18 months and Baby E Update

Dear Irelyn, Sometimes 18 months sounds little to me and sometimes it sounds too old.  But, you are definitely turning into a sweet little lady and not so much a baby anymore.  Your personality has really come out now and I feel like I know you a lot better than ever before if that makes sense.  You are smart and understand so much.  I can see you learning everyday.  Your vocabulary increases everyday.  You are such a chatterbox.  I had started making a list a little over a month ago of the words you say.  There is no way I could list them all now there are too many!  You call dogs "woof woofs" and cats "meows" which everyone finds very cute.  You have started saying phrases like "I missed you" and "see ya later".  You repeat more than ever before and Mama and Daddy need to be more careful.  The other day Mama told Bella to "shut up" and you repeated that 3 times.  Uh oh.  You always ask "where's daddy?" or "where's Bella?" or "where's mama?" whenever we are not all together.  And everything normally seems to come in 3s.  If you give Mama a kiss, Daddy and Bella get one too.  If you are pointing out your knees.  You point to all 3 of our knees as well.  You even try to take Bella's socks off after you have taken all ours off even though she doesn't have any.
I gave you a pillow for your bed for the first time about 3 weeks ago and you don't move around nearly so much anymore, you must think its comfy.  You sleep typically from 8-7 these days.  Bedtime routine consists of cuddling with mom in your room while we say prayers.  Then you lay down and talk to yourself or whoever you talk to for awhile and go to sleep shortly after.  You wake up in the morning and start saying "Mama" right away.  It makes me very happy and getting out of bed easier.  You are always super happy in the morning time and it is hard to leave you on the days we go to work.
You are not quite as into paging through book after book anymore.  But, you will now allow a whole book to be read to you rather than just looking at pictures.  Your current favorites are The Gingerbread Boy, God Gave, and Bear Snores On. We read them over and over.  I still have no idea how you choose these.
You absolutely melt my heart when you give me hugs or kisses when I haven't asked for them.  You also will climb up behind me on the couch and play with my hair.  You are normally gentle and do a great job.  I hope this continues for many years.  Daddy has never quite figured out how to play with hair the way it feels really good. Must be a girl thing.
You have your moments where you melt down, but atleast these days I know why and it's normally simply that you are not getting your way.  You also have somehow got in a habit of pooping in the tub, but atleast you don't pick it up and hand it to me anymore :). 
I tried to plan a fun day today for us.  The weather was supposed to be much better than it is (cloudy, rainy, and cold).  I thought things would go well today.  You slept good, woke up happy, and Mama was having a good hair day!  We went to take your 18 month pictures and a family picture (probably the last one as our little family of 3 as we know it).  We planned to do it outside and still attempted despite the weather.  You were shy, clingy and uncooperative.  The photographer, Jaimie, informed us that 18 months to 3 years is difficult to get kids to take pictures.  Great. I think we may have gotten a few and if not that's okay too. 
You were fine after that was over and me, you, Grandma Trinie, and Aunt Rachel went to play at the Children's Museum and out to lunch.

We went home and took a close to 3 hour nap then we gave Daddy and Grandpa a ride to Oktoberfest and me, you, and Grandma went to McDonald's to play in the play place.  We had never actually been to the one right by our house until tonight.  You had a good time!
I love you so much sweetie!  Don't grow up too fast, okay?
Love,
Mama
P.S. We will go for your doctor check up next week.

Dear Baby E,
You have now hit 16 weeks in Mommy's belly.  I think you have really grown these past couple of weeks and I'm pretty certain I have started feeling you move!  It is an amazing feeling.  You have finally decided to start letting Mommy eat a little more of what she wants.  Thank you for that.  We find out if we need to paint your room a different color or leave it pink in exactly 2 weeks and we can't wait!  Daddy told me a few days ago that your sex may determine how many kids we have.  Doesn't he know yet that Mommy will probably actually decide that ;)?  Mommy, Daddy, and Irelyn all love you very much!
Love,
Mommy

A few must haves

Once I found out I was pregnant for the second time there were a couple things I knew I needed (okay maybe wanted) for myself! (and in a way for the babies)

A new bed. Check.  Our old bed wasn't that bad, but it wasn't that great.  I really wanted a new one before I got to the big, uncomfortable stage.  I hadn't ever mentioned wanting a new bed and when I did tell Joe one day I was very surprised he was so willing (he's a little stingy).  I love the new bed.  It is pretty tall (up to my hip) so I think towards the end of the pregnancy that might be a challenge to get in and out of, but its very comfortable.  We went back and forth on queen vs. king and I am SOOO glad we went with a king.  We aren't really cuddly sleepers and having all the room is nice.  Plus I expect to have atleast 1 or 2 kids in there at some point so it will be great for that!

A rocker recliner.  When we bought the bed I was hoping to purchase this at the same time, but it hasn't happened yet.  We don't know how to arrange our living room or what pieces to get rid of to fit it upstairs where I want it.  Our couch has seen better days.  Our sofa goes with the couch and is in good condition.  Do we keep the sofa, get rid of the couch and get 2 recliners?  We are still deciding, but hopefully I get my recliner soon!  I really wished I had had one when Irelyn was tiny and I spent hours and hours feeding her and getting her to sleep.  Oops, now I made myself nervous.  Well anyway, I look forward to having one by the time baby comes!

I also want our main living area painted.  This is something I also did not know Joe would be so willing to do.  We painted it when we moved in and it was never really what we thought it would be or what we had wanted, but no one ever said anything.   Its been 2 years so I brought it up.  Joe agreed to paint it and his mom is more than willing to help.  Although having Joe agree to do something and actually following through with it are 2 completely different things!  So I decided I am going to plan a girls weekend with my Iley Pie and my mom and anyone else who would like to come so Joe can paint.  Hopefully end of October or early November.  Right now I am thinking an indoor waterpark in the Dells.  Maybe Great Wolf?  Any suggestions are more than welcome!

Irelyn turns 18 months on Wednesday.  Check back for another post then!

And in the words of my little girl ~Nigh Night

New Room- Advice Please!

Everyday at some point I seem to worry about what to do about moving Irelyn to her new room and when to do it.  For those who don't know, we own a split level home.  Our bedroom and 1 other room is upstairs and there are 2 more bedrooms downstairs.  I have already began preparing a room for Irelyn downstairs, but I DON'T want to move her down there.  It feels too far away.  I'm sure some day she will love being far away from mom and dad, but she's still so little.  I have read a few places to make all big moves and changes well before a new baby arrives so the older child does not resent the baby for making them move or change.  I have gone between moving her a couple months before due date or keeping her in her room until after and keeping the baby in our room for awhile or even having them share a room.  But, lately I have been thinking she needs to move and it should happen before delivery day.  If I really had my way I would buy a new home- a ranch with a master bedroom on one end and other rooms on the other end, white trim, open floor plan and atleast a partially finished basement.  But who's being picky?

The other problem is that I don't really want to buy another crib, but I think moving into a new room and a big girl bed is too much at once.  Especially because we would have to be running downstairs and putting her back every time she climbed out of the bed. 
So...Is it inevitable I will need another crib??  Irelyn will be almost exactly 2 when the new baby arrives.  Do I move her downstairs??  When do I move her??
I'm going to try not to worry about it too much until I atleast know what the sex of the baby is.

Her new room is not finished, but here are some sneak peeks :)...

The News You Have Probably Been EXPECTING

YES!  We are having another baby!

Although apparently most people have already figured that out from my facebook ramen noodle post a few weeks ago. :)  And I have told most people who I see regularly.

I took the top one first because it was a left over.  I bought the second one to confirm and wanted to see the digital read out for fun.

I found out at exactly 5 weeks.  We were not "trying" yet, but we were going to and I mainly took the test to see when we could start trying.  (sorry if that is a over share). 
When we had decided we were going to have another I pictured myself coming up with some cute way to tell Joe, but I never came up with anything.  Then, when it happened I couldn't keep it to myself and I woke him up with Irelyn and said "tell Daddy you are going to be a big sister" his response "ha, really?",  Typical Joe.  We kept it to ourselves for about a week before we told our parents.  We told our parents by putting Irelyn in this shirt.  It took both Grandma's a little while to notice it but they both eventually did.  I remember my mom's response clearly, though she denies it.  It was "uh oh".  Then she said "does that mean- someday??"  Yes, mom about 8 months from now someday :).  Joe's mom had actually carried Irelyn downstairs and we were upstairs when she noticed and she SCREAMED "Excuse me, what is on my granddaughter's shirt?" it was very cute. 

Doesn't she look excited!

I waited until I heard Irelyn's heartbeat to share with the internet world and I did the same with this baby.  We heard it this morning.  I have to admit I got a little scared because it took her a little longer than I recall to find it and I was worried it wasn't there :(.  But it was!!  Good and strong.  I chose to go back to the same midwife I saw during my last pregnancy.  She was so bubbly and excited to see us.  She even talked to us about where we would put our next tattoos since we both have one for Irelyn.  Joe knows, but I still haven't figured out what I am going to do about that.

Sorry, this is not a great picture of my tattoo, but its the best I could find at the moment

I went in with 3 questions.  1) What is safe to take for allergies? A. Claritin, but really anything since I am now in my 2nd trimester.  (but I am still going to try and take nothing).  2) Do I need to worry more about this baby because Irelyn and I have different blood types? (she is A+ and I am A-).  A. No.  I was tested and do not have antibodies because of the shots I got during her pregnancy and will receive the same this time.  3) Can I got to Florida in January?!? A. Probably, but we will have to see how it goes.  Do not anticipate it to be a problem.  I really hope we can for a lot of reasons, but one being I have never spent more than 1 night away from Irelyn and I would like to have a really nice kid free vacation before things get even harder.

So, speaking of harder... Yes I am nervous to have 2, but also very excited.  No we do not care if it is a boy or girl, but it seems like a lot of our friends and family are hoping for a boy which is understandable since we already have a girl.  My intuition says its a girl though.  We will find out in October!  I am eager to learn the sex, but I am so far in no real hurry to get to March.  I keep thinking I have more time than I actually do to figure things out.  I am just going to enjoy the next 6-7 months with my 1 baby before the chaos begins! 

I felt really good for the first 8 weeks and stupidly thought I had escaped any sickness.  While since then I have not felt all that well and most food is unappealing.  I asked Joe one morning if he heard how many times I 'got sick' and that I even was in the back yard 'getting sick' on my way out the door.  His wonderfully sweet (sarcasm) response "Not on my new rocks, right?" Oh my.  No sympathy this time around. But, knock on wood, it does seem to be getting better.  My mom gave me this awesome card about a week ago.  It sums it up perfectly. 

I know I had more to write, but I think I will leave it at that for now.  I'm sure I will have many more posts and updates along the way and am glad to be able to share with any of you who read this! :)

Take Care!
~Trina

Bayfield- August 26-28, 2011

My sister moved to Three Lakes about 6 months ago.  We hadn't seen her for awhile and she suggested we come up to go "camping".  Well, if you know me, you know I don't really do "camping".  (However, I would possibly go camping if it was the right situation and I hope to some day when we have older kids). 
Anyway, she suggested we meet in Bayfield, WI because it is really beautiful.  She was right.  By default I was in charge of finding lodging.  I googled and found a wonderful rental cabin.  I was going by what the website said and pictures and I must say (and I think I speak for us all) it was awesome.  I did good. :). 

I was nervous for the 5 hour ride with a 1 1/2 year old.  This was the farthest she had ever been from home.  My mom rode with us and sat by her which was VERY helpful.  Irelyn did quite well.  She read, slept, sang songs, and snacked.  Actually the sleeping was minimal, which was kind of a bummer and unexpected, but oh well.  I went with a "go with the flow" attitude all weekend.
We spent the first night walking around the town, shopping, eating, and getting ice cream.  Then, back to the cabin to enjoy it! 

Our only full day there we rode the ferry (with the car) to Madeline Island. 

Spent the day on the beach and at Tom's Burned Down Cafe.  The water was a little cold, but clear and beautiful!

Then back to the cabin :).  Irelyn makes great entertainment for everybody. 

On Sunday we slept in a little (8AM!), checked out, and headed to the cute little park on the water. 

After that, Irelyn was starting to melt down and would not allow us to sit and eat at a restaurant (after 2 failed attempts).  We ordered food to go and sat and ate in the park.  We said goodbye to auntie Rachel and we left for home. Irelyn was sleeping within oh 3 minutes.  She again slept only 1 hour and 15 minutes in the car and was a little more difficult to keep entertained all the way back, but she found her feet and we made it :). 

Great time.  Great Place.  Great Family.
~Trina

Potty and Paci

Our little girl is growing up so fast!

First, the potty. 
Ok, I have barely even started thinking about how to potty train her, but I have to share a funny story.  Last night right before bed Irelyn runs into the bathroom and starts yanking on the toilet seat trying to open it.  We put a lock on it months ago because she had started playing in the water while she hangs out with me while I get ready.  The lock has never bothered her before and she doesn't try to open the lid with it on.  She sometimes pulls on the lock to try and climb up onto the toilet but that's it.  So, anyway it was odd of her to be whining about opening it.  First, I ignore.  Then, I think, she is showing interest so I shouldn't ignore it.  I open it and set her on the seat, but don't pull her pants down or take the diaper off.  WELL, the girl starts bearing down like she is gonna poop and then a little fart comes out.  I am shocked and quickly remove the diaper.  She continues to push a little, relax, push, relax, but nothing comes out and her attention span passes.  But, I thought it was pretty cool that she did all that even if nothing came of it!

And the paci....
It actually seemed all too easy. We are just about done with it!  Our Super babysitter actually led the way on this one.  I was trying to cut back on the use, but wasn't going to really worry about getting rid of it until 18 months.  But she started going all day without using it at day care, so we went with it.  We are pretty much down to just night time now!  And even that I don't know that she needs it, but I have discovered throughout this that Joe and I are possibly more reliant on that thing than Irelyn is.  A couple times she has somehow found one and even then she stuck it in her mouth for a couple sucks and then handed it to us or one time I saw her reach up and set it on the counter. Thanks Sara for the kick to get rid of it!

~Trina

15 month Pics

Yes, Irelyn is almost 17 months, but I just picked up her 15 month prof. pics.  If you read this blog, this is the photoshoot that was tough on all of us.  Irelyn was really tired and we had just come from the doctor's office.  Fortunately, the photographer is WONDERFUL and you would never know any of that.  She gave me 80 beautiful pictures of my little sweetheart.  Here are just a few for your viewing pleasure.  I will post more to facebook soon :).

The grapes were a ploy to try and keep her happy.  Worked.

A Day in the Life...

As I said yesterday on Facebook..."If Irelyn was this good everyday, I'd have 10 kids.  It was a good day."

She cried maybe twice.  Not even when I took things away from her that she shouldn't have (the money from the piggy bank mainly) or stopped on activity before she was ready (playing with the faucet). 

I know this will be boring for some of you, but I wanted to document a whole day to read sometime down the road and look back on. As is the reason I write most these posts.  So it may be long and overly detailed and I don't mind if you don't read til the end....

A day in the life...
It's Wednesday, my day off. It started at about 6:40 AM when Irelyn woke up.  Joe got up to go shower.  I listened to Irelyn talk to herself for a little while and smiled before going in and getting her.  I changed her and then Joe came back to give her breakfast while I showered.  I was able to get mainly all ready before he left for work.  We then played or read books until 8:45.  I brought her car in from outside as it is way too hot to play outside (there is a heat advisory).

At 8:45 we left to run errands.  Kohl's was first.  I had a $10 coupon that had to be used in store.  I really couldn't find anything in the store that I wanted or needed, but it was 10 free dollars.  So, I ended up getting Irelyn a few clothes for the fall.  Next was Target.  I have had my eye on a lamp for her new room.  The last time we were in there they didn't have it.  It was back, but complex- they also had another one I liked.  It looked more like a chandelier. I ended up buying the purple one with ruffles, but still not sure if I will exchange it.  Maybe I will post both later and you all can help me decide.  But, I will also have to maybe show you a sneak peek of her future room.  It is almost done!  Besides moving the furniture from room to room, but that isn't necessary yet.  I also picked up chapstick and Irelyn picked out fish crackers.  We couldn't even get to the checkout before she needed to eat them :). 
It was 9:40 when we left.  Crap.  The mall is our next stop and its not open yet.  But, Barnes and Noble is.  We went and looked at books for awhile.  Irelyn has had a $5 gift card since Easter.  She clearly had a favorite book and it was $6.  Score.  It was of course a book with lots of pictures of animals.   Her favorite.  On to Gymboree to spend the Gymbucks.  I had $25, but you had to spend $50 or more to get $25 off.  I made the mistake of letting Irelyn out of the stroller.  Fail.  She ran all over, but thankfully stayed in the store.  She did finally settle on the little chairs atleast for a little while. The sales lady there is always so nice.  I had picked out my purchase which included a pair of jeans.  (Side note.  I can't believe baby jeans cost as much as adult jeans and they typically only wear them a few months. ) Anyway, the lady pointed out the jeans were buy one get one half off so I ended up with another pair of jeans along with 2 headbands, a tank top, and swim suit that I hope will fit next year. 
We left there and Irelyn needed her diaper changed.  Walked by the pretzel stand.  Free samples.  Another score.  Went in family changing room, after changing Irelyn, I go the bathroom.  Irelyn figures out how to open the door.  Another fail. 
On the way out, the DQ sign catches my eye.  To be fair, I haven't indulged in a Moolatte in awhile.  I stand there trying to decide, and finally give in to temptation.  The lady presents with my yummy French Vanilla Moolatte.  I realize it is smaller and cost less.  This still makes me very happy.  It is the perfect size!  Giant score.
Home for lunch.  Chicken tenders.  Irelyn doesn't eat well, but doesn't throw a fit and doesn't act hungry later (which is what really bothers me about her not eating) so I still consider lunch a partial success.  Side note- She has ate well since then. 
Play a little bit and then nap time.  Sleeps almost 2 hours.  Wakes up happy and we play/ read more.  Dad calls.  Wants meatballs for supper.  No BBQ sauce.  Irelyn and I run to the store for milk and BBQ sauce.  What a combo.  We need alot more than that, but I am not doing all that at the moment.
Home.  Put meatballs in crock pot.  More playing until dad comes home. 
A few friends and I had been planning to take the kids to the Onalaska pool for the night session all week.  Dad decides he would like to come as well.  Irelyn eats a PB&J sandwich.  Joe and I have to wait til after we get back for our meatballs. 
We had a great time at the pool.  It was still so hot even after the sun starts to set.  The water felt great.  Irelyn enjoys playing in the water and even goes down the little water slide once. I tried to go with her, but realized I really won't fit well, so I sent her down by herself and Nikki caught her at the bottom.  She is only slightly terrified :). 

Left pool about 8.  Home for bed.  Irelyn talks to herself for awhile as she is most likely still wound up from having fun at the pool.  She settles to sleep.  I am very tired.  Watch a little TV and check my facebook.  Read and then bed.  The good part of my book (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) seems to be over so I am now having a hard time finishing the rest.  Almost done.  Then on to Janet Evanich's Smokin Seventeen.

If you made it to the end of this- good for you!  I chose to write about a day off even though alot of days I do work. Those days are pretty much all the same.  About the same morning routine.  Irelyn goes across the street.  I work at the hospital, which I enjoy.  Joe works on computers all day (and night).  Pick Irelyn up.  Supper. Play. Bath. Bed.  With the occasional evening activity. 

I had today (Thursday, the day after the above day) off as well.  It consisted of Children's Museum and grocery shopping.  And a looong nap for both Irelyn and I. 

So there is your glimpse into our ever glamorous life!  It may not be everyone's idea of fun, but I wouldn't change it for the world!  Irelyn is the greatest joy in my life and I love every minute spent with her!

Carousels

Wednesday, my MIL wanted to take Irelyn and me to Lark Toys.  We invited my mom to come along as well.  It is a cute place with old fashioned toys, and hand carved beautiful Carousel, ice cream, llamas, and large toy store.  We got there and had to wake Irelyn up.  The carousel goes every half hour and was about to go as we got there so my mom and I got on right away with Irelyn.  She got scared and would not ride on the animal, so I held her.

First time around before it started

Afterwards we sat on the side and played for a little while.  She kept pointing and trying to get back on the carousel.  The nice employees let us get on when it wasn't moving and she loved looking and sitting on all the animals. 

watching with Grandma

Trying out the pig

Irelyn LOVES bears

We got some ice cream and tried the carousel again with much more success the second time around. 
We then spent quite a bit of time in the toy store.  They had open toys off the shelves to play with and
 Irelyn had a great time!

The second time around

The toys I remembered from the 80s

The next night we went to the fair in West Salem where Irelyn got to ride another carousel! 

She did really well this time, but the ride got a little long so we eventually sat down on the bench.  We went with a friend and her 2 daughters and the kids were all so cute together.

Joe cut off everyone else in the picture- oops

I thought Irelyn would love the animals, but she was scared to get too close to large animals (cows and horses).  She did like the bunnies and chickens.  The pigs were so-so for her.  I loved them!  The owner of some of the pigs let us in a pen to pet a pig.  Irelyn touched it and then started to cry :(.  Next year I think she will really enjoy the animals and maybe be able to do some more rides! 

Tonight we are trying taking her to a Logger's baseball game.  I'm guessing I won't see much of the game because she will be running around, but we'll see.  Wish us luck!