4 Years...

Four years ago today Dave and I found out that we were going to be parents!  It was a Monday and Dave was home for a dentist appointment which he had schedule on my birthday to help shift his travel plans from the usual Monday - Thursday to Tuesday - Friday.  I had been sent home from work sick and figured it would be best to call the doctor since nothing had really helped me feel better for the past 5 days.  After describing all of my symptoms to the nurse she asked for a urine sample.  I thought nothing of it.  After meeting with the doctor and being given a treatment plan I asked about the previous sample.  She commented that the nurse had asked for it for a pregnancy test due to the light headed feelings I was having, but that she wasn't interested in running the test after seeing just how much fluid I had on my ears.  In a bummed out tone I responded with an "oh okay, we are trying so thought maybe..."  She immediately jumped and offered to have it run for me.  Because I was the last patient before lunch I was able to sit in the room and wait.  Ten minutes later, she returned with a smile on her face and said that I was in fact pregnant!  She asked for my prescription back (it was not suitable for a pregnant lady) and said she would be right back with some information and the due date wheel.  When she stepped out, I called Dave immediately.  He was actually in a store purchasing my birthday gift (new sunglasses) when I told him.  He was so excited that he told the sales girl while purchasing my gift before meeting me at home.  He then went to his office together to pick up his laptop, there was no way he would be sitting in an office all afternoon and able to keep his new little secret.  Even though I didn't feel well, I did find the energy to go to a bookstore to buy pregnancy books to read while I was stuck at home sick for the next few days!

While out with Dave tonight he mentioned that we had found out 4 years ago today that we would be having a baby.  This began a discussion about how much our lives have changed over the past 4 years...

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today has been a wonderful day!  It began with a late start.  Carly visited me early in the morning, wished me a Happy Birthday, and then ran off to play.  (Ninety minutes later I woke up to her again and later found all of the fun she had enjoyed while Dave and I slept... no one to reminder to clean up.  Carly, Dave, and David then went out to get bagels while I relaxed (slept) a little more.  We then spent time playing and speaking with many family members.  After a late lunch, Dave picked up most of the house while I put both kids down for naps.  In true amazement, Carly napped today (a first since Super Bowl Sunday) while I showered and got ready for my date afternoon!  The kids' babysitter arrive at 3:30 so that Dave and I could head to the bike store for a kid free shopping experience.  Our goal for the afternoon was to get me fitted for a bicycle and then to test two different bikes that Dave really liked on paper for me.  Unfortunately mother nature had different plans for today.  The forecast had been calling for a wintery mix all day, but nothing had actually happened.  Well within 10 minutes of us leaving the house a snow shower began and continued for the remainder of the afternoon.  I was able to be fitted for a bike but will need to return to the store for my test rides.  Our afternoon date was not wasted though.  After the bike store we went to a local bakery that specializes in baking for those with food allergies and enjoyed yummy cupcakes.  We then ventured down to REI to check out their cycling  and running apparel.  I was able to find the shorts I had been admiring online and a hot pink cycling jersey and matching gloves on the clearance rack.  Our thoughts were to visit PF Chang's for dinner while down at REI, but their wait was 75 - 90 minutes, we didn't have that long to wait and weren't interested in waiting that long.  We decided instead to have dinner at a more local chinese restaurant, which was a great call.  We typically only order take out from Ming's instead of trying it as a sit down meal with Carly, so it was great to actually sit in the restaurant and enjoy our meal!  We returned home just before the kids' bedtime - not our original plan but there is only such much you can do on a snowy afternoon and evening in Cornelius.

Unfortunately for Dave this afternoon didn't go as he had planned, but I had a wonderful 32nd birthday with him and our children!

This was a New One

This evening I was having a difficult time putting David Jr down for bed.  He had eaten a TON at dinner - chicken and peas from our meal, in addition to his 4oz of pureed sweet potatoes and 2oz of a pureed fruit blend.  He then nursed for a very long time at bedtime.  After he began screaming loudly shortly after I put him in his crib for a second time I thought to sniff his diaper.  Thinking maybe he had soiled it after such a large dinner.  As I was getting my "sniff" he let out four or five little toots directly on my nose.  Now, I've been pooped and peed on but being tooted on my face was a whole new experience.  And one that will definitely make me think twice before doing the "sniff" test tomorrow.

Tis the Season

February 1st is registration day in Mecklenburg County for what feels like everything.  Today I registered Carly for preschool next year and for her first summer camp.  Next year Carly will be attending preschool 3 days a week at a church.  But she is more excited about her triathlon camp this August.  She will spend 5 days this summer swimming, biking, and running!  About a week ago she looked at Dave and me at the table and said she would be competing in a Half IronMan in May.  While she may not be able to compete in one this year (although, her dad promised her that if she wanted to do one when she was 18 then he would do one with her), she will be completing a kids triathlon this year with her camp!

Compassion

Carly is 3 in every sense of the imagination.  At times this can be a lot of fun, and at other times it can drive me completely batty.  Today was a moment when I thought - she really will grow up to a a FABULOUS adult.

I seem to have contracted an infection in the tissue of my right thumb - causing quite a bit of pain.  This morning while out running I decided it was time to call the doctor.  So at 8:00am while preparing her breakfast I was also on the phone trying to schedule an appointment for myself.  The receptionist asked how quick I could be there after hearing about my thumb and told me to come on.  This gave me 20 minutes to get both kids dressed, packed up (breakfast and entertainment), in the car, and to the office.  Typically trying to doing anything quickly with Carly backfires are results in turtle pace.  Not today.  She moved and didn't argue that her Cheerios were being poured into one of David's new snack savor cups to be enjoyed in the car.

Carly's awesomeness and real compassion then came out when we got home.  After about an hour of playing it was time for David's nap.  While at home I began to feel really cruddy and tired, so after putting David down I told Carly I wanted to go upstairs and lie down for a few moments while David napped.  She asked if I would please lie down on the sofa instead.  Not feeling like having an argument with her, I complied.  She then covered me up with a blanket and patted my head.  She asked if I wanted a baby doll and immediately ran upstairs to get me one of her absolute favorite dolls.  After tucking the doll in my arms, Carly then began to pat my head and tell me "its okay mommy, you'll feel better soon."  Which is exactly what I needed to hear.  She then actually let me rest in quiet for David's entire 45 minute nap!

9 Month Well Visit

Today David Jr had his 9 month well visit.  Everything checked out great.  He weighed in at 20 pounds, 5 ounces (just below the 50%ile).  And was 29.5 inches long - 90%ile (time for a new carseat) with a head circumference of 18 inches (just above the 50%ile).

Waffles (vegan style)

Introducing "table food" has me slightly nervous with David Jr. due to this food challenges.  I am still avoiding dairy, egg, peanut butter, and crab because we know that when I eat these foods it upsets his tummy.  However, we were sent home from the allergist when he was 4 months old with an Epi-pen as a precaution since we were going to begin introducing baby cereal and pureed foods.  So today I started making breakfast - waffles.  While mixing up my dairy and egg free batter I decided David Jr. was going to get to try it today.  So away we went and it was a success!  He really enjoyed it and ate about a 3 inch square piece.  About half way through breakfast I realized that I had made today's waffles with almond milk and quit breathing for about a second in fear.  Almond milk can't be consumed by someone with tree nut allergies and tree nuts were something we were supposed to avoid until at least his first birthday.  OOPS!  Thankfully, he showed no signs of a reaction and was reaching for more pieces of waffles.  At least we now know he can also handle baked almond milk.