, has a friend over to hang out (with a sweet little girl for Betsy to play with!). He also has dinner ready when I get home, and does a couple of chores and runs our errands while I'm working.
It makes me happy to hear how happy Ben is when I talk to him on my lunch break days like today. It makes me glad to hear that he took Betsy for breakfast at CFA, they went swimming, are playing with friends and he sounds so relaxed. Ben works so hard during the school year I can't begrudge him the time off, even if I have to work. He deserves it!
After I go to sleep Benny makes my lunch and snacks and packs my bottled water for the next day. He takes Betsy swimming, or on a day like today, has a friend over to hang out (with a sweet little girl for Betsy to play with!). He also has dinner ready when I get home, and does a couple of chores and runs our errands while I'm working.
It makes me happy to hear how happy Ben is when I talk to him on my lunch break days like today. It makes me glad to hear that he took Betsy for breakfast at CFA, they went swimming, are playing with friends and he sounds so relaxed. Ben works so hard during the school year I can't begrudge him the time off, even if I have to work. He deserves it!
Home Birth?
*Brace yourself, this post is going to have a negative tone*
Due to an email from my Human Resources department yesterday, I'm now considering having a home birth. My health insurance changed from a copay per day while in the hospital, to a copay per day while in the hospital plus %20 percent of hospital and doctor's costs.
Therefor where the costs associated with delivering Betsy at our fabulous hospital was $200, this time it's going to be $300 plus up to $2,000 in hospital fees. The GOOD news is the coinsurance limit is $2,000 so even if I have to go BACK to the hospital for some reason, once we reach that limit we're done paying. The BAD news is that the coinsurance runs per calendar year. I will likely deliver in December, reach the deductible, and start a new calendar year a month later.
FYI, I'm not REALLY thinking about a home birth, that was a joke. I loved the hospital staff, modern technology and epidural way too much to even try it!
However I am disappointed in these changes. The perks for working in education are diminishing as a type. I know I'm blessed to have a job that makes health insurance available to me (though I do pay a portion for my insurance) it's just starting to feel like with the push for 'health care for all' or socialized health care, those people who DO have a job and who DO pay for insurance are getting the shaft, and the backlash is that our benefits are diminishing.
I'll also qualify this blog post by saying I know we can save and afford this, but when I met with the financial counselor at the hospital before having my first appointment (a required part of the maternity care process through our health care provider) I was told the out of pocket cost would be $200 per day for baby and I, period. It's a shock to hear differently now.
On a HAPPY note, I dreamed last night that we're having a girl, and the baby is a Cabbage Patch Kid. I'm not sure how reliable that intuition of mine is, I would say my first baby more closely resembles a Precious Moment's Baby than a Cabbage Patch Kid.
*vent over*
Have a Happy Wednesday yall!
Due to an email from my Human Resources department yesterday, I'm now considering having a home birth. My health insurance changed from a copay per day while in the hospital, to a copay per day while in the hospital plus %20 percent of hospital and doctor's costs.
Therefor where the costs associated with delivering Betsy at our fabulous hospital was $200, this time it's going to be $300 plus up to $2,000 in hospital fees. The GOOD news is the coinsurance limit is $2,000 so even if I have to go BACK to the hospital for some reason, once we reach that limit we're done paying. The BAD news is that the coinsurance runs per calendar year. I will likely deliver in December, reach the deductible, and start a new calendar year a month later.
FYI, I'm not REALLY thinking about a home birth, that was a joke. I loved the hospital staff, modern technology and epidural way too much to even try it!
However I am disappointed in these changes. The perks for working in education are diminishing as a type. I know I'm blessed to have a job that makes health insurance available to me (though I do pay a portion for my insurance) it's just starting to feel like with the push for 'health care for all' or socialized health care, those people who DO have a job and who DO pay for insurance are getting the shaft, and the backlash is that our benefits are diminishing.
I'll also qualify this blog post by saying I know we can save and afford this, but when I met with the financial counselor at the hospital before having my first appointment (a required part of the maternity care process through our health care provider) I was told the out of pocket cost would be $200 per day for baby and I, period. It's a shock to hear differently now.
On a HAPPY note, I dreamed last night that we're having a girl, and the baby is a Cabbage Patch Kid. I'm not sure how reliable that intuition of mine is, I would say my first baby more closely resembles a Precious Moment's Baby than a Cabbage Patch Kid.
*vent over*
Have a Happy Wednesday yall!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Fun in Florida
Betsy really enjoyed our trip to Florida. She was spoiled like crazy by Gee Gee and Hippie. See the photographic evidence.
Lobster feast
The first night we were in Florida my parents hosted a Lobster dinner at their house, for my Nana and Floyd's dinner club. They cooked about fifty lobsters though not all fifty were consumed that night. Some people like my parents, ordered extra for later in the week. My mom made lobster rolls, lobster fritters, lobster sauce on toast... not to mention beef tenderloin... needless to say we ate very well the whole week.
Fishing with Hippie
Ben's favorite part of vacation was the several times he and my dad took off and went fishing. They were very successful, and caught ten or twelve fish between the two of them.
First thing you need to know is that we've re-Christened my dad from Grandbuddy to Hippie. I've been calling him the hippie for a while, as he does stuff like jog on the beach, kayak down the canal and bike through the neighborhood, but we've decided Hippie is a cute nickname for Betsy and Baby B #2 to call him too.
We discovered is that Bets is in no way scared of the fish, nor does she think of them as 'yucky'. She wanted to dive right into the cooler and pick up the fishies and would have given them kisses had we let her (we didn't).
Anyways, enjoy the pictures of the sweet girl, her daddy, hippie and their fishies.
First thing you need to know is that we've re-Christened my dad from Grandbuddy to Hippie. I've been calling him the hippie for a while, as he does stuff like jog on the beach, kayak down the canal and bike through the neighborhood, but we've decided Hippie is a cute nickname for Betsy and Baby B #2 to call him too.
We discovered is that Bets is in no way scared of the fish, nor does she think of them as 'yucky'. She wanted to dive right into the cooler and pick up the fishies and would have given them kisses had we let her (we didn't).
Anyways, enjoy the pictures of the sweet girl, her daddy, hippie and their fishies.
Fun with Addy and Jake
On our way back to Texas from visiting my family in Florida we met Ben's cousin Andy and his wife Lisa at Cracker Barrel for dinner. It was a great break to get out of the car after 10 hours and I'm amazed at how grown up Addy and Jake are. Lisa and I are both picture-happy people so we got the kiddos together in some baby sized rocking chairs for pictures. These are the best ones!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Daddy/Daughter pictures
Betsy is a Daddy's girl. We see this quite often. She also loves to bring a book to Ben and read it TO him. As Ben loves being read to this is fun for him. It'll be even more fun when we understand what she's reading.
One of their favorite activities is riding the pony around the house. Ben makes excellent 'hoh-see' noises and Betsy has picked up the whinny of a horse as well.
While snuggling Betsy to sleep is mostly my job, on occasion I share the responsibility with Ben.
P.S. Forgive Ben's lack of shirt. It's Texas. And 90+ degrees!
One of their favorite activities is riding the pony around the house. Ben makes excellent 'hoh-see' noises and Betsy has picked up the whinny of a horse as well.
While snuggling Betsy to sleep is mostly my job, on occasion I share the responsibility with Ben.
P.S. Forgive Ben's lack of shirt. It's Texas. And 90+ degrees!
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