Monday, August 29, 2011

Confession Number 100: Big Changes are Underway

Wow!  Confession Number 100!!!  I can't believe it, really.  You've been with me through building our home, a complicated pregnancy, the trials of raising a three year old, being snowed in, the sleepless days and nights that come with an infant.  You've even stuck with me through the conversations on poop.  I guess it is very fitting that on this, my 100th confession, I am able to announce some big changes in our life!

This blog started as an outlet for me to connect with family and friends that we left behind when we moved to Grand Lake, but it was also a creative way for me to use my brain....something I craved once I started staying home full time with, then, our only child.  A lot has happened since the first few days of this site.  We survived 9 months in an 800 square foot apartment, we added Baby Brother and now there is one more big transition coming for us.  I am returning to work! 

It is only a part time gig, but it is just about exactly what I dreamed of.  Dustin and I have known since those first few months of me being at home that my professional life was something that was important to me and even though I have absolutely loved my time at home with Kennedy and Cole, there was still a hole that could only be filled with working to improve the lives of other children through education.  Quite a few months ago I started praying that God would help resolve this tug of war inside me between spending time with my own children and returning to work.  With the encouragement of Dustin and some close friends I emailed the Superintendent here in Grove, Mrs. Harper, to volunteer my services in the field of testing analysis and school improvement.  I told her I wasn't looking for a job, but that God was laying it heavy on my heart that I was to reach out to our local school system with the talents He had given me. 

Within 30 minutes I had a reply.  Long story short, in a couple of weeks I will begin working three days a week as the counselor at the Early Childhood Center and as a testing data analyst.  Yes, you read correctly, the ECC.  I will be working with 4, 5 and 6 year olds.  Start praying now!  :)  This is a huge change from the 17 year olds I'm used to working with, but the way this all fell in place, I just KNOW this is His plan for me, for our family, right now. 

So, yeah.  There are some big changes for us right now.  Getting out the door by 7:30 in the mornings, Cole going to Ms. Terry's a few days a week, Kennedy having longer days at school to accommodate our new schedule.  I keep reminding myself that millions of families do this everyday and we used to do it perfectly, too.  Finding that balance in life during this transition period I know won't be easy, but by Thanksgiving we'll have it down pat!

I'm so excited about this opportunity professionally.  I'm excited to get in there, get my hands dirty and help make Grove Public Schools the best in the state!  I know we have the leadership and vision to do it and I'm pumped to be on the inside working hand in hand with our administrators to get us there.  I'm even excited to work with the little ones some.  Scared, but excited.  Who knew the thought of 25 five year olds in one room would send me into cold chills like the thought of going through another 3 hour glucose test?!  It is a good scared, though.  I know that I'm there to make their lives better and to help those little guys who can't quite help themselves, yet.  I've changed a lot staying at home with Kennedy and Cole and that is what gives me the ability to do this job well. 

So, pray for me.  Pray for our family.  Pray for the kids that I will be working with and that I can be an element of change and success that our schools need. 

And pray about a new name for the blog.  Seriously, this one just doesn't work anymore.  :)

Friday, August 12, 2011

Confession Number 99: I Have Goals

I've always been a goal setter. Since I was a teen I had a clear idea of where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do once I got there. It has always worked for me to have something to work toward, to strive for.

This weekend is really no different. Dustin is headed south for the weekend to spend some time with his folks. He could use a break and I think he and his dad have plans to do all things golf. So, while Daddy is away the kids and I are going to enjoy a great weekend. Here are some of the things I hope to get accomplished the next few days....

1. Make it to the pool. Three days in a row.
2. Eat foods Dustin doesn't like. Meatloaf and Chicken Spaghetti are already on the menu.
3. KJ and I are having a Mommy Date Night. Early bedtime for Cole, Rio via pay per view, and popcorn with M&Ms. Can't think of anything better!
4. Planning the finishing touches for her big upcoming birthday. I see yards of tulle and mermaid skirts in my future.
5. Invest a little in myself by reading my first book on my iPad. I bought "The Help" this morning. Hoping to have it read by Monday evening so I can go see the movie with the girlfriends. We'll see how I like this whole flipping virtual pages thing.

So, this is what I'm up to this weekend. What are your plans?

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Confession Number 98: I'm Not Sure What to Do

Summer vacation has officially come to an end in the Matthews household.  Kennedy's first day of Pre K at the Academy is today.  She was so stinkin' excited!  It was after 11 before she finally gave it up and fell asleep. 

We are so excited for her to be able to return for one more year with Ms. Judy and Ms. Cheryl at The Academy.  It gives her some consistency, but opens the doors for tons of fun opportunities.  She is going four days a week this year while she only went two, then three days a week last year.  She will start reading and will have more "homework" which is pretty amazing.  It is incredible how much our little girl has grown up in the past year.  Here she was on the first day of preschool last August...
And here is how our big girl looked as she took off for her first day today...

What a difference a year makes!

Not only is it a big day for Kennedy, but it is a big day for momma, too.  I have found myself fumbling around the house this morning, not quite sure what to do.  Oh, I have plenty to do, I just haven't quite gotten it in gear enough to actually do much.  I've thrown in a load of laundry here and there, Cole and I have played and read and he enjoyed a bottle and a couple of cat naps, I've even made a to-do list! 

I just can't seem to get over the quiet!  Right now all I hear is the hum of the computer and the waves crashing sound from Cole's swing.  God has even sent us a slow, steady little rain.  Ahh.  So, for now I'm going to sit back and enjoy the quiet...and the rain.  I might get something accomplished today, I might not.  3 o'clock will be here before I know it and I'll be so excited to hear all about her first day of Pre-K!

I'll worry about getting things accomplished tomorrow.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Confession Number 97: I Love Our Small Town

Over the last two years, I have come to absolutely love our small town life.  Summertime is an amazing time to experience Grove and Grand Lake at it's best.  There are about a million reasons why I love it here, but here are just a few I've captured in the last week or so.

I have a hair lady who doesn't think I'm crazy when I say I need my three month old's hair cut. 
She loves my kids and they pretty much think she rocks!  I think you rock, too, Tanya!

There is a lady who delivers farm fresh eggs to the bank each week.  They are shades of tan and brown and they are beautiful inside and out!  Some are even speckled.  I'm in love.  With an egg.  Kinda sad, huh?

We have this incredible public pool!  This picture of Kennedy in her swim class doesn't even do it justice.  There are two huge slides and a shallow part with a splash structure for little kids and two incredible diving boards.  I hadn't gone until this past weekend and now KJ is taking two weeks of swimming lessons there.  I'm totally hooked!
We have some pretty amazing friends.  Dustin, KJ and I all have individual friends, then there are family friends.  Friends with kids, friends without kids.  Friends to play with, friends to talk to.  Friends, friends, friends!  They are really what makes this town great!  This is one of KJ's BFF's, Hannah.  They were playing at Rotary Park which is right next to the splash pad.  So much fun!

I could go on and on.  A brand new state of the art hospital, doctors that rival the care we received in the big city, a library that puts some metro systems to shame, beautiful lake views, a great mix of the young and old.  I can't even begin to list all of the great things about Grove here.  Seriously?  One of the best small towns in the country! 

Now if we only had a Chick Fil A......

Friday, June 17, 2011

Confession Number 96: Unintended Intentional Summer

A few weeks ago my friend Megan over at Sorta Crunchy wrote about the challenges and joys of parenting her six year old and shared some insight from Allison at Gentle Christian Mamas.  While my girl isn't six, but only three, I saw a LOT of similarities, and as I read this Survival Guide to Six I knew that there were some ideas I could use to turn my summer of Almost Four into a fun one, not a stressful one. 

I know that Kennedy loves a schedule.  Sort of.  Dustin and I are VERY easy going parents.  I'll drag my kids just about anywhere.  We made a decision while I was pregnant with KJ that our kids were going to fit into our exsisting lives as much as possible, and they have, for the most part.  My kids are well practiced at napping on the go, being pushed around town in the stroller and both are really quite flexible.  I *know*, however, that KJ really thrives when we have a plan for the day and she knows what is coming next. 

I thought more about this when Megan wrote about their summer schedule.  While I am not really a schedule person, I knew I had to have some goals for the summer, or we would both be bored and would slowly go crazy over the three month break.  So here is how we are spending each day intentionally.  Each day with some purpose.  I decided we would spend some time each day doing something that fits into these areas:

1.  Being Active- Sometimes this is swimming, sometimes it is chasing bubbles, sometimes it is walking around our neighborhood.  Whatever strikes us for the day.  Kennedy would spend all day, everyday, inside if I would let her.  I have to make it a point to have some active, outdoor time each day.  Besides, my summer tan is in need of some serious help.

2.  Creativity-  Kennedy loves being creative!  On some days this is sidewalk chalk, on others it is baking.  We are currently doing a scrapbook together of her year in preschool and she loves looking at the pictures of her friends!  It's nothing crazy good, but it is special to us.

3.  Educational- From practicing letters to reading library books, we are "practicing school" a little bit each and every day.

So, maybe this isn't a schedule.  It is a plan.  Each day at breakfast we talk about what we are going to do that day.  I have realized that if that particular day includes a nap, she is much better about doing it if she knows in advance!  She knows what is coming next and it is giving her some sort of aspect on time without being tied to a clock.  Today is:  TV time, getting ready, picking up the house, lunch, swimming at the pool, snack, reading and/or quiet time.  Then it is a night with the sitter because Mom and Dad are having a much needed night out!!  What?  No creative time?  Well, maybe she can do some drawing and stickers while I get things together for the sitter.  See?  We are nothing if we aren't flexible!

So, what are you doing on a daily basis this summer?

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Confession Number 95: I'm Going

This past Tuesday afternoon I got a phone call from Mom and Lynn.

"Charli, there is a large tornado a mile west of Piedmont." 

I ran to the computer and found the live stream from an OKC television station.  It wasn't "large", it was HUGE and it was baring down on our previous home. 
I panicked. 
I yelled prayers to God.
I cried.
I called Dustin at work. 
I hit refresh on the radar.
I cried some more.
When I thought it was clear I started making calls.  No answers.
I panicked again, but I knew communications must be compromised.
Finally I got through and started making the way down my list.
Scott and Shelli?  Safe, no damage.
Matt and Nicci?  Saw it face to face, but safe with no damage.
Marcie?  Safe, no damage.
I also got from those I talked to who else was okay. 
The Glasgows?  Fine.
Dustin was working his phone, too.
The Samarripases?  Fine.
The Wyatts?  Fine.
Then finally he got a text from the ones we couldn't get in touch with.
The Caldwells.  "We are safe, but lost EVERYTHING."
The Johnsons, same story,
Their homes are completely gone with only a few bags of things that may or may not be salvagable. 
I'm headed home to Piedmont this weekend to help.  If you are in the Grove area and would like to help fill my truck, here are some things I'm looking to take:

Boys clothes size 3T
Boys shirts size XL
Boys pants size 8 slim
Boys toys for 3 year old and 7 year old
Girls clothes sizes 4 and 8
New towels and washcloths
New kitchen items
Bottled water
Snacks
Work gloves
Trash bags
Ice chest
Gift cards

There has been tragedy all around us this spring.  What a great time for us to come together and lift each other. 

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Confession Number 94: She's Passionate

To say that Kennedy is a passionate soul may be putting it lightly.  She loves what she loves with her whole heart and when she doesn't love something, well, she does that with her whole heart, too.  We have really been struggling with keeping our passion in check at our house.  I know part of it is the hardship of being almost four, but holy smokes, this child tests our patience sometimes! 

We set distinct boundaries.  "Kennedy, you can play on the computer for 10 minutes" as I set the timer on my phone.  That seems to work a few times then, out of the blue, nuclear meltdown occurs.  Screaming, crying, clawing, hitting, it is all fair game when one of these fits begin in Kennedy's mind. 

Taking a page from my friend Angie's parenting book, I decided to take pictures of said fit throwing, making it fun and threatening to send to Mimi and Weezie.  Well, okay, maybe posting on the world wide web will be enough embarassment.



It didn't work.  So, here I am, asking for help once again.  How do I help teach my daughter to keep her highly passionate emotions at a reasonable level?

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Confession Number 93: He's A Pretty Lucky Fella

I love Mother's Day.  It's just one of those 'warm your heart make you feel good' kinda days.  I love snuggling up with my kids and not really doing anything in particular but celebrating our little family.  Of course the pampering that comes with the day isn't too bad, either.  One of the sweetest gifts this year was when Dustin decided he would get up with Cole during the night.  He normally does a good job helping out anyway, but, ahhh, sleep.  So good!!

I cherish those little handmade projects from Kennedy, and now that she can write, I love that she can sign her own name (and Cole's) to her card.  Dustin is a great gift giver.  Always has been.  He's passing his skills on to his daughter, and even though I can't wait for the time that she gets to go pick out her own gift for Mommy, I absolutely love seeing what Dustin comes up with next.  A new truck, an iPad, diamond earrings, a special KJ and mommy video and gift certificates to my favorite shoe store are all highlights of gifts past.   My heart goes out to those of you whose husbands don't possess the same "skillz".  The very small materialistic side of me loves this about my husband....along with about a bazillion other things.  :-) 

This year they really went over the top.  I got three cards.  The first was from Kennedy.  It was a princess card with crown stickers for us both to wear, signed in her perfect little almost four year old handwriting.  Tucked inside were two tickets to Game 5, Thunder vs. Grizzlies in OKC for Wednesday night.  Eeekkk!  Sooo excited!  Next was Cole's card, claiming I was an amazing mommy (duh!) and inviting me to dinner at my fav OKC restaurant, Cattleman's.  This boy sure knows the way to his mommy's heart!  Finally I opened a card from my fellow zoo keeper, Dustin.  Out fell a night's stay at the Embassy Suites in Norman after the game. 

I was literally ecstatic with my gift!  I made the comment that this was the 'best Mother's Day ever'!  Later in the day Dustin smiled and said, "What a lucky guy I am to have a wife that thinks NBA playoff tickets make the best Mother's Day ever." 
Yep. 
Your one lucky fella. 
Better not forget it. 

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Confession Number 92: I Need A New Purse

Last weekend Dustin and I ventured out on a shopping trip with both kiddos in tow for the first time.  Now I've hit Wal-Mart and the grocery store with both Kennedy and Cole in hand, but this wasn't a short trip into town.  We packed up Momma's new Kitty Caddy (our recent vehicle purchase was an Escalade) and headed to Tulsa with a 'not as happy a baby as his sister was' one month old and an 'I have found my voice and love to use it loudly' three year old.  It took guts, but over two months of being confined to Grove, America had us desperate for things of grander.  You know, like clothing stores that don't also sell fishing bait and fancy chain restaurants with drink menus. 

The day was going well and we decided to make a stop by Utica Square so I could shop at Gap.  On the way there KJ had fallen asleep and Cole was wide awake, so we decided to carry Cole and put Sleeping Kennedy in the stroller so Dustin wasn't confined to the car while I shopped.  It was a great idea and I got some great bargains for both KJ and myself.  As I bent down to get my purse from the bottom of the stroller I noticed it was wet.  My purse was soaked and upon further investigation I found the cargo compartment of the stroller to have tons of water.  I figured something in my purse had leaked.  I quickly paid for our purchase, found Dustin and we decided to head back to the car to find the culprit. 

Hmmm.  Interesting.  There wasn't a water bottle in my purse.  Or anything liquid really.  While Dustin was trying to save things from my purse I started putting kids back in their carseats.  I lift a very heavy, Sleeping Kennedy to put her in the car, only to find that she is soaked.  Evidently the two cups of fruit punch at lunch weren't such a good idea before naptime.  That explains the standing liquid in the bottom of the stroller and the absolutely sopping purse.  A quick trip back into Gap to purchase my three year old a $14 package of panties, a change into a new outfit and we were good to go.  The purse...and most of its contents...found the trashcan.  This is why I don't buy Coach. 

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Confession Number 91: She's Pretty Good

Dang!  I didn't realize how long it had been since I had posted until I logged in today.  Hopefully things are getting a little settled around here.  While it hasn't been as hard as we thought it might be, getting into the groove of chasing, holding, feeding, bathing two kiddos has taken some time.  We are working on getting Cole into a routine this week with his sleeping and eating and working on keeping everything else as normal as possible.  While there have been a few challenges and those moments where you question what you are doing and if it is best, the second time around has been a lot easier.  There aren't as many moments when we question our decisions or worry about whether or not he eats every 2 hours or 3 hours is going to have lifelong effects on his health.  We are more relaxed this go around and that fits our lifestyle so much better!

One thing I have always regretted with Kennedy was that we weren't with it enough in those early days to think about getting some cute newborn pictures done.  Later we made up for it by having them done at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, but I always wished we had some cute naked baby pics to complete the package.  So, having these cute little reminders of how tiny and cuddly Cole is was a priority of mine.

A lot of you know I'm pretty partial to our picture taking buddy, Shannon Gurney in OKC.  Shannon has done our annual family photo session for the past three years and we LOVE HER.  She does awesome work and if you are within driving distance of OKC, I highly recommend you check her out.  She's actually getting Mom and Lynn in front of her camera in early summer and that is a feat all of it's own!  While we worship Shannon, she is um, well, three hours away AND her business has taken off so much she recently quit doing newborn photo sessions (much to the dismay of our OKC friends who also just had babies).  I think the sessions gave her too much baby fever because she is now expecting her third.  Congrats, friend!! 

Since moving to Grove I have come to know my amazing friend, Stacy Clark.  Stacy, like a lot of modern day photographers, is self taught and captured my heart when I found out that she loves natural light photography.  She started taking photos after becoming a stay at home mom with her first.  Since then she has built her business and does a fantastic job!  We met at her house, and even with some very finicky sunlight, she got some absolutely beautiful shots of our little man.  I'll cherish them forever and I'm thinking we'll keep her pretty busy over the next year or so.  I hope she has lots of good ideas!!!!












Isn't she pretty good??  If you are in the Grove area, you will be kicking yourself if you don't get some Stacy Clark Portraiture love for your own family.  Check her out here.  You'll be happy you did!  Or, if you are an OKC reader, you must let Miss Shannon get some amazing shots of your family.  See her latest work here

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Confession Number 90: She's My Girl

KJ got her hair cut yesterday......
It had gotten super long, and while it was beautiful when we really fixed it, it had just gotten to be a hassle.  She asked to have it cut and I didn't object.  Her hair is like mine and grows pretty quickly, so, without any more cuts, it is likely to be halfway down her back by the end of the summer, anyway.  Today she is rockin' her new style at school with a little barrette.  We haven't been able to get by with that in ages.  Oh!  And just what do you think of those pink cowgirl boots?  She's the rootinist tootinist girl in all of Grove today!  Thanks Papa Lynn!!

Monday, February 28, 2011

Confession Number 89: We Didn't Know, Update on Baby Cole

After a very long last week the Matthews' family was able to settle in for a quiet weekend at home.  Friday we returned to our local hospital for some monitoring and to meet with our doctor.  Thankfully, Friday was a better day than the last few.  While I am still contracting, somewhat regularly, Cole's heart rate is doing well and he is tolerating the contractions much better than he was earlier last week.  In fact, my doctor was so pleased with my progress, that we don't have to go back until Tuesday!  Praise God!!

I have to say, we did find out that the situation we were facing on Wednesday was a little more serious than Dustin and I originally knew.  We knew that Cole wasn't doing well and we knew that they wanted us quickly moved to Tulsa in case an early delivery was necessary, hence the whole helicopter thing.  :-)  What we didn't know was how close we were to having a baby on Wednesday.  Evidently there was some discussion between the doctors to do an emergency c-section in Grove on Wednesday, then transporting Cole to Tulsa once he was stable.  Once they decided to transport us it took a couple of hours to get everything in line for us to leave.  One of the issues was that the hospital in Tulsa was full and didn't have a room available for us.  I am thankful that one became available when it did, because I truly believe had we been waiting much longer we would have a baby right now.  Dustin and I never had a clue things were that bad.  Thank goodness!  I probably would have melted down! 

The weekend has been quiet and I'm feeling great, however, I don't think that is an adequate assessment on how things are going, since I never felt really any different through the whole ordeal.  I am still having some disturbance and contracting, but I feel like they have lessened since last week.  I guess we'll find out tomorrow when we go for our appointment. 

I have to say, this whole bed rest thing is eating on me a bit.  I know I'm getting grouchy, even though Dustin lets me get up periodically throughout the day.  As you learned during the snow storm, I don't do cooped up well, much less when I can't even shower, get dressed, and fix my hair and makeup before being told to lay down and take it easy.  I'm trying *really* hard to be a good patient.  Sometimes I think being in the hospital would be easier because I wouldn't be tempted to get up and do the load of white laundry that has been staring me in the face all morning.  I know deep down it wouldn't, but I'm sure you get my drift. 

Dustin and I really want to thank all of you for your thoughts, calls, texts, emails and, especially your prayers.  We know without your support and lifting us up that the story would be much different right now.  Praying for one more week!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Confession Number 88: God Dishes Out Interruptions

My mom has been going to a lady's Bible study at her church where they are discussing the little interruptions God sometimes sends to our lives.  She and I have talked candidly about her study the last few weeks, but we got a real-life lesson in these interruptions the last few days. 

As you all know, I'm very pregnant with our second baby, Baby Brother Cole and the pregnancy has been great.  A tad different from the one I experienced with Miss KJ, but it has been relatively easy and I haven't had much to complain about.  Minus a scare with gestational diabetes that I wrote about here, there really haven't been any issues.  I did, however, start having Braxton Hicks contractions rather early this time around, about 22 weeks.  My doctor wasn't overly concerned about them as long as there was no consistency, which there hadn't been until my regular appointment on Tuesday.

I know a lot of you have been keeping up with bits and pieces of our story since then on Facebook, but that is about all I had time to post, bits and pieces.  I wanted to make sure you had the whole story, so here it goes. 
Wednesday started off very well.  I enjoyed a relaxing morning watching Disney Junior with KJ in our bed until I needed to get around to head back to the hospital for a second round of monitoring and the second steroid shot just in case Cole decided he wasn't satisfied with the accommodations of Hotel Mommy.  The monitoring went great and the nurse came in to tell us that we were free to go home, she just needed to complete our discharge papers just as I had a contraction.  After not returning for about 15 minutes, she called to let us know that during that contraction Cole's heart rate had dropped below their comfort level and that she was waiting for a call back from my Dr., but that they were going to monitor us for awhile longer.  About 30 more minutes, another contraction and another heart dip later my Dr. was in my room to let us know that we would be staying for a few days.  She hoped it would only last 3 or 4 days, but told us to prepare for a week or so of hospital bed rest.  She ordered a whole slew of tests and kept me constantly on the fetal monitor.

3:30 rolled around and she returned.  I had had roughly six contractions during this time (not horrible), but in five of them Cole's heart rate had dropped.  He obviously wasn't tolerating the contractions well and with no NICU in our rural hospital she suggested we transfer to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, where, if needed, they could handle a preemie born at 33 weeks.  Unfortunately, this meant getting me there as quickly as possible, which was by chopper.  Dustin, KJ and my mom hopped into their vehicles and got a head start and shortly thereafter I was in the air with EagleMed, on my way.  Talk about traveling in style!

Upon our arrival at St. Francis, they reviewed my test results from Grove and ordered more tests.  At this point I had been poked and prodded about all I could stand in one day.  While my contractions were actually more frequent once we got there, Cole's heart rate had stabilized and he was tolerating them much better.  By 11:00 they were pretty pleased with what they were seeing, gave me the most amazing sleeping pill ever, and let us finally rest.  By 9am this morning we were dismissed to come back home, where I once again find myself confined to my own, comfy, fluffy bed. 

We aren't out of the woods, yet.  We still have a long way to go, but the fear of a C-section and having a 33 week old preemie is behind us, we think.  Tomorrow I will return to Grove General for another non-stress test and will, hopefully, be able to return to my own comfy bed.  Although, I have to say, knowing that Cole's heart rate is stable with each and every contraction by being hooked up to the monitor is somewhat comforting.  We are thankful for each day that Cole continues his stay with Hotel Mommy, but we are really hoping to get to 35 weeks, which is 11 more days. 

To say that we have been overwhelmed by all of your well wishes and prayers is the understatement of the year.  I know, without a doubt, that we are literally being prayed for by hundreds of people and those prayers are what made our little boy make a turn for the better last night.  Please, please continue to pray for us and his safe delivery once he is ready.  While going through this "interruption" or little trial, has been stressful, we have felt immense blessings.  Thank you all so much!  We wouldn't have gotten this far without all of you. 

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Confession Number 87: Considering a Name Change

Whew!  It has been busy around here the last week or so.  I know you all might have been feeling a little neglected with it being a week since my last update.  We have been busy around here with normal day to day life and trying to get a few things ready for Baby Cole.  Life has sure been busy, but you, my loyal readers, shall feel neglected no longer!  I have this sneaky feeling that I am going to have plenty of time in the next few weeks to hang out and write for you.  It may take you a while to notice it though, since I'm seriously considering a temporary name change for the blog.  Let's see what you think of this... from Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom to Chronicles of Bedrest.  Or maybe Tales of the Seriously Pregnant. What do you think?  Sounds okay right?  Oh?  What?  It has you confused?  Well, let me fill you in on what has happened today.

This morning I had an appointment with my wonderful OB, Dr. Dietz, to whom I happily reported that I was feeling great!  Which is true!  I was feeling pretty awesome and refreshed this morning.  I looked cute, as cute as a woman with a watermelon strapped to her belly can look anyway, and felt pretty full of energy.  I was happy to get on with my appointment, get my grocery shopping done and get home to get some painting done in Cole's room while KJ was at school.  To say that "nesting" had come for a visit in our house would be an understatement.  However, after reporting that "he must be pretty low because it feels like he is bouncing up and down on my cervix" and one episode of pretty consistent Braxton Hicks a week ago, Dr. D decided she needed to take a closer look.  About two hours after my scheduled appointment we left, having spent an hour in the Women's Center at Grove General hooked up to monitors, we found that I was having quite a few uterine "interruptions" (cramping), a few random contractions, and was dilated to a 1.  They started a round of steroids to build up Cole's lungs in case an early delivery took place and sent me home.....to bed.  I get to do the whole thing over again tomorrow.  Yay! 

My spirits are really pretty high.  I mean, it isn't like I can do a whole lot more than lay around here at this point, right?  I was 33 weeks yesterday, which sounds early, and is, but because I have stood by more than one friend with a preemie, I know that it could be much, much worse.  Also, I know that God has a plan, and maybe, just maybe, he knew that this hard headed girl needed some serious intervention before she would sit down and rest.  Dear God, It's me, Margaret....um, Charla, and I'm listening now, I promise!  I have a wonderful prison guard, I mean husband, who is taking great care of me and my momma is on her way.  We aren't sure what the next few days or weeks hold, but hopefully we'll know more tomorrow.  Please pray for Cole to get super strong and healthy and pray that he really likes Hotel Mommy.  I've tried hard to make it a super nice place for him, and now he (and I) are even getting room service.  My current prayer is that if I must stay on bed rest that I'm able to do so at home and not in the hospital, and of course, for Cole's health.  If you don't mind, please add us to your prayer lists.  We could use all the help we can get!

Stay tuned for more Stories of the Bedridden, I mean Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom. 

Monday, February 14, 2011

Confession Number 86: They Are Pretty Good Eggs

One of the things that has really helped Grove feel like our home has been our recent settling in to a local church.  It has been great for all three of us.  Not only do we gain spiritual fulfillment, but we also love the fellowship with other young families.  Each month we decided to get together with this group for "Supper Club".  This month the boys (AKA:  husbands) took charge and decided to treat the wives for Valentine's Day.  Holy cow!  These boys completely outdid themselves.  They not only took over the house of my great friend Brenda, but they cleaned, cooked and arranged child care.  They literally did it all.  Serious brownie points to our little group of overachievers!  Don't boys look sexy in the kitchen????


They even plated the food and threw in a decoration or two...
Okay, so I think Brenda helped them out with the decorations, but hey, I'd rather their focus be on the food anyway.  Boy, was it delicious!  We had shrimp cocktail, salad, steak, salmon, green beans, potato casserole and rolls.  Oh, and they didn't forget the drinks (I only gave go to looks to a couple of the girls as they sipped in front of me) and of course, the desserts......
All you other girls out there can go right ahead and get jealous.  These were hand dipped along with chocolate dipped blackberries, raspberries and pecans.  That's a pregnant girl's Chuck E Cheese right there!  It was wonderful!!  They didn't leave anything out.  They even had roses, complete with little love notes from our Valentine!
I have to say, it was pretty darn sweet!  I think all of us left with a renewed sense of romance for our husbands.  One thing is for sure, this sure put me over the top of my ongoing change of heart regarding Valentine's Day.  We sure are a lucky bunch of ladies!  Don't forget to hug and kiss your Valentine a little extra today!  Happy Heart Day!!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Confession Number 85: She Surprised Us

I pride myself on being a mother that is pretty in tuned to my kid.  I can usually call what her reaction is going to be to most situations.  I know that I will barely get a kiss goodbye when I drop her off with a babysitter.  I know that when she meets someone new (especially a man) she is going to velcro herself to the back of my leg before warming up to him 10 seconds later.  I know that she says she wants to try things that are new, and slightly scary, but that when the moment comes, she chickens out.  I know these things because she operates a LOT like her Momma.  So that is why, when she started talking about riding the horses at Weezie and Papa Lynn's house, I never thought it would happen.

I thought we would get as far as to stand next to the horse and she would start climbing up Dustin's side trying to get away.  I thought we'd do great to get her to feed them again and that the whole situation would end with her in tears.  I was so sure in what would happen I even began bribing her ahead of time.

Me:  Hey KJ, Jay is going to go get Bo ready so you can ride him.
KJ:  Okay.
Me:  Are you really going to ride him?
KJ:  Um, yeah.  But I need a cowgirl hat.  (She is ALL about the accessories)
Me:  I bet Papa Lynn has a hat you can borrow.
KJ:  But I want a pink one!
(yep, no way this is going to happen.  She's more about the hat than the horse.)
Me:  I'll tell you what.  If you will actually get up in the saddle on Bo with Papa Lynn and ride, then Momma will look for you a pink cowgirl hat.  Deal?
KJ:  Um, okay.

Knowing she would never ride without someone we waited until Papa Lynn got back from town.  Luckily, there was a short nap in there and, luckily, Papa Lynn ran a few errands before he came home.  She woke up before Papa Lynn made it back, and to our complete surprise, she jumped right up in the saddle.  All. By. Her. Self.
She was such a BIG GIRL.  She loved it!  It was sure a good thing that Papa Lynn ran those errands before he came home.  Look what he found....

KJ:  Look Momma!  Papa Lynn got me a real cowgirl hat!  Just like Jesse!!  (Jesse the Cowgirl for those of you aren't up on your Disney Toy Story trivia)

And of course, after that, it was ALL about the accessories.  She jumped back up for a ride with Papa Lynn, but she was more concerned with losing something....
I really couldn't believe she actually did it.  My little girl is growing up right before my eyes and it is so much fun to watch!  A big thanks to Lynn's nephew Jay for hanging around long enough for her to wake up and for leading her around.  And a huge hug to Papa Lynn for finding a pink cowgirl hat.  Only in Duncan. 

For those of you who know the story, does she remind you of another little girl wanting her Meemo's porcelain doll????

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Confession Number 84: She Was Wrong

Kennedy and Dustin finally got out in the snow to play over the weekend.  Here they are with their snowman....

This morning Kennedy got up, looked out the window and said, "Oh no!  Mommy, my snowman is melting!!!" 

Me:  "Um, no honey.  He's just covered in more snow. "
12+" later it is still snowing. 
Poor snowman.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Confession Number 83: There is a Light

Get.  Me.  Out.  Of.  This.  House.  Those were my instructions to Dustin last Friday.  So he did, and KJ and I sat at the bank.  Hey, at least it was a different set of walls to see.  That was day four of our snow vacation.  You all know I don't like to be cooped up in the house.  If you missed it, you can catch it here.  And here.  And a brief change of heart I had here.  These snow "storms" were nothing compared to what we are going through now.  NOTHING. 

Last Tuesday it started coming down and 14" later it finally stopped.  We couldn't even dream of getting out since our new 4 wheel drive vehicle is being held hostage at a dealership in warm and balmy Houston, Texas.  So, here I sat.  All day Tuesday, all day Wednesday, all day Thursday, and half of the day on Friday until Dustin got his orders to break us free from our prison.  Of course, as we drove into town the snow started falling again.  Luckily, we dodged a bullet on Sunday, but more "accumulating" snow (to the tune of 4-10") is in our forecast in the next couple of days. 

Thanks to a little thawing and some great friends, I've broken free the last couple of days, but since the truck is still useless, I'm stuck for, what looks like, the rest of this week. 

We aren't made for this!  Our Wal-Mart is completely bare of eggs, milk, bread, fruit and meat.  I've never been more thankful for my stockpile of groceries and the fact that I have been stashing away freezer meals for the last month.  Thanks to Dustin and our neighbor, Bruce, for running to Walgreens to snatch up a new gallon of milk for each family this weekend, it looks like we'll make it without even feeling the pinch on the grocery end of things. 

Now, my mental health?  That is another subject all together.  The good news is that Saturday the high here is in the 50's.  Ahhh.  A light. 

Oh, and I'm not the only one.  Check out my friend Megan's take on the storm here

Monday, January 31, 2011

Confession Number 82: We Were Busting with Pride

We spent a marvelous weekend at the farm with Weezie and Papa Lynn.  Tons of fun!  The weather was absolutely beautiful.  Perfect for us to get some much needed outdoor playtime, but yesterday reality struck and we realized that the weather isn't always perfect in Oklahoma and that we must return to the hustle and bustle of our regular lives, so we jumped in the truck and started heading back up I-44.

Arriving in Tulsa shortly after lunch time, we decided to stop at one of our favorite little cafes to grab a bite to eat.  It was nearly 1:00 and the church crowds were out in full force.  We didn't have to wait for a table, but the restaurant was crowded.  Luckily, we didn't have to wait long for our food and were chowing down on some yummy home cookin' in no time. 

Toward the end of the meal an older couple who had been sitting near us started to leave, but the gentleman decided to stop by our table first.  He tapped me on the shoulder....

Him:  Excuse me, ma'am?
Me:  Yes, sir?
Him:  We just wanted to stop and tell you what a well behaved young girl you have.  She has been just about perfect since you came in and we wanted you to know that.

Well, you should have seen how big and puffy Dustin's and my chests got with pride. 

Me:  Why, thank you sir!  How nice of you to notice that, well, yes, actually we ARE the world's perfect parents and we have raised, quite possibly, the most perfect child since Jesus himself walked on this earth. 

Okay, so maybe that was all in my head.  Of course, Dustin and I were very gracious and praised KJ on what a good girl she was and how other people had noticed what a good girl she was.  We then quickly finished our meal and headed back out to the truck.  Talking about our plans to head to the furniture store to find KJ a brand new big girl bed. 

Once in the truck she promptly stuck a pin in the pride balloon Dustin and I were carrying around as she cried and whined and threw a fit because we wouldn't let her play on the ipad.  Kids.  They sure do keep you honest, don't they? 

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

UPDATE: Confession Number 47: I'm Torn

Editorial Note:  There is still time to enter the giveaway of my super cute Hootiemomma baby and children's gift items over at Nix9to5.  While you are at it, just go ahead and visit my Hootiemomma Etsy store!  The deadline for entering the drawing is TONIGHT, Jan. 26th at 11:59pm. 

Back last summer I wrote to you, begging for parenting advice, concerning our decision to send Kennedy to a private preschool a couple of days a week.  A recent post about the same topic (sort of) from my friend Megan over at Sorta Crunchy got me thinking about our decision, the outcome, and what we were going to do this coming fall.  I thought an update...and another call for advice....was in order. 

Thinking back on our concerns last summer, each of them either hasn't been as issue or has been replaced with something new, which, I think, is story of our lives for the next, oh, forever.  Here is a run down of the concerns I had last summer and where we stand with each of them:

Potty Training:  This one has taken care of itself.  While you all know about the issues we have from time to time at home ( has gotten soooo much better in recent weeks), we have NEVER (knocking on wood) had an issue with this at school.  Not once.  Whew!

Nap time:  This is one we still struggle with.  They don't nap at KJ's school, which is totally fine.  She doesn't always need one, but, more often that not, she falls asleep for a short cat nap at some point between getting home from school and dinner.  Unfortunately, this results in a very cranky girl when she wakes up.  We are torn between a very cranky girl waking up and a very cranky girl who is overly tired.  We've learned to live with this for two reasons.  The first is I'm not super excited about giving up nap time completely before Baby Brother Cole gets here.  I think I'll need it for momma's sanity this summer.  The second is that when we make the transition to public school, they still nap or have "quiet time" in the afternoons.  So I'm not too worried about preparing her for life without quiet time. 

Social Interaction:  This has been as great as I expected it to be, but comes with it's own set of issues.  She is a very social girl and we have had discussions about when to talk and when to be quiet more than a handful of times.  You can tell that she is a young three in her class with this issue.  Her maturity to be quiet when the teacher is talking just isn't there, yet.  I recently taught her how to pinch her lips shut with her fingers when she is told to be quiet and the report from school yesterday was that she sat there looking like a duck for much of the day.  On the flip side, I'd rather have this problem than an extremely shy child.  Of course, if you know Dustin and I....we are going to have a little social butterfly.  Our kids are just going to be wired that way genetically. 

Mommy Guilt:  Yep.  This went out the window within a few minutes of seeing her interaction with her teachers and the kids at school.  She loves it!  I would feel guilty if I weren't sending her.  As for me, the time apart has made me a better mom on the days we are together.  I rarely have to take Kennedy to Wal-Mart with me (which we both despise) and we can spend time playing and having fun the three days of the week she is home. 

So, now Dustin and I start asking ourselves the next question:  What to do next fall?  She will be old enough to go to the full day, public prek program, but I think we both agree that none of the three of us are ready for that.  So, the question is, what are we ready for?  How many days a week is going to fit her perfectly in her current school and what is going to adequately prepare her for full time, public schooling the following year?  As my friend Nicci posted last time, I understand that her educational future probably isn't solely balancing on the question of how many days of preschool she attends at the age of 4, but I do think it sets the "mood" for her future learning.  So, I'm throwing it back out there to all of you.  What is your best advice in regards to schooling?

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Confession Number 81: I'm A Giveaway!!!

You've read about my friend Nicci over at Nix9to5 before.  We taught together for a few years, then were neighbors for a few years after that.  During the whole process we became great friends and moms.  This week she is celebrating hitting a blogging milestone with tons of great giveaways.  She has already thrown out a children's cookbook, a Scentsy gift set and some lovies for your little love and she has lots more. 

Well, today she has a very special giveaway.  ME!  Okay, before I scare all of you off she isn't actually giving away me the person, but she is showcasing Hootiemomma, my baby and children's gift line and Etsy shop.  Since I know you are all dying to get your hands on some Charla Matthews originals, get your bootie over to Nix9to5 and enter the giveaway right now!  Also, there is a little special something, something in it for EVERYONE that visits Nicci's blog.  So, what are you waiting for?!?!  Get over there right now and get ya a little piece of heaven.....ME! 

Monday, January 24, 2011

Confession Number 80: A Change of Heart

I'm not your typical girl.  I'm not your typical romantic.  It made more sense to me after I did a brief study on Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages.  While a lot of my friends found that their love language is Receiving Gifts or Quality Time, mine is Acts of Service.  I show my love to Dustin, and others, by doing for them.  I love cooking for my family and friends.  I love helping out a friend in need.  I also feel the most love when others are doing acts of service for me.  My friends laugh when I say that one of the sexiest things Dustin can do is to empty the dishwasher or give KJ a bath.  That boy puts away the laundry and katy bar the door!!  I don't relish in receiving flowers, although they are great on occasion.  We don't lavish each other with gifts, although I don't hide the fact that pregnancy, labor and delivery come with a price best paid in jewelry. 

Dustin thought he had totally hit the jackpot when, during our first Valentine's Day together, he found out that I really despised the holiday.  If my memory serves me correctly we didn't buy each other anything for that first Day of Love and that tradition continued until only a few years ago after Kennedy was born.  Still, after 8+ years of marriage and another year of dating, we have never gone out to dinner on V Day.  I have never wanted to fight the crowds, fall into the commercial trap of one day with my dear husband being more meaningful or important just because of the date on the calendar.  I guess you could say I was an Anti Valentine's Day.  (Who knew that was turning into a money maker, also?)

Over the last couple of years, though, my heart has started to change toward the holiday.  On KJ's first special Valentine's Day we bought each other very small gifts, and as she has gotten older we have fallen into the trap of everything "cute" about the holiday.  Who wouldn't fall in 'love' with this set up from Pottery Barn kids?
What momma of a little girl can resist all of that pink and red as soon as you walk in the door of Hobby Lobby?  Who can turn their nose up at doing a cute craft with hearts and doilies with the special little someone in your life?  And who in their right mind (besides Nicci @ Nix9to5) doesn't like the chocolate that comes with the day?

So, yes, I've had a little change of heart.  Dustin and I even have special dinner reservations that night.  Maybe I'm a bit of a romantic after all. 

Friday, January 21, 2011

Confession Number 79: We Are Having Fun

The little snow storm that came through yesterday morning covered us with a nice thick blanket of the white stuff and as much as it prevents us from getting around and doing everyday activities, it helps us to slow down a little bit and enjoy some nice family time.  With not many people getting out and about to stop by the bank yesterday, Dustin came home early to take Kennedy out to play in the snow.  We started in our own front yard, sledding down the small slope....

She was having so much fun!  Of course she quickly realized going back up the hill wasn't nearly as much fun as coming down...


Our friends, soon to be new neighbors, The Morrows came down and got us to go sledding behind the golf cart up at their grandma's house.  I have to say, I've sled behind a four wheeler.  I've sled behind a farm truck.  A golf cart?  That was a new one for me, but it worked great!  I guess it is sledding, Grand Lake style.  Kennedy took it slow....


Hannah and Jackson were a little more daring....


We had lots of fun spending time with each other and with some great friends.  Miss Megan even shared her delicious chocolate chip cookies with us.  So worth getting out in the cold! 
With area schools out again today, I sense a lot more fun in the snow in our future.  I guess all this white stuff does have a silver lining. 

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Confession Number 78: Here We Go Again!

Editor's Retraction:  Dustin came home for lunch yesterday and said, "you make me sound like a slave driver!" in response to a comment I made in yesterday's post on how the house wasn't going to be spotless when he got home.  In his defense, I would like to clear the air.  He, in no way, shape, or form requires a spotless house.  Actually, our house is never spotless, even if I did spend the day cleaning.  Oh, and that load of towels I said needed to be done?  They are still sitting in the hamper in the bathroom.  Yay for productivity!!  Ha!

January has hit again, and as I speak, fine little icy snow flakes are falling outside.  Dustin has already measured 3" of the white stuff in our front yard this morning.  I have to say, if I'm going to be stuck inside because of the weather, this is what I want.  It truly looks like a winter wonderland out my back windows.  It is simply beautiful, although I feel terrible for the little squirrel running around from tree to tree.  I sure hope he has a stash of nuts somewhere!  Maybe I should throw him a pecan.  Or an almond.  You think squirrels eat almonds?

I haven't moved too fast this morning, sitting here in my big fluffy robe with the fire going, half caff coffee in hand.  It is just kind of a slow day, although I do have high hopes for at least getting that pesky load of towels washed.  I'm nothing if I'm not ambitious.  I am planning a little Toy Story, Wii playing and, of course, snow playing.  But then what?  Chances are we'll be stuck inside tomorrow, too.  So, what to do then?  Here is my plea to all of you parents out there...What are your favorite snow day activities?  Once you can't watch another movie and you have exhausted all of the video game playing there is, then what?  I'm sure DHS would frown on me locking KJ outside.  I promise I would throw her a nut.  Of course, she might have to fight the squirrel. 

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Confession Number 77: I'm Being a Stay at Home Mom Today

I took a shower this morning and slid into some super comfy black lounge maternity pants and a grey t-shirt.  My feet went back into the new grey slippers I bought myself for Christmas.  My hair is still a mess and my make up has remained in it's bag.  At least I took the time to brush my teeth before kissing Dustin off to work.  You see, KJ and I are staying home. 

Since moving into our new home my stay at home mom routine has changed drastically.  There are chores to be done, errands to be ran and appointments to go to.  It seems like I'm always too busy doing everything else to do what I quit my "job" to stay home and do, which is to spend time with Kennedy.  To love on her and play with her and watch her grow and learn.  Our new routine works for us on most days, but there are times when we just need to slow down and have a play day.

That is exactly what we are doing today.  We've shared a yummy breakfast and danced to the Mickey Mouse theme song.  Later, we are going to do Valentine crafts and puzzles and this afternoon we'll decorate some cupcakes I had thrown in the freezer.  At some point we'll get her letter sack done for school tomorrow and we might even get dinner fixed for tonight.  So, honey, I'm sorry, but the house won't be spotless when you get home and the laundry probably isn't going to get done today (except for maybe the towels we NEED washed desperately), but I'm spending the day doing exactly what we wanted me to do almost two years ago when we made this decision:  Being Mom to our daughter. 

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Confession Number 76: We Finally Did It

First of all, I want to thank everyone for your prayers and kind words last week while we were awaiting my testing for gestational diabetes.  After being poked like a pin cushion, we finally got the results from my doctor that my blood sugar levels were perfectly normal during my three hour glucose test.  Yay!  They were actually very, very good.  I was so excited when we found out I celebrated with a glass of peach tea and some chocolate!  I'm not sure why I was so out of whack during the first test, but it really doesn't matter now.  We are so very thankful for a faithful God who continues to bless and provide for us and for great friends who support us no matter what we are going through.

We do have a little announcement today!  After much discussion and deliberation Dustin and I have finally agreed on a name for Baby Brother.  I'm so excited for him to have a name.  It just makes the entire pregnancy feel more real and makes us feel like he is already a part of our family.  Without any further delay....Baby Brother's name will be......
Colton Dean Matthews
We will call him Cole, but we liked the way Colton sounded with the middle name we had choosen for him, Dean.  Dean is Dustin's dad's middle name and we love the old flair and coolness that it adds.  Cole Matthews.  Doesn't that just sound like a football name?  I think so.  I think it is absolutely perfect and I can't wait to hold sweet baby Cole in my arms!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Confession Number 75: I've Turned It Over

I'm sitting here this morning in the waiting area at Integris Grove Hospital.  Thankfully, it is a beautiful, new hospital facility with a great waiting room.  Unfortunately, I'm here to be stuck, stuck, and stuck again.  You may have read on my Facebook that I was here on Tuesday for my routine glucose tolerance test.  I got the call late Tuesday afternoon that my blood sugar levels were are little high, so I needed to take another, three hour test.  So, here I am this morning, having fasted and enjoying the quiet time as I wait for my next blood draw.

I took the news that my blood sugar was out of whack much harder than I ever thought I would.  The thought of having gestational diabetes, the thought of not having the perfect pregnancy, hit me hard.  I was scared...for Baby Brother and for myself.  I was scared that 50% of women with gestational diabetes develops Type II later in life.  I was scared to learn that babies of moms who have gestational diabetes are at higher risk of being overweight, both at birth and as they grow.  I am mad at my body for, in my crazy mind, turning on me and not doing what it is supposed to do.  I'm worried about Baby Brother's sugar levels being stable after birth.  I'm mad because I don't have one, not ONE, risk factor for gestational diabetes.  I'm scared of getting sick during the test.  I'm aggrevated of having to have blood drawn four seperate times in three hours. 

Then I have to remind myself, this isn't a diagnosis.  I'm just having further testing done.  And no matter what the outcome, God is in control.  He is in control of this test, He is in control of the outcome and the health of both Baby Brother and myself.  Sometime yesterday I came to a great peace with this little bump in the road.  I completely and totally turned it over to God.  What else is there to do?  Me worrying about it and stressing over it isn't going to make it any better or make it go away.  It isn't going to change the outcome, but me turning it over to God is going to make me healthier, is actually me being able to DO something about it.  And for this control crazy woman, that is saying something. 

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Confession Number 74: I'm Speed Cleaning

We got a call from a great friend of Dustin's family last night saying that he was in the area and wanted to come up and see us.  We love Mike dearly and miss seeing him even more since he and his wife Janie made like geese and migrated toward the warmer weather, and their kids, in south Texas.  Dustin told him to get his butt up here and Mike said, "Great!  I'll be there around 11 tomorrow". 

Thankfully the house wasn't horrible.  Not great, but not horrible.  So, I'm in speed cleaning mode this morning because the problem with having a brand new house is that everyone wants the grand tour.  It is amazing what making the beds and sweeping the floors can do for a house.  I can't spend much more time here this morning, because I still need to get my Cinderella on, but I'm dying to know, what is your "clean house in a hurry" trick?  I think I'll need to resort to them more and more once Baby Brother comes and deep cleaning gets pushed to the back burner.

Who am I kidding?  Deep cleaning is ALWAYS pushed to my back burner!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Confession Number 73: I'm Getting Ready

This week marks the last week of my second trimester of this pregnancy.   In some ways the time has flown by and in other ways it has seemed to crawl.

Now I find myself faced with the long list of "must get dones" before Baby Brother makes his appearance.  To me, this is the fun part.  The part where we begin decorating the nursery, hanging the baby clothes in the closet and getting everything else done around the house.  I've been lost in baby mode for the last few days: checking out swatches of fabric online, thinking about buying KJ new furniture, and going through a tub of hand me downs from a friend. 

We, somewhat easily, agreed on a nursery theme.  We are doing vintage sports with the whole room being built around a jersey of Dustin's and a jersey of Papa Jerry's from long ago.  Each will be framed and hung on the wall.  Papa Lynn already gave Baby Brother his "first baseball" for display and I'm sure we won't have a hard time finding some old footballs and basketballs to put here and there. 

I'm loving shopping on Etsy this time around, which is where I found the main fabric for his room....

Hopefully I can talk Mimi into making his crib skirt.  There are also coordinating fabrics we can use for his curtains, blankets, etc.  And I'm infatuated with this custom made crib mobile on Etsy...

Which she will make in any fabric to match his bedding. 

There are so many things I want to get accomplished around the house before he gets here.  Finish the guest room, trying to make it as nice and comfy as possible for, what I'm sure will be, Weezie's extended stay.  Finish (or at least start) decorating our bathroom.  Reorganize and repurpose the upstairs playroom for two kids and to sleep an extra guest or two.  Find Dustin a desk for his office and, most importantly, get Baby Brother's room all ready for his big arrival.  That is a lot to get done!  I'm sure it won't all happen, but everything will be perfect, just because he will be here! 

Monday, January 10, 2011

Confession Number 72: January Isn't My Favorite

Brrrr.  It's cold here in our neck of the woods this morning and it looks like it is only going to get worse.  I've never been a big fan of winter.  I was an educator for Pete's sake.  What teacher says, "oh, I just LOVE January!"?  None.  Not one.  We LOVE June and July and some of us even like August.  But January?  Ummm.  Not so much.

Our first true taste of cold winter weather is moving in this week, complete with a dusting of snow, and I have to say, I'm not too excited about it.  I have things to do, people to see and a kid to take to preschool.  I'd really rather not do it with morning lows hovering around 9 degrees!! 

In the spirit of not being totally pessimistic on this Monday morning, I will admit that, yes, there is something magical about getting in some snuggle time with your significant other or little one in front of the fire, watching a movie, drinking something warm and frothy as the first snowflakes cover the ground.  I do love watching Kennedy's face as we play in the fluffy white stuff.  And it is pretty as it is falling on the trees and covering the grass.  I guess it isn't so bad, after all. 

Friday, January 7, 2011

Confesion Number 71: A Deja Vu Kind of Morning

A few months ago Dustin and I decided to buy up some of the lots surrounding our house.  They were a great investment for Dustin and for me they were insurance that we were going to have some physical space around our home. 
Fast forward a month or so later and some good friends of ours approached us about wanting to build a house in the neighborhood.  As soon as Dustin mentioned it to me, the first words out of my mouth were, "I want them to buy the lot next door!".  Dustin agreed and after a night of visiting the decision was made.  It was official.  They were joining, what I lovingly refer to as, "the curve". 
You see, we live along the back street of our neighborhood, smack dab in the middle of a big U in the street.  All but two houses that surround us have small kids. Maybe I should rephrase that.  All but two houses that surround us have small GIRLS.  Ten girls in five houses.  LOTS of young estrogen on our street.  To say that our street is girly is an understatement.  This past summer the girls across the street were having, what I thought was a lemonade stand over the 4th of July.  Um, no.  It was a makeover stand.  See what I mean???
We've become more and more excited about the neighbors moving in and building because of many reasons, but one is that they are adding three kids to the mix, two of which are boys.  While I feel somewhat sad that Jackson (the 5 yr old) is destined to a life of princess dresses and makeover stands, I'm super excited for Sam (the 5 month old) and Baby Brother to have each other to help fight off all of the girlyness around here.  I can't wait for the path to form between our back doors and for the joint parties I'm sure that will be taking place. 
Here was the scene outside our upstairs window this morning....


It brought back tons of memories of our own building experience.  We are on almost exactly the same timeline as them (you can read about our own building experience here, then follow the "I'm Getting Excited" series).  We know their anticipation, frustration and excitement.  Hopefully we can be a good source for them to vent it all!  Happy Building Morrow Family!  And welcome to the neighborhood!