16 Week Appointment

Today was my 4 month check-up, and all seems to be going well with the little peanut. My weight was back to where it started since I lost 5 pounds from the initial-yes-you-are-indeed-pregnant appointment to my 12 week appointment. Did I mention how horrible my nausea was? Anyways, the doctors were glad to see that I was back on track with my weight. Even though I haven't really gained significant weight yet, it still freaks me out to see that scale tip 5 lbs. in four and a half weeks. Yikes! My blood pressure was fine as was the baby's heartbeat (143, I think).

I go back at the end of July for my 5 month check-up and ultrasound. I'm so looking forward to seeing if we have a little boy or girl. I have my "gut" feeling regarding the gender of this baby, so I'll share if I was right or not in that pregnancy update.

Now that my nausea seems to have subsided for the most part, I'm feeling good. It's definitely a different kind of being pregnant the second time around since I have an almost two year old running around, and the hubby is traveling a good bit. I'm not sure the grocery store I use will be able to keep enough produce on hand for me ~ I buy lemons and limes by the the ginormous bagful to "spice up" my water. Nothing other than ice cold water with a lemon or lime squeeze tastes good to me although I have yet to give up my morning java. I'm so addicted to caffeine, but I have limited my cup size and the number of cups I drink. :) I crave juicy, cold fruits; fresh, crisp salads; and ice cold protein shakes. I know, I'm weird. I'm not sure if it's the pregnancy or the heat or both, but meat, sugary foods, and hot meals are just not yummy.

My working out has not been affected of course. Those of you that know me well know that it would take an awful lot to affect my gym time. I'm still running a few days per week, and most days I do this crazy stair master machine that I call "the stairs to nowhere". (It's like escalator stairs with different programs to vary the intensity.) I do cardio about an hour each day & lift weights for about an hour. It feels good to get the old bones moving even on those days that I just want to sit on the sofa with a big bowl of ice cold, juicy grapes and watch morning TV.

I'm starting to show although I'm not needing maternity clothes right now. However, I made my big tankini purchase last week after our beach trip. I felt like an official mom buying a practical suit from Lands End, but I feel much more comfortable at the pool. Not to mention, the suits are super cute and much more sturdy than my cheap suits from Target! And, they were 50% off! Now that I have a little bump, Eric will probably want to get out his measuring tape to record how big my belly gets. He thought that was so fun when I was pregnant with Madeline. I loved it, let me tell you. ;)

All in all, things are going well in this pregnancy, and I can't complain. I'm healthy, the peanut seems to be doing well, and I'm looking forward to meeting our newest babe in December.

Rearrangement

I mentioned in Madeline's most recent month day post that she's been fighting her naps and bedtime with fierce temper tantrums. I might also mention here that she's not fighting the crib, but she's fighting the actual sleeping part. What started out as a few temper tantrums over sleep here and there, escalating to a couple of games of "Operation Rescue Bunny Lovey", and finally has turned into a full on battle of wills. Well, we all know when something becomes a battleground with a toddler, something has to change.

So after a hellacious evening of going to bed earlier this week & many rules and routines broken, this Mama turned Handywoman first thing the next morning (like before I took Madeline down for her breakfast first thing in the morning). I somehow managed to find the proper tools among Eric's toolbox, and I took the bottom part out of Madeline's crib in order to put her mattress on the floor within the crib. Can we say NO MORE games of "Operation Rescue Bunny Lovey" even if the lovey gets thrown onto the floor? Can we say no more worrying about Madeline flailing herself out of the crib in anger and breaking a bone or worse?


Then, I had to pull out my big gun --- "What would John Rosemond do?" --- I love his thoughts and many of his strategies although many may disagree with his methods. He is definitely a tough love guy, but the love part is why I like him. His ideas center around the child and what is best for the child. Well, he would not engage in the unwanted behaviors (as I was doing out of fear Madeline would get hurt), re-establish the previous routine that was working so beautifully, & force the temper tantrums to stop by being consistent, patient, and strong. So, we've done just that ---bathtime, read our MANY stories, snuggle, and give our hugs & kisses. Into the bed Madeline goes, lights out, & bedtime is bedtime. Mama walks out. See you in the morning (or post nap), and if the lovey gets thrown out, you will do without and hopefully learn that Mama is no longer playing.

So far so good. Mama's sanity is coming back, and even though sometimes the tantrums make me feel guilty, I am doing this for Madeline's sake. This is best for her in the long run. Her attempts to flail out of the bed have failed, Mama feels secure that her sweet baby is safe even when she's raging mad, & only one episode of bunny outside the bed so far. I haven't claimed a victory yet, but I'm close.

***And, I might add a special thank you to my friends out there in blog-land for writing their own most recent posts on patience and those who've offered words of encouragement (and sympathy) to me.***

Nope, It's Not a Cast...

It's a bottle huggie.

Madeline donned this bottle huggie as a fashion statement today. Seriously. I didn't suggest it when she flipped out looking for her bracelets which she never could locate. I guess she figured out how to solve her jewelry dilemma on her own. This is what happens when you misplace your jewelry & Daddy's out of town, you resort to borrowing his huggie. Hilarious.

*****************

A Madeline verbal "moment" --- Madeline was drinking out of one of those little Deer Park water bottles, and it tipped over. Of course, the water was spilling out rather quickly into her lap. Immediately, Madeline shouts out in the most concerned voice, "MERCY ME!" Where she heard that is beyond me, but it was too funny.

Twenty Two Months

Another month closer to officially being TWO YEARS OLD (and I'm already planning the big soire)! This month has been a doozy, I must say. We have had lots of fun going to the pool, playing outside, making friends with neighbor kids, having LOTS of Mama and Madeline time since Daddy's been on the road a lot, & eating cold treats on the new screened porch. I think Madeline would live on the screened porch if we let her. She requests to "open door" (meaning our kitchen doors that lead out to the porch) all the time. Our sweet Madeline is still just that --- sweet, funny, full of personality, talkative, and easy going. She continues to love her books although she's officially moved on from her board books. Now, she "reads" those to us, and we read more lengthy books to her. Madeline's current favorite authors are Mo Willems and Eric Carle as she chooses those books to read all the time. Her Fancy Nancy books are also favorites. Madeline REALLY loves to color, and now she's into having me write her name. She then "writes" her name too. It seems as though over the last month she's picked up on the concept of the ABC's and counting. Although she doesn't say the ABC's nor count properly, I do hear her "counting", "reciting" the letters of her name, and the singing ABC's while she's playing. Madeline talks non-stop, and she's discovered the phrase, "Watch ME!" or "Watch this!" All day long I hear, "Mommy, watch this (me)!!" and she does something random. It's funny because she's so proud of herself. Some of the older girls at the gym nursery taught Madeline "Ring Around the Rosie", and she loves singing that song. Her favorite part, of course, is the falling down part. It's hilarious.

Unfortunately, I would not be telling the whole truth this month if I didn't include the unfortunate behaviors that come along with this age. WOW! Madeline's stubbornness and irrationality has really reared its ugly head this month. Temper tantrums occur over anything at any given moment, and many times it's over something really silly (in my mind) like her purse not staying on her shoulder or her stroller getting stuck in some tiny place that she's maneuvered it into. I fully expect the tantrums over things I make her do or don't allow her to do (naptime, leaving her friends at the gym, fasten her carseat buckles, eat chocolate for dinner, etc.), but these tantrums over toys not cooperating seem a little over the top. I've had to have several "Mama Time-Outs" on the front porch in order to keep my wits. (Of course, Madeline is in the house safe from anything dangerous screaming at the top of her lungs & flailing around.) I have found she gets really mad when I stand on the front porch (because I'm ignoring her), but the tantrum will end more quickly & Mama gets a much needed time out. I suppose she realizes she's getting nowhere with me, so she simmers down. It's a learning process for all of us, and I know it's just a stage she's in right now, but WOW, this is one stage I am ready to leave! We've unfortunately had a few of these incidents in public places, and I've had to be that Mom carrying her screaming child across the parking lot like a sack of chips & then wrestle the angry child into the carseat. She's been really fighting naptime and bedtime too....throwing major screaming fits for 10-15 minutes sometimes longer. I haven't quite figured out what her deal is except that she's just not wanting to hit the sack. It's awful because if I go into the room to console her it just starts all over again, so I've had to just let her work it out. The girl has some serious lungs and stamina is all I have to say. I hope this is short lived and part of this temper tantrum phase. It's been interesting to see this really nasty side of Madeline come out since she's normally so sweet and fun loving.

And, my favorite recent development is that Madeline seems to have turned into a "girly girl" over the last month. Rarely do we leave the house without some adornment of bracelets, purses, hairbows, interesting shoe choices, and a dress. I actually tried to put her into a practical outfit one day (shorts and a cute top), and she refused. She screamed, "NO!! A dress!!" Madeline loves to use the hair dryer, put on lotion, and put on make up. I've finally had to create a little make up bag for Madeline filled with puffs (cotton balls), a powder brush, an eyeshadow brush, and some old makeup that is used up, so she can do her make up while I am doing mine. It's pretty hysterical to see her dotting her face with her puff and dipping it into the empty make up jar I've given her. I'm happy about her girly girlness since I'm pretty girly myself. It's just cute to see her all decked out in her purses, bracelets, and hairbows.

She's a dear little girl with a big smile, lots of hugs, and a ginormous personality. We love her dearly.

Mini Beach Getaway

Over the weekend, we took a little family beach mini vacation to Myrtle Beach's Kingston Plantation to celebrate our sixth anniversary and Father's Day, and we all needed a little getaway to relax and be together. Eric has been working so hard and traveling so much, so we decided to take a little break from the day-to-day routine to just spend time as a family. Not to mention, he had a free weekend at the hotel there, so it was FREE! It's amazing what a little sun, sand, sleep, and family time will do for the soul.

We hit the road early Friday morning and had an enjoyable car ride. Madeline is becoming a pretty good traveler --- snacks, a pit stop, a little silliness, and Blues Clues help, of course.
We arrived just in time to enjoy some pool time before lunch. Madeline was testing out her water wings, or bracelets as she calls them, for the first time. She was very unsure of her new bracelets at first but quickly realized that these allowed her to move around in the "big pool" very well. She desires lots of freedom these days, so these helped tremendously. A random lady stopped to ask me if we were from South Carolina, and when I answered "yes", she explained that she thought so since only little girls from SC wear bows in their hair at the swimming pool. I laughed because it's probably true. (And, yes, in these photos, I put my 16 week pregnant body into a bikini...tankini shopping is on the "To Do" list for sure! I'm too small for maternity wear, so unfortunately, I look a little pudgy in my regular clothes.)

We enjoyed some lunch by the poolside, and we opted to skip nap since we were having so much fun at the pool. Eric was picking on me for "letting loose" since I was letting Madeline be off of her schedule. Even the strictest Mama can let loose every now and again. :) We dried off a bit and decided to get Madeline out of the sun, so we did a little shopping at the outlets. We were on a mission for a few specific items, so it wasn't going to be a full blown "Anne shopping trip" which means it was bearable for Daddy and Madeline.

Madeline had a first on this shopping trip --- she ate a crayon, green, to be exact. It didn't rattle my feathers too much because crayons are non-toxic these days, and she immediately told on herself. From the stroller we hear, "She (meaning I) ate crayon!" Eric peeked over the edge of the stroller, and yep, Madeline had green crayon stuck in her teeth. It was pretty funny although Daddy stepped in and had quite the "don't eat crayons or anything else that's not food" talk with her right there in the middle of the Coach shop. For the rest of the night, we heard Madeline's version about "Madeline eating a crayon and how that's bad."

Eric and I had a sleepy rascal on our hands, so she was O-U-T early. We had the evening to ourselves. We arranged to have one of the two room suites since we knew Madeline could sleep in one room while we ordered dinner and hung out in the other room. It was a quiet night but nice to just relax. I think we were both out cold by 10 PM on Friday night. My how things change...back in the early Anne and Eric days we would be out whooping it up till goodness knows what time in the wee hours of the morning. Change is good. :)

Madeline was up bright and early on Saturday morning, so we hit the beach after breakfast. I might mention that Madeline enjoyed the breakfast buffet with her Daddy while I was upstairs getting stuff together for the beach day. You just never know what Daddy will decide to feed the little one --- she enjoyed biscuits and gravy along with some French toast topped off with syrup. For dessert, Daddy offered Fruit Loops! Apparently, the meal was a huge hit! I was able to have a "Skinny Mocha" from Starbucks, so Daddy also treated me at breakfast.

We had a glorious time on the beach --- jumping waves, playing in the sand, walking around chasing the birds, flinging the sand with the shovel, and just general beach fun.

After some lunch, Madeline made it VERY clear that she needed a nap, so we headed back to the hotel for some rest. Post naptime, we enjoyed some stories, the pool, an Icee, and someone's beach wedding.
Since it was our anniversary, we ordered in some delicious food and amazing dessert to have our little candlelight celebratory dinner in our room. Again, it was nice to just relax, chat, and eat food that I didn't have to prepare for us. We laughed because we never would've thought we'd spend an anniversary so low key and actually enjoy it. We decided that it doesn't really matter what you do as long as you have each other and a good time.

On Sunday, Madeline and I wished Eric a very happy Father's Day with some new luggage for all of this traveling he's been doing for work. Eric was very pleased with his new luggage. Before we left on Sunday, we had some pool time and lunch. It was a wonderful morning since we had the pool basically to ourselves, and Madeline really was comfortable with the entire pool experience at this point. She had a ball. It's so hard to capture the pure joy on her face when she's playing at the pool and on the beach, but trust me, this child has no fear and no qualms about water. We packed up the car after lunch and hit the road. I think it took Madeline less than five minutes to fall asleep once we were dry and in the car. That is amazing.

All in all, we had a fantastic little vacation, and it seems as though we all have a kick in our step today from a refreshing weekend away.

Happy Father's Day!

Eric is a super special daddy!

Happy Anniversary!
Today it's been six wonderful years with my sweet Eric, and we couldn't be happier. I love how we've been married long enough now that things just seem to "work"...sure marriage is hard work, but what we have is special. We've made it through the tough times, and we are probably a better couple as a result. Luckily, our "for better" times have far exceeded the "for worse" moments. We have been blessed more than we could have ever imagined, and I look forward to our future together.

'Whoops' Update:

Madeline promptly woke up one hour after this horrible nap experience in a seemingly great mood ready to read books, color, and love on her Mama. Apparently, she holds no grudges over my unwillingness to play "Operation Rescue Bunny Lovey". She also appears to be unharmed from her fall.

However, as I picked her up out of the crib, she informed me, "Mama! I fall!" as she was pointing to the floor where she landed. Yes, sweetie, you sure did. Let's try not to make this a daily thing.

Whoops!!!

It's never good when I title a blog "whoops"! So here goes....Madeline's nap time today has been trying to say the least. It's my fault. My guess is that I let her get overtired, and she was refusing to go down for a nap today. When I say refusing, please translate this to mean Madeline full blown screaming at the top of her lungs, jumping up and down on her mattress, yelling "Mommy!", and flailing herself into the crib rails. Serious temper tantrum.

I followed our normal routine, put her in the bed, and left the room. I figured she'd use her last bit of energy in this tantrum, and her little body would just fall asleep. Not the case today. After 10 minutes, I went to peek into her room, and I saw the bunny lovey on the floor. I think to myself, "OK, here's the problem. Surely after I give her the bunny back, she'll lay down, and go to sleep." Wishful thinking! The whole process started all over again. I let her work it out, and peek back in about 15 minutes. Bunny on the floor AGAIN. Okay, this Mommy started to feel her blood pressure rising. Return the bunny to screaming child vowing to myself that I'm not going back. If she loses it again, too bad. This is ridiculous, and I'm not playing the bunny on the floor game nor am I starting bunny lovey rescue at nap time. More screaming, "Mommy!" Seriously, child, this has got to stop. I give her a few more minutes and peek back into the room. Bunny on the floor for the THIRD TIME! I stick to my guns. I'm not giving her bunny back. Tough lesson to learn, but this is not fun for anyone. Surely, she's going to conk out...she's been at this for 45 minutes now. I remain hidden while peeking into her room, and I noticed her leaning waaayy over the railing at the waist. Okay, now she's trying to reach for the bunny on the floor. Not good. I think to myself, "I'm not going in to get the bunny, but now I'm getting ready to witness my child plunge herself out of the crib. Awesome." She backs down off the railing. Phew. Surely, she's out of steam. I turn to walk out, and THUNK! I race in to find Madeline on the floor, screaming, holding the bunny, and fire mad. Great.

Just go ahead and give me my Mom of the Year plaque. Now, I'm worried about her (I tend to be a little bit of a hypochondriac with all my medical "What ifs"), beating myself up for being so stubborn and not getting her bunny for the third time, checking in on her every 5 or so minutes, and blogging about it to vent. Madeline conked right out after I picked her up to check her out for broken anything and console this angry, overtired child who now seems to be peacefully sleeping with her bunny. Yikes. Thank goodness Daddy's not out of town tonight.

Happy 34th Birthday to My Honey!

Today is Eric's birthday, and in honor of this day, I'd like to mention '34 random Eric tidbits':


1. Eric never drank coffee in the morning until he and I met. He always started his day with a Mountain Dew and a Pop Tart.

2. Eric owns and proudly wears silly screen print t-shirts such as "Welcome to the Gun Show" or "This is my Party Shirt". These are just two examples of the many, many he owns!

3. Eric was born to be a salesman! He can sell anything to anyone, and he often uses his "tactics" on me when trying to convince me that he's right.

4. It's impossible to be mad at Eric...he's just so darn lovable. Even when I'm fired up about something, he makes me laugh.

5. I'm pretty sure Eric has never burned a bridge in his life, and it's evident when he's out and about.

6. Eric really does live by the Golden rule, and it's amazing how things always seem to work out in his favor at some point down the road.

7. Eric is one of the most incredible Daddies I know.

8. Eric is always willing to change and grow in order to be a better person, husband, Daddy, and friend.

9. Eric's disorganization makes me crazy, but it seems to work for him.

10. Among our close group of friends, Eric is known as "Goldmember" or "Erock". ha ha!!

11. Most of Eric's jokes are terrible, but we still laugh at him for cracking such terrible jokes. Every now and again, he gets one right.

12. Eric introduced me to one of our closest friends, Brian & Jennifer St. John. Our friendship is like no other.

13. My family adores Eric for many reasons, but the women especially love him because they never have to worry if Eric will like what they cook. To quote my sister-in-law, "I never worry about Eric when it comes to trying a new dish or recipe. He eats anything!"

14. Eric is so tight with his money when it comes to spending it on himself, but he will gladly spend on others even if his running shoes are 7 years old!

15. Eric lived with a fraternity brother, Jason, in Charlotte when we first met, and if it weren't for Jason, Eric probably would've worn some heinous plaid shirt & acid washed jeans on our first date. Jason literally sent Eric back to his room to change before allowing him to leave to come pick me up. Between Jason and I, we were able to re-do Eric's wardrobe. (refer to #2)

16. Eric rarely misses a meal or a snack for that matter. Eating is high on his list of things to do each day.

17. Eric supports any and all endeavors, dreams, and goals that I set for myself, us, and our family.

18. Eric is a sucker for chocolate, yummy beers, & my homemade mac-n-cheese.

19. Eric loves my best friend, Steph, as much as he loves me.

20. Eric is one of the most unselfish people I know.

21. Eric loves his alma mater, NC State Wolfpack, but his blood pretty much runs orange for my Tigers especially since in-state tuition is much easier on the bank account.

22. Eric makes others laugh all the time --- he's just goofy.

23. Eric has an infinity amount of patience.

24. Eric is possibly the worst driver EVER! I think he thinks he is Dale Earnhardt. Whenever I ride with him, I see my life flash before my eyes at least 3 times, & I use the imaginary brake in my floorboard the entire ride!

25. Eric loves football, and the more people we have over watching it with us, the better.

26. Eric does not like to read. He'll listen to anything on talk radio or a book on CD.

27. Eric loves "gadgets"...technology, tools, hunting equipment, camping stuff, grilling equipment...In fact, he has been dubbed "the gadget guy" by my brother.

28. Eric is quite outdoorsy & sporty --- hiking, camping, mountain climbing, golfing, hunting, etc. --- how he ended up with a girly girl like me still makes me wonder.

29. Eric requires a lot of sunscreen in the summertime!

30. Eric can't wait until we turn 40 because I will be 40 for 6 months before he turns the big 40. He thinks that's hilarious for some reason!

31. Eric and his buddies summited Mt. Rainer in Seattle, Washington a few years back.

32. Eric can plan a trip, weekend getaway, vacation like no other! He's the best researcher when it comes to bed and breakfasts, hotels, things to do, etc. Not to mention, he knows all the "tricks" when it comes to traveling.

33. Eric indulges me and runs with me (or attends my marathons and half marathons) even though he really hates to run.

34. Eric is my best friend and the love of my life. I thank God everyday that he spotted me at the gym and had the courage to ask me out on a date.

My Two Loves