Work

Today when we pulled into the parking lot of my work (Steve and I carpool with the kids...they drop me off, he drops them off and then goes to work...then reverse order to go home), Kayleigh said she wanted to come to work with me. I asked what she was going to do..."Hand out stickers!" :)

Growing up

So a month or so ago, I asked Kayleigh..."What do you want to do when you grow up!"  And she quickly returned with "Doctor" and her reasoning is because they fix everything :)  The doctor is always who to call when you need something fixed around here :)

So the other day I asked her what Jacob was going to be when he was older.  Her quick response was "Bigger!"

QUICK POST

Sorry for the absence...apparently once I was done with school I never want to get back on the computer :(

Here's a family photo from Erin Kongshaug Photography photo shoot the other day:

Tomorrow...

My boss is kind enough to tell me in advance when I'll be having to leave work early due to lack of patients. Tomorrow is one of those days so I'll be taking my own car into work. Otherwise, Steve drops me off, then the kids off then goes to work. Then only one car is out, saving gas, and leaving less of a carbon footprint (is that the right term?).

So, tomorrow I'll be able to run a few errands that I would like to do without anyone with me :)  YEA!!! 

Happenings

On the day off we had so much fun!!  Except Kayleigh kept running away from us!  Her and Brody are probably the closest (probably due to age), but they have so much fun together! 

Kayleigh even went thru the play area of McDonalds (this was her first time) and she was very nervous.  She was so proud when she accomplished an area :)

Day off...

Today is my day off!!!  And...it's going to be close to 70 degrees!!!  AND...Grandma Onn and Brody are coming up for Brody's birthday shopping day!!!  AND...Kayleigh, Jakey and I are going with!!!!!!!!!!! 

It's been so long since I've been out shopping :)  Still tight on the money because paying off student loans are in effect, but still, just being out and about will be great!!!  Plus, if we go to Younkers I still have the Radiologist's Christmas present/gift card is still available :)

Hopefully this will be a great day off and the kiddos will behave!! 

Kayleigh will, because as she tells me "Brody's my buddy!"  They always give each other hugs when they see each other. Plus they hold hands when they are walking somewhere :)

Jakey...he's going through a definite growth spurt. Sunday he ate every TWO hours, about 5-6 ounces at a time!!!  Not sure this mama can keep up the supply!!!!  Plus, I just put away another big group of clothing he doesn't fit in!  He's skinny, but long.  However, last night I noticed his cheeks are getting really chubby!!! 

Here's a recent pic (January, but still the most recent).  Now I understand why the third kid has so few pics...especially since I'm not sure how the second one gets any.  Kayleigh had so many!

Taking a poll from my readers

Okay...I'm tossing some things up in the air here about graduation. 

Should I walk at commencement or not?

Here's my reasoning...and I would like to know what you all think...if not on here in an email.

Walk:
Maybe this can be a closing of a chapter.
Pride...this was hard and I did it!

Not:
I did this all online...only met Dr Stebbins (the director of the program) in real life
Do I really need recognition amongst all those people that I don't know?

Okay...what do you all think...and do you have any input?

Pics

We finally decided on Erin Kongshaug Photography to do Jacob's 3mo photos!  Erin is one of our neighbor's from growing up. Now she lives not too far from us.  She does great work!  We are hoping to get some outside shots, so we are going to wait til next week; it sounds like it's going to be a ton nicer than this weekend.

Hopefully the kiddos will cooperate!  She's more of a "catching a moment" type of photographer instead of a "pose the crew" photographer!  I'm hoping we can get some great shots :) 

I'm excited to get some new pics to post at work (I still have Kayleigh's early months in frames there...that is so sad)

Can't wait to show you all some :)

OOPs..sorry!

Today we finally got to have a good date night/Valentine's day dinner (since we forgot the gift card the last time).

But first we had to stop by the Urgent Care to have Steve looked at.  He's been coughing up a lung for...well since Feb 18th. I kept telling him to suck it up!  Not to think sick!  Well...with both kiddos sick and he being the guy who is in daycare (picking up and dropping off); he's been around TOO many sick kids.  Plus his work has a TON of sick employees (seriously people...stay home...just one day to try and get better and less contagious!!). He has bronchitis.  Sorry honey, you are really sick!  He is now on and antibiotic, steroids and cough medicine with codeine! 

Then we went to Olive Garden!  YUMMY...we even split a Turimasu (spelling?) and I had an alcoholic coffee (probably won't get that again!)

After that we went to GhostRider2!  Not too bad!  My first 3D movie in the Theatre.  I know...pretty sad, huh!  I'm not that impressed with 3D and HATE that it makes the movies cost so much!  DUMB!

Now...trying to get the kiddos to bed!  I'm pooped!

Tornadoes

I feel bad for those who are going through these tornadoes once again! 

However, how the heck does my house look like that and there hasn't been a tornado!?! 

OH YEAH!  This little girl named Kayleigh :) 

She is getting better about putting away her toys, but she definitely could do better.  Then I also remember that she is just over two years old. She'll get better as she gets older :) 

Sometimes I think, since she acts so mature, that we forget, she's still a LITTLE girl :) 

WE LOVE HER!!! (and I bet those of you who are reading this do too :) )

Finally!

So first and foremost...I admire anyone who tries to get a degree when they have kids and/or family of some sort!  Have it be a high school diploma, associate degree, baccalaureate or higher...it's hard!  REALLY hard to try and balance everything! 

Plus, most people who are striving for those degrees and have the family are trying to do it to make themselves for those kids and/or family.

However, today...I got an email from Dr Stebbins (the DMU coordinator/and my Internship professor) with a 100% on my Internship Portfolio.  This is the portfolio that I poured my blood, sweat and tears into!  I'm so proud of that Portfolio!

Then, I got an email from Fritz (my Capstone project professor) and he gave me an A- for my project. This is the project that I feel I could have done so much more with, but things just were never that great from the beginning. However, he's been my prof in so many of my classes, so he knows how I write. He's seen how I progressed over the degree.

WHEW!!!  It's done!  I'm so proud of myself!  I hope that doesn't sound so conceited!  However, the only way I could be here in this spot is for you!  All of you that are my family and friends who stood by me. Those of you who listened to me complain when I was tired. THANK YOU!!!  I appreciate all the time you spent listening and giving me advice!  I APPRECIATE YOU!

So...(once again not to gloat, but yet, gloat a little)...I started grad school Summer of 07, got engaged, married and had two kids, moved twice as well...and still graduated with a 3.85!!  WHOO HOO!!! 

New activities

Today Kayleigh, Jacob and I stayed home on my day off.  The morning went really well.  Kayleigh decided she wasn't going to take a nap for anything!  That's when it was bad.  Oh well!  She still did pretty well.  We got out some paint (the paint that I bought for the Valentine's stuff that we never got to). She had so much fun with that!  She loves painting!  She's very artistic, not perfectionist like me.

Oh...my prof for this last class emailed me this "I will give it a read today and tomorrow.  Our goal was to have you finish and even if this is not your "best work" I know what you are a capable of and getting to this point is an outstanding accomplishment.

If anything is missing, Ill let you know right away so we can sort it out ." 

Can I tell you this is a sigh of relief.  I know that this wasn't my BEST work.  I think my Internship was my best work and I put all my strength, energy and effort into that project that I didn't have much left for this one.  Oh well...he's had me in more classes than not, so he apparently remembers me and knows what I'm capable of!  THANK GOD!!!  I can't wait for these grades though!! 

I.THINK. I'M.GONNA BE.SICK ;)

I just posted my last project for my graduate degree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SIGH!

Now what to do!??!!  lol...just joking!  I need a mental break! 

TOMORROW...day off with my babies!!!!!!!!!!  I can't wait to snuggle!!!  I hope they are good!  :)

Kayleigh...grabbed a packet from our supper casserole thing Steve was making.K-- "What's this?" ME "Stuff for supper" K "I want supper" M "Daddy's cooking it" K "Darn it!"  bahaha...what?!?! 

Jacob...SUPER SMILEY BOY!!!!!!!!!!  He's so darn cute :)  Waiting for him to roll over!  Ever since this last cold, I think his head got to heavy for him. He went backward...can't hardly hold his head up.  Trying to work harder with him on tummy time to regain what he lost.  Is that weird? 

ugh...now waiting for grades.  Posted my Internship on 1/30 and still don't have a grade!  Ugh...the suspense!

OFF TO BED!!!  Night all!!!

Too Funny!

Kayleigh and Jacob went to Grandma and Grandpa Peterson Sunday so that I could finish my paper (which all I have to do is reread it and edit where needed) and Steve could get some stuff done around the house. We went to pick them up and Grandpa gave Kayleigh some treats to bring home to Shadow. As Steve was buckling her into her carseat, with said treats gripped tightly in hand, Steve said "Don't accidentally eat Shadows treats."  Kayleigh went from a giggly little girl to a look of horror and "GROSS!!!!!!!!" statement.  We both couldn't stop the giggles now.  She was so serious!!

Then we got home and I said "I love you, Kayleigh!"  She replies with "Thanks! (nice break) Love you!"  *at least she has manners*

Back to work...after a sickness weekend for me!  Hopefully it won't be too bad today and I'll be awake enough to put those final touches on the paper and submit it and be done!!!

Made my day!!!

So Friday I stayed home sick...good thing, b/c I don't think I would have been out of the bathroom much, and I finally held down food at 8pm Friday night (nearly 24 hours!!).  UGH!

SO...I was checking emails and such. AND...my professor for my last paper (class) emailed me and said if I made my deadline of February 28th (which I WILL!!!) I will still graduate this YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!  Oh...so very excited! 

Saturday (today) I didn't get much done. Played/hung out with the kiddos!  Needed that!  Kayleigh needed that!  She was definitely a mommy's girl today!  I LOVED IT!!!  We hid her animals from her Little People Zoo and then found them (about 5 times I think!).

Jakey is getting so big!!  He's making a new grunting? noises where he purses his lips and sounds like a piggy!  It's kinda cute!

We all did a lot of napping today.  Which we ALL needed.  I think maybe...just maybe...the illness is leaving the house!  Oh please, illness, leave us alone!!!

PS...I gave up chocolate for lent...and already broke it on Wednesday (twice...EEKS), but been better ever since :) 

Birthday!

Happy Belated Birthday to my mom!!!  She is the best mom in the whole world!  Someone who never judges, not very critical, allows you to make mistakes, but doesn't sit there and say "I told you so!" She is always there for you. She is the nicest person in the whole wide world. I wish I was more like her!  I LOVE YOU!!!!  (We all do!!)  We hope you had a wonderful day!

Kayleigh made a play-doh birthday cake for you at daycare. And she put a "birthday hat" on Jacob (mind you...the hat was actually a peepee-teepee). Bahahaha!

Happy Birthday, MOM!!!!

Oh no!

Just as Kayleigh is starting to feel better. Jacob's cough is 100% better. Steve's starting to feel just a little bit better. 

I GET HIT...and HIT HARD!!!!!!!!!  It happened so fast. Feeling great at work yesterday. Came home, was sitting with Jacob and Kayleigh and I started to feel a little dizzy.  Getting a hot flash, clammy hands, generally yucky feeling. Went up to bed. Kayleigh was laying down with us trying to calm down for bedtime. Then....BAM!

I spent more time in the bathroom last night then I did in bed!  And...12 hours later, still feeling pretty crappy. Steve talked me into calling in sick. I hate doing that!!!  I'd rather use my time off for fun!  Just not trying to get something to stay in me.  YUCK!!!

1st Haircut

Yesterday when we were in Osceola, Mom finally cut Kayleigh's hair. Just a little trim. Maybe not even an inch. Just enough to get those snaggles off the bottom of her curls.

This morning she woke up and they are just soft big curls!  I love it!!!  No "Ouch, Mommy!  No more!" yells :)  (sounds just like me...ask anyone in my family or just look at some of the pictures).



PS...someday I'll be coordinated enough to post pictures with :)

Refund baby!

YEA!!!  Today was successful!  We visited Grandma Mary and the MMC Mammo girls (first time they met Jacob)! We saw Aunt Rah Rah (Rhonda)!  Then we went to Osceola and the kiddos stayed with Grandma and Grandpa Onn (sadly didn't get in to see Grandma Lewis). Then we went to UJ's (the lawyer) and got our taxes done and talked about getting a will drawn up!  UGH...so depressing, but JUST IN CASE!!!

We get a refund!!! Which we weren't in doubt, but it will help with some debt!  We are still looking at our budget and trying to justify everything!  It's just so depressing knowing that we are going to be spending so much for daycare!  They get a great education there and Kayleigh has learned tremendously!!!  However, we hate that it raises 10% or something every year that you are there!  Really...can't you cut a break for the loyal people!?!?!  So...we've been thinking and figuring some stuff out, but still I hate living so tight with money!  I guess it's good to re-evaluate everything. There is a lot of spending that is so unnecessary that I do!  Steve as well!  SO...here's to a better budget for this Peterson Family!  Hoping that we can have fun as well! 

Antibiotics

Monday, daycare was closed for a teacher inservice. So..Steve stayed home with the kiddos...and got a taste of SAHD (stay at home dad). Not sure he liked that!  It was a very busy crazy day. They went to the pediatrician and got some antibiotics. Jacob has the start of ear infection and Kayleigh a really sore throat (or that's what Steve got out of that). Kayleigh ran away from him several times at the appointment...so he only heard a little.

By the time I got home, I think Steve was in for the night. Both kiddos weren't feeling up to it, but yet didn't want to sleep. Kayleigh kept saying "I'm tired!" but then gets this burst of energy out of nowhere and runs around. She found a megaphone and started yelling into the bedroom where I was laying down and FINALLY got Jacob to sleep.  UGH!!!  Crazy girl!

Tomorrow....is going to be busy!!!!!!!!!!!  Post more later :)

Slobbers

Now when we kiss Kayleigh, she immediately rubs it off and says "EW...SLOBBERS!!!!"  HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!

Jacob puked twice today :( Steve's taking the two of them to the pediatrician tomorrow morning!  And I mean puked!  Entire bottle full (3-4 ounces) a good 3 hours after he ate :(  Poor boy! And not even when he was coughing or anything!

The kids and daddy have tomorrow off because of an in service at the daycare!  We'll see how that goes! Then Tuesday...TAXES!!!!!!!!!  Come on Jakey...help us with a nice little refund...you Tax Deduction, you!

Bad Day

I think it started with me getting up on the "wrong" side of the bed!  UGH...I don't know what exactly started my domino effect of everything going wrong. I ended up in a very foul mood :( 

1) ended up dumping breast milk because it didn't get to the fridge in time :(
2) Credit Union laughed at us when we asked if we could do a debt consolidation with my student loans (second time that has happened)
3) went for our Valentines dinner and didn't have the gift card so felt very guilty eating out with so tight of a budget
4) Kayleigh tore all her lift flaps out of two books :(
5) grumpy sick kids = very tired irritable parents :(
6) MIGRAINE city for mama :(  (I just want to puke!!!)

Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day!  I sure hope so...I need to finish that darn paper! 

Tradition

I think it's becoming a tradition that this Peterson Family is sick during/around Valentine's Day :(  This is the third year in a row!!!  UGH!  And who's the one who is the healthiest and has to take care of everyone else...me!  Then when everyone else gets better who gets sick...ME!  UGH!!!!!!!  I just want one year!  JUST ONE YEAR!  When we are all healthy to enjoy the balloons (which we didn't get this year), the flowers, the candy, the presents!  Oh well! 

I think a trip to Urgent Care is taking the place of Valentine's dinner out :(  Hopefully they don't just send us home and say it'll take it's course. Poor Jakey is so congested he can't eat!  :(  POOR BUDDY! 

Tired household

When a two year old and an eleven week old have colds (coughing, stuffy nose, just plain don't feel good), not too many sleep very well. Too many times have I woke up with one of the kiddos having a coughing fit. HOWEVER...knock on wood...I think we are getting healthier!  However, now the sleepy kiddos are here...the ones who would rather sleep than get up and ready for school!

Today, Kayleigh was getting herself into her seat...or supposed to be getting herself in her seat when she locked Steve out of the car!  Luckily it was just her door!  Whew!

Kayleigh also is in a stage of thinking getting in trouble is funny!  No matter how stern we are she giggles and laughs.  She'll put herself in time out too!  Man...really!  Now what do we do? 

She loves her new purse and lip glosses she got from Grandma Onn for Valentine's Day!  And now she's playing with the "puppy gog" (stuffed puppy dog) that Jacob got from Chris and Melonie (I THINK?) for Christmas.  Apparently "animal doctor" is very popular with her during play time at school (I think to a close second to beauty parlor).

This weekend Steve and I are going to go out for Valentine's Day since I was working on my presentation on the actual Valentine's Day!  And...Pinterest Neapolitan Cupcakes were a hit at the work party today!!!! 

Now...off to bed, I'm TIRED!!!!!!!!!!

Pinterest

Made my first Pinterest recipe...Neapolitan Cupcakes!!!  MMM...they weren't bad! Steve approved as well!  Plus...I got fancy with the frosting...put it in a Ziploc bag to frost!  Messy, but looks pretty :)  I need to cut a smaller hole next time though...ran out of frosting before I was done frosting! 

PS...one more paper to turn in (almost done writing it)!  Then I'm DONE!!!!!!!!!!  I'm hoping to get that accomplished this weekend :)

PPS...found out a way to save us $200+/month...the kids will both be staying home on my day off starting next week!  That's going to be crazy for me, but so worth it!  Can't wait to have kiddo time and save money!

PPPS...Trishka, may have to start figuring out playdates with you :)  Parks when it's nice...can't wait!!!

Well...hmmm......

OOPS!!!!  Fell asleep after working a LITTLE on my presentation!  Steve said he tried to wake me up so I can keep working on it, but I didn't budge!  I guess I needed that sleep!  Been up now since 3am with Jacob (who fell asleep about 4:30) and I feel pretty good about my presentation now! 

However...these ladies that I have to present to...well, they are a little...scary!  Not sure how to describe them. I mean, this project I have felt used from the beginning. I feel I was only there to do their paperwork and then they were done helping me. So I feel....just weird!  Oh well...just get thru the stupid presentation, presenting my points, and go from there :) 

Can you tell...I'm ready...to be...DONE!

Yesterday

Well...yesterday's post was forgotten...too TIRED!  We had to run after work to get some Valentine's for Kayleigh's daycare class (which we just found out we needed on Friday--and I just found out Monday morning!).  So...off to the Dollar Tree! 

Valentine's is fun!  We really would like to do more with it...more crafts, more food, and Pinterest helps :)  I can't wait until next year when I am not doing school and Jacob will be more mobile (that may be a good or a bad thing!)

This year, we won't be celebrating like I would like. No money and no time. Trying to finish up my last project. The presentation is tomorrow morning. Then I'd like to post my paper soon after, but I'm guessing it will be Sunday night before it gets perfected...but that's fine by me :)

I.CANNOT.WAIT.TO.BE.DONE!

I just want it to not take over my life!  I want to read books with my kids, watch movies, relax, clean, and not feel guilty about not doing my homework!  Speaking of...I better finish this powerpoint!

Progress...

42 pages 10,052 words...still working!  UGH...just want to be DONE (and I'm sure you want me to so I can quit talking about it).

My presentation is scheduled for 9am on Wednesday and I am NOT rescheduling it!!!  If anything I can do some final touches on my paper afterwards, but get the main stuff in the presentation.

The kiddos have colds :(  Kayleigh just puked about 5 mins ago. I think she (and Jacob) are just so congested that the snot going down their throats are causing them to gag and eventually puking :(  Plus, Kayleigh's appetite is just not up to much. Jacob on the other hand has been doing 5 ounces every 2 hours today. Can we say GROWTH SPURT again!?! 

I can't wait for this project to be done so I can get some much needed cuddle time with my kiddos :)

Mind.won't.stop

I hate when I get into a mode of nerves, worries, fears. My mind just won't stop! 

Today the kiddos went to Grandma and Grandpa Peterson's for some fun and excitement away from their boring parents. I was going to do my best to get my last paper finished and my presentation to go with it. However, then I starting thinking. About EVERYTHING!!!  I hate when I do that! 

I started worrying about money. About cleaning. About sleep or lack their of. About anything and everything. The bad part is most of it, I can't really do much about it. So...why am I stressing?  I blame genetics!!!!  Grandma Lewis is known to go to bed around 9pm. But she's almost always up around 2-3 because she starts worrying about something.  Then rarely gets much more sleep until she finally gets up around 5-6ish. Pretty sure my mom does the same thing and maybe Stacey.

I just hate thinking about costs of daycare, my student loans, mortgage, trying to keep everything squared away and stay above water.  It will work out...I know it will, but I still worry. 

I even called my mom. Didn't say anything, but for some reason just hearing her voice makes me realize that I'll be okay.  :)

Sorry...weird post!  Don't worry, we are fine, but I.WORRY.TOO.MUCH! (and I didn't get my paper/presentation finished :( and too tired now...from unnecessary worrying)

2nd Hand Stores

Today I was able to leave work early due to lack of patients. So, I went to Little Repeats...a 2nd Hand Store for children's clothing. This store is going out of business at the end of the month, so everything is 40% off right now. A co-worker was talking about it and we both said we'd never heard of this one...there are so many now. Maybe lack of advertisement is what is shutting them down. Plus they are kind of out of the way and hard to see. So any of you that are reading this wanting to see what's there they are located on 86th Street behind Panera in between Hickman and Douglas in Urbandale.

I think I'd do more thrift store shopping if they wouldn't crowd their merchandise. I hate when I can push clothes out so I can see them. I went to a Goodwill once and the same thing happened. They have their clothes pushed so tight and so full that you can't even pull them out a bit to see what is on them. I need to remember that for garage sales too. Plus, I hate when it's so busy and people are so rude that you don't even get a chance to look.

Anyway, I was able to grab some name brand jeans for both of the, a couple summer outfits for Jacob, and a skirt for Kayleigh (total 7 or 8 items) for $16. They all looked pretty good quality. There was a lot of stuff there, but just not what I was thinking of at this time. Lot's of "preppy boy" outfits too.  However, we just don't wear that stuff much. Who wears button down shirts and sweaters to daycare? 

If anyone has any other pointer for thrift store shopping let me know.  I haven't had the best of luck with them, but I know many that have had great luck.

I LOVE YOU!

Kayleigh is learning to say "I LOVE YOU" by pointing to her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest and pointing to whomever she wants (mainly Daddy...not that we have a Daddy's girl or anything...wink wink).

CUTE! 

See if she'll do it to you the next time she sees you!

Today...

Today was my day off!  Jacob decided to wake up at 3:30 for a bottle and diaper change. So I pumped while daddy did his duty. Then we were wide awake so we watched some episodes of Frasier on Netflix.  I think I fell asleep when Steve went to take his shower, but was back up to help feed/change the kids before they went to Daycare (and didn't take a nap!).

I got SOOOO much stuff done today!  It's amazing how much you can accomplish when the kiddos are at daycare and Daddy is at work!  :)  However, I didn't get my homework finished on my last class.  Oh well...Grandma Mary called and requested some babysitting time, so she's getting them this weekend!  I'll get my homework done then!  Scheduled my presentation for the 15th at 9am (so...I'll be COMPLETELY done then :) I guess I have to wait and make sure I pass, but I'm hoping that's a definite).

Well...off to bed...the rest are sleeping, so I should probably get there too :)

Growing up

Kayleigh:

Likes to dress herself. She gets very frustrated, but does a very good job (in my opinion) for a 2 year old.
She can cut with scissors, use glue, and loves to color (and getting around to coloring in the lines). She's a girlie girl and loves her purses, dress shoes, lip gloss, nails painted and she even wore a bow for her Tea Party last week. At school she is mostly dry diapers and using the potty type of girl!  We are still working on doing that at home. She's been refusing, but starting to get better about it. She's really talking in more understandable full sentences. She now gets herself into the car and her car seat!!!  She's still a big helper with Jacob. Now she helps take Jacob into school, helps with the bags and also helps get everything ready to come home.

Jacob:

He's Mr. Smiley Man!  LOVES to smile!  He's trying so hard to roll over. He LOVES his bath. We are starting to grow out of his 0-3 month clothes, especially his full body outfits (Sleep n play's). He likes wearing two piece (onesie and pants) outfits better.  He can really kick in those. In the Sleep n Play's he kicks and gets his feet stuck in the crotch and gets mad. We are still trying to sleep thru the night. Some nights are really bad where he wants to party at 12-1 until 2-3 and alarm clock goes off at 4 to get us all out the door by 6:30 to get me to work at 7 and them to daycare and Steve to work by 8. He's changing so much. Sometimes I look at him and he doesn't look like the little boy that I sent to daycare. He is in major study mode right now. When Steve went to get him he was hanging out at daycare on the Boppy pillow checking out his new surroundings.

We SURVIVED!

Really...today was so much easier than with Kayleigh.  I think it's because I am so exhausted!  LOL...it's a good feeling, really, it is!  I love being a mommy and a wife!  I would rather do this and never have to work!  It's a much more fulfilling job and rewarding than any other job will ever be!

Kayleigh apparently was very crabby today!  She did much better after a nice long nap after lunch. But I guess there was a lot of crying.  Poor girl! 

Jacob...was laid back!  :)  He had fun batting at some animals they stuck in front of him :)

Steve...well, he made it thru.  I don't think he fell asleep at his desk, but who knows. He may not remember

I did pretty darn good. Didn't forget much, except my password that accesses my main program :)  Oh well...got that fixed at 7:15, so that didn't take much. I cleaned up some email too :) 

Now...if we can just get Jacob on a better schedule!!!!!!!!  I feel really bad for Steve, but I'm just not keeping my eyes open!  UGH!!!  I LOVE THAT MAN!  He can live off of so little sleep!  I'm just hoping he can get caught up soon!  He doesn't remember, but Saturday night into Sunday he did get quite a bit (7:30pm-6:30am with maybe 1 1/2 bottle feed/get back to sleep time in the middle). I on the other hand only sleep maybe every 45 mins an hour. I wake up to every little noise. Mainly Kayleigh noises.  She's been having dreams?  She wakes up crying, but doesn't really wake up. Not sure what's going on there; thus not really knowing how to fix it.

Well...here's to better sleep!!!

Superbowl

Didn't watch a single bit of it!  We went down to O-Town for part of the day. Kids enjoyed it!  Both crashed about 8pm. You would think I'd be in bed by now :(  Nope...Steve's working on laundry. I'm planning on laying down, but feel bad Steve's still up!  Oh well...I have to get back to an actual routine tomorrow.  I actually have to be awake and functioning at work from 7-5:30.  UGH!!!  I usually snuggle/sleep with Jacob at least once a day :(  Oh well...back to reality!  Already tired thinking about it!

First big snow!

Today we finally got a significant amount of snow...I'd say 6 inches my looking. Kayleigh decided she needed to get out there, so she helped shovel!  And did a pretty good job!  It was so cute to watch from the window as I stayed warm feeding Jacob :) 

Today was a very long day!  Both kiddos were somewhat crabby.  NO HOMEWORK done...oh well!!!  :(  Kayleigh was clingy and naughty. She's starting to SCREAM just to wake Jacob up!  And is doing a good job of it. Jacob did not nap well.  I think she's sick of staying in the house.

Tomorrow's agenda...hopefully get to Osceola!  Was told to bring our snow attire...oops, bad parents...left our snow pants at school. Oh well...have boots, gloves and coat, so we'll just have to bring several pairs of pants :)  Can't wait to watch Kayleigh play with the boys (hopefully they'll remember in all the fun she's the little one!)...sorry mommy speaking there ;) 

OOPS...

My goal was to post every night this year!  Well...does 3am Saturday morning still count for Friday's post?  I hope so!  I'm going back to bed, so that's how I'm justifying it :)

Today was my last week day of maternity leave. Jacob went to daycare from noon-5.

And Kayleigh had a Mad Hatter Tea Party at daycare, so I went to that (since I very rarely get to go to functions at this time anyway). I walked in and she was SOOO excited!  However, she really thought that it meant she got to go home.  Oh well...she got over that :)  Pretty much all we did was have snack together.  But she showed me her room and all her artwork!  Then after snack they were going outside to play, so that helped for her to stay and me to leave. Plus...this is the part I love...all the kids were calling for her to come with them :)  Sophie, Marshall, Colin were at the door..."Come on Kayleigh!  Come on!" and Henry was getting his coat on..."Wait for me Kayleigh, I'm coming!"  Apparently she's Ms. Popular!

Oh...and every morning her and her friend Leah sit down to eat a pre-breakfast (since they are the earliest ones there). Lately it's been oranges. Kayleigh (as you most know) is a Ms. Let Me Do It, type of girl. Figuring everything out way before she should for her age. Has been opening her own oranges. So...now Leah's has figured it out. Leah's mom is a teacher at the daycare in the older rooms. Carrie (Leah's mom) is having it put in as a requirement that the 4 year olds should be able to open their own oranges if two-two year olds can. REALLY...hahahaha!!!! 

Another thing Kayleigh can do, which is somewhat of a problem, is that she has figured out those door knob things. The ones to help keep the kids in the room...somewhat a safety thing. Well...that doesn't stop her!  She can get out of any room...even deadbolts don't stop her!  Which makes me think we are going to have to get another lock for the top of doors if she ever starts to try and get out without our permission. Reminds me of the story of the Haines' twins from home, where they unlocked the door and one or both of them were found asleep at the street drain in the middle of the night!  EEKS!!!!!!

Ok...I'm going to finish feeding Jacob. Steve started as I pumped, but his "narcolepsy" has set in and he keeps falling asleep. Which then the bottle falls out of Jacobs mouth. We all need a 24 hour of just SLEEP...but that's not gonna happen!

PS...still trying to finish up on one more project for school!  Hoping to get a majority of it done today (Saturday) so that we can go to Osceola tomorrow to hang out for the SuperBowl/just see the fam!  Wish me luck. 

Transitioning

Jacob went to daycare today with Kayleigh and Daddy. They did very well!!!  I did very well also :)  No tears!!  I was able to enjoy my breakfast and take a nice long shower, then ran errands!  I got most of the stuff done today that I wanted to, but have more to do tomorrow.

Jacob will go another 1/3 day tomorrow. THEN...Monday, I have to go back to work full-time. I'm ready, but yet I'm not. I like not going out of the house unless I want to. I like not having to get ready unless I want to. But I guess...I need to make some money so I can have fun with my babies!!! 

Well...for some reason I am more exhausted today that I have been in a very long time. So...getting everything and everyone ready for bed, then heading there myself. Right now...Steve is snoring behind me as Kayleigh watches Blue's Clue's Alphabet Train...she's waiting for her letter :)

Jacob's stats

I'll have to look up all the stats on Kayleigh...but if I remember right....
Jacob:

Birth: Weight: 7 lbs 13 oz
          Length: 21 in

2 week: Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz
             Length: 21 1/4 in

2 month: Weight: 10 lbs 15 oz
              Length: 23 in

He's doing so well!!!!!

Tomorrow he's doing a 1/2 day at daycare in the am.  :)  I'm okay with it...really I am.  I think it gets easier the second kiddo :)

Tomorrow...I'm taking a LONG shower...even taking time to shave my legs :)  And I have a LONG LONG LONG list of errands that I've put off, because it's so much easier to do them without having to lug a car seat in and out of the car every time you have to go into another store.

We'll see how Kayleigh does with Jacob at daycare. I'm sad to see my leave coming to an end, but I'm excited to get into a routine. We'll see how I feel in a couple of weeks ;) 

Well...

Last night did not go as expected. I got very overwhelmed, which was intensified because I was sooooo tired!  I had worked so hard on my Internship stuff over the last month, perfecting everything (40+ pages, 9000+ words, and several artifacts, plus 2 BIG projects) that I think my mind and body gave up on me. So...at 11:30pm after trying to work on my Capstone project I gave up...set my alarm for 2:45 (Jacob decided to wake me up at 2) and pretty much freaked out!  I felt so overwhelmed, felt like crap, that I just decided it wasn't going to happen.

At 3:30 after much debate, decided not to stress my mind or body out anymore. Just to postpone my presentation and take the next month (thanks to my very generous professor) to finish up on my capstone. The bad part of this is that I won't "graduate" until next May now.  Oh well!!!  I think my sanity is okay with that!  I'll know that I "graduated" prior to then. I'm disappointed in myself, but yet, I'm still proud of myself!

I'm going back to work next Monday. Jacob has his 2 month appointment tomorrow (Feb 1st), then he's doing a 1/2 day on Thurs and Fri at daycare. I'll be back to 4-10 hour days, so I'll have some uninterrupted time to work hard on that capstone. Still wanting it done, but wanting to give it the credit it deserves! 

THEN...I'll still have both kids going full time to daycare, and I'll take my day off to CLEAN!!!  This house is a disaster with two little ones, a daddy chasing after both of them while a mommy finishes up her schooling. I'm actually excited to start cleaning. I really want to organize and declutter. I just hope I have that stamina once I get the chance.

Once again...thank all of you who have supported me through these last 4 years of grad school.  I couldn't have done it without you. Especially Steve, Mom and Stacey. You guys really helped cheer me on, amongst others, but you listened to me cry and doubt myself and still stood by supporting me and I seriously can't thank you enough.  However, if I get that wild hair up my butt in the near future about doing more degrees...PLEASE TALK ME OUT OF IT...at least until the kids are in school and my loans are paid off ;)

Could it possibly be?!?!

The end of my career of a lifetime student!?  Probably not! 

BUT...I'm hoping I can get this paper pushed out tonight and put together a presentation over it :) 

I have til the end of February to get my incomplete fixed, but if I get it in by the end of January I can officially GRADUATE in May of this year, otherwise it won't be until May of next year! 

Wish me luck! 

Thank you...

Grandma and Grandpa Onn and the Feehan family (and possibly Chris!?!?) 


Kayleigh enjoyed her time down in O-Town today!  (and mommy enjoyed a lot of uninterrupted work time!!!).  She was so tired when she got home. Crashed about...7:30 or so!  Which is pretty early since we sometimes fight up til 10 pm a time or two.

Well...best be getting back to the typing...right now at 35 pages...approx 9000 words!  And I have another to work on for Tuesday :(  UGH!!!!!!

Help Wanted...

One of our goals...New Year's Resolution if one must say, is to save some money. Now that we have two kiddos and my student loans will be coming into effect, Steve and I are trying to be a little more frugal. I've been (in the past) signed into several different websites, etc to teach me frugal ideas, couponing, etc. I never really got into it and now they are just SPAM to me.  SOOOOO...I want to know what are the best ones. Any ideas you have found useful yourself?  Ideas ideas ideas...please send me what you have done yourself with saving and being more frugal. Anything from your at home remedies for cleaning agents (those get expensive at the store, plus I just wonder what we ingest) to couponing tips, etc. Email me if you want (meganegeorge@yahoo.com).  THANKS in advance...please help us reach our goal!

Light at the end of the tunnel

So...one presentation left on Tuesday from 11-12. I have the two portfolios to finish up on (lots to do, but I think it will be okay).  So...putting my nose to the grindstone. Trying to ignore the exhaustion. If I can just get thru Tuesday noon...I'm hoping to leave the presentation and drop my stuff of at DMU and be DONE!!!!!!!!  Wish me luck.  I know I've whined enough about it. I just feel better once I complain (via paper) and get it off my chest. Then when it gets bad in my head again, I complain once more. I've cried a few times, feeling very overwhelmed and then it's better.  My goal is to have my portfolio for my Internship in rough draft (which is pretty much final draft with just a reread and edit small grammatical errors) status by tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm.  This is the time of my cousin's little boy's 4th birthday party, which will be a nice break. Then I can really focus on my Capstone project and presentation. THEN BE DONE!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for everyone who has helped...kind words, shoulder/ears, etc. that you have let me borrow during this time. It has meant a lot!  At truthfully...you deserve this diploma as well...Steve especially.  Not sure how he handled all my emotional breakdowns, but he's still here...and says he still loves me when I get crazy ;)

Kids are doing great!  Hoping to post more later on them :)

Keep reading...and let me know if there is anything specific you want me to blog on...starting to lose ideas :)  Maybe I'll get more when I don't have school work and we aren't stuck in the house constantly :)

Two month present :)

Last night, Jacob, you gave mommy and daddy a present for your 2 month birthday!  YOU SLEPT THE WHOLE NIGHT!!!!!!!!!  Neither mommy nor daddy realized it until we talked. We both thought the other must have gotten up with you and the other slept thru it, because we are so exhausted.

However, today when you and mommy stayed home together, you were very cuddly/clingy. You wouldn't lay down for anything. Every time you fell asleep in mommy's arms and I laid you down to nap, you woke up within 15 minutes. Made for a very unproductive day, but mommy enjoyed it :)  I loved looking down on your and seeing those LONG eyelashes :)

Now you are asleep and Kayleigh had her nails done :)  She loves the nail polish that Santa brought to her at Grandma Onn's house :)  You don't like the smell, but you tolerate it :) 

We love you guys :)

8 weeks ago

Jacob, eight weeks ago you came into this world. I bawled!  I love you baby boy!  You are such a joy!  Your smiles are priceless and can make some one's day brighter just by smiling...ask anyone that's seen that smile :)  You swing at things, you try so hard to roll over. You are 3/4 of the way there, if you can just figure out how to get that arm under you, you would be there.

You LOVE your sister!  You listen to what she is doing and watch her when she's in sight (might be in adoration or you are scared of what she can do!). You love to snuggle :)  You HATE wet diapers...as soon as you pee, we know!  We are trying to "train" you to fill the diaper up a little more so we can at least get some USE out of the diaper before we take it off!  You are getting better at that :)  You HATE being cold...just like your daddy. We have learned the main reasons you are cranky...hungry, wet, cold or tired.  Other than those...you love looking around, standing on mommy/daddy's lap (those legs are getting stronger), watching the ceiling fans and giving Sissy hugs :) 

You are a pretty good baby overall. You are more of an "instant gratification" baby than your sister was (OY!). You are getting so big. Your appointment isn't until next week, so not sure your exact weight and length, but I'm expecting a pretty good growth spurt. You are almost out of your 0-3 month outfits now :) 

We love you, little guy :)

School

I so want to be done with these last few projects. And truthfully I would have been done with them months ago, but I'm a wife and a mom and a full time employee and a full time student this semester.

WHY!?

It's hard.  It's really really hard. I find myself doubting myself on a daily basis. I've cried more than I have ever cried because of school this semester (may have to do some with hormone imbalance due to pregnancy, but still). I have been more frustrated and exhausted that I have ever been in my whole life.

Now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but yet I can see how much I still want to do. And let's be serious here, if I was a single, no baby individual, I could probably finish this all up with an overnighter, but I'm not. I have a husband and two little ones and this is going to take me a week to finish (if not more), but all I have is a week. I'm freaking out!!!

Let me admit...I'm a perfectionist. I want to get a good grade on these last two projects. They are the biggest projects I have had for my grad school experience. And when I look at what I AM going to get done...I'm scared of what grade I feel I deserve on them. I probably won't get that bad of a grade, but still...I feel like I could do so much better.

My dad once told me, no one is going to remember the GPA or the letter grades when you are done. You just have to be able to put forth what you learn. That is all that matters!  So...why am I stuck on getting that certain grade?  Why can't I just put down what I learned and be okay with that? Why do I have to have the best. It's almost a competitive feature, but I wouldn't consider myself that competitive, maybe I am, but I don't feel that way.

UGH...okay, got to get to it.  We'll see how much sleep I get tonight.  It's not looking good :(

Why we always come back to things...

Kayleigh is so picky, but yet she loves EVERYTHING!  That's why we never give up on stuff (don't give up, never give up....sorry Yo Gabba Gabba song!)!  We will go in spurts of not liking something (don't like it...) and within a week or so, give or take, she'll love it!  For example...Veggie Tales.  We've tried getting her to watch these in the past. We have a couple on DVD even. But we've gotten "don't like it" whine so we put them aside. :(  I LOVE VEGGIE TALES!!!!!!  However, as we noted in the last post, we went to the Lloyd's house and Bryan put on Madame Blueberry.  I think we had that playing three times since we left their house :)  Now, we've gotten back into Veggie Tales!!!  YAY!!!!!! 

Lloyds

Can I just say, "WE LOVE THE LLOYDS!" The Lloyds are Bryan, Trisha and Kayden (Oh and Zildjian!). Bryan, I grew up with in O-Town. Trisha, I met at Simpson. They fell in love and got married had their first fur baby Zildjian, then their first little guy Kayden came along...man almost TWO years ago!!!  Anywho...

We went over to the Lloyds today so Steve could get a massage from Trisha. He's been having pain in his left leg that has really been bugging him. So we'll see if it's muscle, with Trishka's help, or if it's bone...hoping muscle and she can work it out for him :) 

Anyway...Kayleigh and Kayden are so cute together!!!!  They are...what, not quite 5 months apart!  They were having so much fun today!  Peek-a-boo with the curtains, reading books, playing, jumping, just having so much fun!

Found out later that it was kinda distracting, but not in a bad way, for the massage-goers. Oh well...they were just jealous they missed out on the fun :)  However, I'm thinking the massage would have been pretty good too!!!  Trisha...if you are reading this, I may be getting one soon too!!! :)  First, get my husband back to normal, then I'll just enjoy it to enjoy it :)

PS...my family feel as these three (I don't think many have met Zildjian) are part of our family. They are the family we CHOOSE instead of blood relation. I'd do anything for these guys...just like family.  I love you guys!!!

Exhaustion

I hate when I am this exhausted and everything hits that last nerve. I hate that something someone says gets right under my skin and festers. I hate how it effects how I feel and act and think of myself. I wish that I was that person that could just let it roll off my shoulder, but I can't. I sit and dissect it from every angle and it eats at me. I hate that I care so much about what others say, even if it's not directly about me or toward me. Why do I have to think about it so much?  Why? Why? Why?  Sometimes I wish I lived as a recluse with Steve, Kayleigh and Jacob in a very remote area where I didn't have to deal with all this crap. However, I would miss my mom, dad, sister, brother, brother-in-law, nephews, Grandma, and more. I just wish I could ignore things instead of listen to ALL of it! 

I think I'm just exhausted!

MAMA!!!!!!!!

Since I have been on maternity leave, Kayleigh goes to daycare with Steve and comes home with Steve. We have made it a routine to have her kiss me and Jacob bye and specifically say "See you after school!  Have a great day!" She is reluctant in the mornings, but when she comes home at night...she runs in the house, yelling...literally yelling...."MAMA!!!!!!!!!"  I absolutely love it.  She's a daddy's girl, so I'll take as much as I can get :)  I love my Kayleigh!!!!

Funnies

Kayleigh:
In the car, if you don't respond right away..."DAD...WAKE UP!!!!!!!"  (mind you, Steve's not sleep driving!)
Teddy Grahams aka Baby Bears.  And the Baby Bears use the top of the container as a trampoline.
Currently loves cottage cheese, hard boiled eggs and chocolate milk :)

Jacob:
Loves hearing "Amazing Grace" being sung to him.
Has found his tongue.
Has found his right arm/fist (more so than his left).
Thinks the mobile is funny :)

Curiosity...

killed the cat...or keeps me interested :)

Just wondering who all reads my blog?  I use it just to remember stories and what not about the kiddos and their activities. I know my mom and sister read it pretty regularly, but who else? 

Allergies/Sensitivities/Intolerances

Allergies/Sensitivities/Intolerances...being in the medical field I think I know a little about this stuff, but not ALL about them. I am lucky to say that I am not allergic to much...only gold!  (or as one of my professors told me at Simpson...You are just allergic to one of the alloys that is put with gold when making jewelry...not gold itself).  Whatever...I just know that I break out in hives, just like my mama, when I wear gold...cheap or the nice stuff, doesn't matter. So I stick to Sterling Silver, Platinum or Palladium.  Those seem to work (and can be more expensive in the end).

Well...reason I am thinking about this today is that Jacob has started up this rash on the right side of his face (mainly).  So I'm trying to figure it out, so that he doesn't have to deal with all the allergy crap some kids have to. I think it may be my body wash that I am using from Bath and Body Works. So today, the start of my experiment, I bought some sensitive skin body wash. Then when I hold Jacob in the nook of my left arm, it won't be the previous body wash, but instead this sensitive skin stuff.  Maybe that will help his new, soft baby skin from being irritated. We'll see!

I know there are several people who are so very very very cautious about everything with their kids. I'm not saying they are right or wrong, but still.  I am not one to soap down every single thing from binkie to toy to try and avoid illness or be very careful what they eat as to not pass it thru the breast milk (okay...I'm trying to cut down on the caffeine and I don't drink heavily, but I do eat garlic, drink milk, as well as other things that I hear people avoid).  I think sometimes we need to build up their immunities.  I'm pretty sure all these things weren't around to do when I was growing up, and like I said before, I'm pretty normal (hey...shush in the front row) with the allergies/sensitivities/intolerance section of my life as is Steve. So hopefully our kids will take after us.

PS...went to Olive Garden today and had salad and bread sticks...and my pumped breast milk smelled like garlic...hahahaha. sorry, maybe that's TMI, but still funny!

Today...

So I got some stuff done, but still not as much as I'd like.

Steve, Jacob and I took Kayleigh to daycare at 7 this morning. Then we went to Mercy West from 7:30-8:30 to get some stuff for my Internship that I had yet to get. Then we went over to Pleasant Hill to pick up Steve's contacts from the Optometrist. Went to Fareway after to get some food. Made it home around 11. Started working on some homework. Steve made me some lunch and Jacob was in and out of sleep. (I think Steve now realizes why I cannot get anything done with Jacob at home with me). Then went to the Chiropractor at 1:30, got home after running a couple of errands at Walmart and Hallmark. At 3 I was able to get a little more homework done, then went to pick up Kayleigh at 4:30. Got home, started dinner, and now getting settled in to more homework now at 10 pm. Laundry done amongst the time we were home. See...when do I get a chance to get anything done?!?!  UGH!!!!  Migraine settled in around 10:30...2 Excedrin Migraine and 3 Ibuprofen later...I think I may have finally got rid of it. Now my eyes are tired and I'm trying so hard to stay focused, but I just want to sleep!  Where are the extra 5 hours in my day!?!

I hate how it seems like every day flies past. I know I shouldn't take advantage of any minute. I love my kiddos and my family. I just wish there was a Cleaning Fairy, a Homework Fairy, a Kitchen (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) Fairy, etc. I'm hoping once I get done with these classes, I will hopefully still have 4-10 hour shifts at work and am able to get control of my house (cleaning/organizing) while Steve's at work and the kiddos are at daycare and maybe that will reduce my stress around the house. Then maybe we can just relax and enjoy ourselves during the week more.

K...think I'm done whining. Let's see if I can get a little done before I crash...2-3 am will come fast (generally that's when Jacob is back up for more nummers).

Ah...

Tomorrow Steve has the day off!!!  Kayleigh will be going to daycare (gotta keep that kid in a schedule if we can!) and I'm working on....HOMEWORK!  Hopefully I will get it done!  I'm to the point where I need to shove my procrastination as well as my perfectionism to the side and just be done with it.  I really want a good grade, but then again, I just want to be done!  I want to quit feeling guilty for not doing my homework as well as the other side of the card...not doing stuff with my family. 

I'm actually looking forward to cleaning my house :)  It's gotten so out of hand. I use to be a very clean and organized person when it came to my house...almost OCDish. Now...I'm good with if things that need to get to the trash get to the trash!  :)  (okay...really it isn't that bad, but it's not my OCD type house either)

Oh...pray that I feel well tomorrow, that I don't get a migraine, and that Jacob does not drive his daddy mad! 

Things that you don't notice

Today Grandma Mary came to babysit while we ran some errands that are so much easier when you aren't toting along with a toddler and infant. When we got home, it was funny to hear what Kayleigh is more prominent on doing that we take advantage of. I feel sometimes when you see/hear it daily it doesn't seem as exciting than it is when someone who only sees them weekly or every other week (or longer).

Kayleigh has become quite the mother. She had about 10 of her dolls out. She's been reading, feeding, burping, singing, rocking them amongst other things. Hmm...where is she seeing this on a daily occasion? At least, as far as Grandma Mary has stated, they are being fed by bottles...(thank goodness!).

She also is loving her tea set. However, she's been serving more coffee with the tea sets (mind you we have THREE sets) than she is serving tea. She thinks it is hilarious if it's too hot. Then she likes spilling...quick to say "SORRY" and wipe it up.

She amazes us daily on how much she picks up, clarifies, and learns. We bought her first set of scissors for home. She's been using them pretty frequently at daycare, but we have yet to jump into that activity at home. She's pretty darn good at it though!

Jacob has the biggest grin lately. LOVE IT!  Still trying to catch it on camera. Usually when I get the camera, he's more interested in that and gets his "study face" on instead of that awesome gummy grin. It melts your heart! Plus he's trying so hard to roll over.  Yes he's only 6 weeks old, but he's getting up to his side.  We'll see when he decides to take it all the way over.

Band-aids

What are kids facination with Band-aids?  We are now on our second box in a year (and we don't use them that frequently). However, we have to hide the box or as Steve did tonight...take out the Band-aids and hide them. Kayleigh usually takes a toy or two with her to daycare. Today she decided to take the box of Band-aids!  REALLY!?!?  Then on the way home (a slight detour to Target to get Jacob some diapers) Kayleigh had Steve buy her another box of Band-aids, because the first box was empty! 

I guess lesson learned here...Kayleigh would enjoy receiving Band-aids for a present :)

Kayleigh and Jacob

I had some worries about how Kayleigh would react to Jacob. She would say hi and kiss my tummy when I was pregnant. She knew when you pointed to my tummy that Jacob was there. But did she really know that it was a baby that was coming out named Jacob?  I'll never know for sure.

When Jacob and I would go and pick Kayleigh up from daycare, she is so very very protective of Jacob. She will show him off and say "Mommy's tummy." So I guess she kinda knows that Jacob came from Mommy's tummy now, but did she know then...hmm.  Speaking of being protective...being in the transition room of 2-3 year olds, she will let certain kids get closer to Jacob than others. One specific day she pushed a girl away. I was quick to discipline, saying "Pushing's not nice. Say sorry." When a teacher was also quick to remove the pushed girl away, saying "She's not the nicest kid." So maybe Kayleigh knows which kids are okay to be close to Jacob and which are not.

Jacob has always been keen to Kayleigh. He first smiled at her (seriously smiled at her) when he was only 10 days old. He listens to her. She can calm him down by singing, usually Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. They have an awesome relationship already. Hopefully that will continue! 

Tonight, Steve was playing with the two of them. Jacob was "tickling" Kayleigh. She giggled so much!  With a few "Do it again!" coming after. I'm guessing this lasted a good 5-10 minutes straight!  She's still trying to remember that he is little, and she has to be a lot "softer" with him. I think she gets sick of us saying it, but she does listen (most of the time).

Siblings...ah :)

Netflix

Netflix oh how I love you!

I have successfully watched several tv shows from season one to whatever the ending or what is available to Netflix from beginning to end (Cosby Show, Flashpoint, Brothers and Sisters, currently working on Cheers, as well as others). 

Kayleigh has been introduced to several different cartoons (or marcoons as she says).  We don't watch constantly, but probably more than some people. However, there may be marcoons on, but she's building, reading books, cooking in her kitchen, etc. So, that makes me feel better.

However, we watch Netflix thru our Playstation 3 and our Wii. She is mastering the remotes like a champ. She can probably teach each one of you that does not have either game system how to get to Netflix. If we try to help her we instantly get "MY TURN" remark.

WonderPets, Angelina Ballerina, Yo Gabba Gabba and Blue Clues are some of the cartoons that have beat out Elmo!  I can't remember the last time we watched Elmo!  And we still are banning the purple dinosaur who shall remain nameless from entering our house at this time. We'll see how long that lasts!

However, since we have Netflix, we rarely watch daily television (which isn't always bad), but we rarely know what the weather is like.

Dr. Visit

So I broke down and took both kiddos to the Pediatrician.  Mainly Kayleigh needed to go, but Jacob got a little look at while we were there. Kayleigh's been diagnosed with strep.  Fun fun!  UGH!  Oh well...so far she loves taking her meds!  Plus, she is not complaining about anything!  However, she's not eating much either, so hopefully once her throat starts feeling better that will get better.

The Dr's visit went SO WELL!!!!  She did everything Dr. Cureg asked of her. Even saying "AHHH" and sticking out her tongue. She's never liked doing that, but did it without any tears or complaining!  WAY TO GO, KAYLEIGH!

Then Dr. Cureg decided to check Jacob out while we were there.  Kayleigh was so interested and watched it all!  Plus, she kept Jacob calm. He's not one to like being looked over. However, Kayleigh stayed at the head of the bed, watching and talking to Jacob.  They both did great!!! 

Hopefully this is the start of a healthier household!!! 

PS...then we went shopping with Grandma Onn!  And they both fell asleep by 8:15...the earliest in a long time!!  Shall we have more shopping trips...maybe?!?!

Kayleigh...

She's pretty inventive.

Today's post is going to be short.  I'm exhausted!

Kayleigh is known to steal Jacob's binkies. She doesn't use them, but instead puts them on her fingers and parades around the house, or puts them in her pocket of her pants (if they have pockets). However, tonight (even though she had pockets), she decided...get this...I laughed so hard...


She took off her SOCK and put the binkies in her sock!  Seriously...who thinks of this!?!?!

Needless to say, we have about 6-8 binkies, because she steals them so often. But, still...HER SOCK!?!?! 

Got to love this kid :)

Lazy Day...much needed, but...

We needed a lazy day.  Kayleigh's been fighting something, not sure what. She still does not have a temperature and is not complaining of a single sign/symptom. She's not eating much, but that really isn't that surprising to us either. She's become a very picky eater. She likes everything, but she's only in the mood for it when SHE'S in the mood for it. However, today we noticed her lymph nodes in her neck are HUGE...all is relative. She also has some enlarged ones in her armpits as well.  She still isn't running a fever. And if you didn't know her, she doesn't act like a sick kid either. So...we are watching it and probably going to the pediatrician on Tuesday (since our Ped is out on Mondays) if she gets worse or stays the same.

We are also hoping that this does not make it's way to Jacob either. So we are really trying to be diligent on watching that Kayleigh doesn't touch his bottle or his binkies, let alone kissing him. I guess we are also hoping that we (Mommy and Daddy) don't get it either!

Hope all of you with sicknesses are getting healthy too! Or those of you not sick, stay healthy!

Pictures..or lack there of

First...I know my daughter is not going to sit for pictures. It's her age. She's shy when she first is with people (even Grandma). She's just ornery.

HOWEVER...I bought a Groupon. I had at least 7 or 8 images/poses/sheets of pictures that I have already paid for! 

SO...Take some pictures lady!!!!!!!  There were the 3 Feehan boys and the 2 Peterson kiddos. When we first were taken back, Jacob was still eating and needed changed (give us 10 mins and we'll be ready).  So get some pics of the Feehans.  Warm up!  I think we had to twist her arm on this. I can't exactly remember what she said, but my mom and I looked at each other (I think both knowing this wasn't going to turn out the greatest). The lady didn't seem to like her job or was too tired. Who knows.  But to me that is so flippin annoying!  That set me off right there!  If you don't like your job...LEAVE!!!  Especially with photography!  Jeez Louise!

Kayleigh refused.  She was in maybe 3 pictures that were somewhat good.  I'll take that.  But now that we are done with them (and there are quite a few of the Feehan boys that I thought were very good!! SO the lady CAN take pictures). Why didn't she try getting some of Jacob by himself?  Why did she respond "It's not how many poses we take that matters."  Why yes lady, it does. I don't believe in getting one pose in 15 million sheets...that's boring (and a little exaggerated).

Okay...I think I'm done whining.  I really need to just quit going to JcPenney, Portrait Innovations, etc. Several friends use new people that are just starting out that come to your house or meet you at a park and get very good, natural pictures. I just have messy house that I see all the time. Not sure I want to see it in all my pictures too!

Illness continued...

So, Jacob isn't feeling quite right either.  However, he's still eating, still having dirty diapers and sleeping some of the time.  However, he's grumpy!  Not sure if it's gas or what, but poor guy...he needs more sleep than he's getting.  He's only 5 weeks old...he needs sleep to grow big and strong!  This no sleeping should not happen until they are older.  I still feel Kayleigh needs a good nap.  Kids that don't take naps are just asking for it...or maybe it's the parents that are asking for it! 

Today, Steve overheard at daycare a mom telling the teacher that her kid has been having a hard time at school and home for over the last week. They took her to the pediatrician a week ago and they just told them that she had strep...a WEEK later.  WHAT!?!?  I'm pretty sure strep tests are done within a few minutes (like the time you are waiting in the office). This little girl is one of Kayleigh's buddies there, so pray she doesn't get strep...not really wanting that floating around our house. Especially when we can't keep her from kissing her little brother! 

Illness

I hate when Kayleigh (and I'm sure Jacob will soon have to succumb) is sick.  I hate it because she can't tell us what is going on. She's starting to get to the age where she can tell us, but she still will agree to what she wants to agree with (For example, does you tummy hurt...yes, your ears...yes, your elbow...yes).  So what do you agree with and what is true?!?

Today, we got a call from daycare. "We are concerned. Kayleigh is just not acting herself. She doesn't have a temperature, but she won't eat anything. She didn't eat breakfast or lunch. She went to nap as soon as we let her. We'll call you when she gets up and we check her temperature again."  So, in the mean time I called the Pediatrician to ask what's been going around and if there is anything we can do with the symptoms we have. Yesterday she went all day without peeing in her diaper (WOO HOO!!!) even though she drank a lot.  So...did her symptoms start there?  I instantly thought...maybe a UTI!?!  However, when the Pediatrician called back they said UTI's are usually with fevers!  SO...she said to just watch for that and keep them up to date.  However, there is a nasty virus (so nothing they can prescribe) that leaves kids not wanting to eat (check) and very lethargic (check). When the virus gets really bad (usually a couple days later) they will have stuff coming out both ends (GREAT!?!?!).

So we decided to put her on the BRAT diet (Bananas Rice Apples and Toast) and I decided to add cranberry juice just in case there is a UTI starting up (she has complained a little about it hurting--watching to see if there are more complaints later or not).

Sometimes I just think this household is still in a transition/adjustment phase. We are all so very tired!  I think Steve is the most exhausted.  I feel so bad for him!  He's such a trooper and I don't know what I would do without him!  Glad he can survive on only 4 hours of sleep a night, but not sure how long he can survive this way. Plus, I'm trying to finish these last few projects but I'm so exhausted at night and during the day Jacob eats every 2-4 hours that the time in between is so short with everything else I am trying to do around the house, I'm just not getting what I want done.  However, my goal is to have my Internship final presentation on Tuesday and be DONE with that class. Then by the end of the month have my presentation for my Capstone (working on my project over the next two weeks after the Internship is done) the be DONE with my Master's!!! 

I just can't wait to have my family back. To not feel guilty for the time I am away from them trying to work in school work. Leaving Steve to handle everything...illnesses included. To miss time with Kayleigh. I have lost so much time with her already. Makes me sad!  I love how close she is to her daddy, but wonder if that is even stronger because I have shut myself up at my computer so much doing all this school work. I am seriously considering on going on to get my PhD...however, I have decided that a couple things have to be accomplished before that...1 some student loans if not all need to be paid off and 2 the kids have to be grown or self sufficient...maybe working on homework the same time as me (maybe even talk Steve into taking some classes...we can always wish and hope).

Alright...with all that being said...hopefully Kayleigh can get over whatever she has quickly and not give it to Jacob (or mommy or daddy).  And I better get to work! 

Grown-Ups

Tonight we left the kiddos at home with Grandma Mary and went out to dinner with another couple (Kristin and Seth) who left their kiddo at Kristin's sister's house!  It was so nice to sit, eat (while it was still warm) and talk!  It was so NICE!!!  Kayleigh is not always the most patient when we are out and about for a meal.  Usually, when she's done we should all be done.  So usually it's one of us eating quick, so that we can switch off Kayleigh-duty while the second one eats fast, because Kayleigh is getting bored! 

Tonight though...we ate at our own pace. And enjoyed our whole conversation!!!

Thanks Kristin and Seth for helping us utilize our Groupon. And thanks Grandma Mary for wanting to babysit! 

UGH!!!

I think I am in "pity party central!"

I am trying to finish my Internship and my Capstone for my Master's.  I have gotten an extension because of Jacob's labor/delivery. Thank GOD!!!  I tried so hard to get everything done prior to his birth (successfully finished my Econ class without any extension...with an A!), but it just didn't happen. I have a list of excuses...all real (tired, other stuff that seemed more important, my SI joints wouldn't allow for me to sit for more than 20 mins at a time), but still it comes down to procrastination!

I'm still working on everything...and I WILL be done January 31st, no matter what!  I'm half way FINAL with my Internship, and 1/2 way done with my Capstone, but my concentration is CRAP!  When I get focused, I do a great amount of work, but then...Jacob wakes up, laundry is piled around me and needs put away, I can hear one or both kids screaming downstairs. FOCUS stinks! 

Any pointers?  I just want to be done...so that I can ENJOY my maternity leave!  UGH!!!!  Why did I do this to myself!?!?!  Seriously...any pointers!?!?!

Jacob's birth

I figured I better post this before I forget it. So...if you don't want to read, you don't have to (not even sure how many people read this blog anyway).  First off...I already forget much of what happened with Kayleigh and she is just over two years old.  So I'm hoping to be better about blogging and that will help me remember!

Jacob's birth:

The OB decided to induce me on November 30th (4 days post due date or 5 depending on who you talk to me or the OB). So, we are told the hospital will call starting at 5 am for inductions. So...Steve gets up and showered, letting me sleep an extra 30 minutes before I have to shower (Kayleigh stayed with Grandma and Grandpa Onn that night :) First night away from us...probably harder for me than anyone). So...I was in the shower, taking my time because Steve was manning (spelling?) the phone. Come 5:30ish I come out and he says "Someone from your work is trying to call you, but won't leave a message" He says this because all Mercy's calls come into my cell as 515.  I say "it's probably Labor/Delivery"  Why they won't leave a message with my husband is beyond me. So I tell him...better get packed up...they are probably wanting us there. SO...the call comes again (this is the 4th one since 5am...) "Can you be here at 6?!"...WHY YES...YES WE CAN!!!

So, we check in a 6...get all the paperwork squared away and the pitocin starts promptly at 7am.  I've been having some pretty good contractions off an on for over a month. The pitocin keeps gradually getting more and more until 1pm. This is where the nurse tells me that she can't go any further, it'll just stay at this level. I have yet to change my stance from a 3-4 (which I have held for 2 weeks now). So Dr. Belshiem comes in to strip my membranes and attempt to break my water (membranes=SUCCESS! water=FAIL!!). However, she said they could break any point between then and an hour from them, just to notify the nurse. So...literally not even 15 minutes after she left, my water broke. The nurse came in and agreed. So Steve (the good hubby he is) says...so this means it will go faster from here on out, right!?! Yup!!!  So...when's the anesthesiologist coming in...she WANTS/NEEDS an epidural!  Oh...well let me look.  So she leaves, my contractions become increasingly painful and more frequent. She comes back in 30mins-hour later. Dr Belshiem left without the order...so she called to get it and the anesthesiologist is on his way.

About 2 or 2:30, he comes in, promptly notified by Ronnie our nurse that my epidural didn't work with Kayleigh. So...he says (LOVE THIS MAN)...don't worry, IT WILL WORK this time!  I promise!!!  So...mind you, strong and frequent contractions...I finally get myself in an upright position, hunched over the edge of the bed, trying to hold still as he places a needle and catheter into my spinal column...once, twice, three, nope, FOUR times (that's finally successful!!!). A time of laying down to realize it wasn't in the right spot (I guess if you taste something and there is ringing in your ears means you aren't in the right spot). Took me a good 15 minutes (amongst a couple contractions) to get back into position to get another jab in the back. Couple of return blood flows (confirming once again in an incorrect spot) and the nurse having to be informed again and again to get a whole new tray (not just the needle). (I was about to jump of the bed to go and find the tray for her at this point).

Finally into the correct position (in this time period I went from a 3-4 to a good 9), I was allowed to "labor down" to allow for the epidural to take effect. At this point it's about 3:15 (another nurse is coming on...Josephine). and I called Mom to see if they were on their way with Kayleigh. Well...they were, but she couldn't understand/hear me on the phone (too muffled for some reason). Finally I just yelled and hoped she could hear that I was about to start pushing...when I was promptly informed by the nurse that I WAS NOT TO PUSH!!!  hahaha...kept her on her toes! Finally...Dr Belshiem came back in between 3:30 and 3:45...to check and see my progress.

She began by putting on her hip waders (seriously...she put on these plastic leg protectors that covered all the way up to her thighs) and checked me. Stating..."when you feel the pressure to push, let me know." So...within a minute I said..."Okay, I feel the pressure" and she let me push...a whole 10 seconds of pushing and..."There's the head"  WHAT!?!?!  I didn't feel much at all...just trying to push, remembering what Kayleigh's delivery felt like...a whole 55 minutes of pushing. This took a whole 10 seconds!?!!?  WHAT!?!?!  Steve was as dumbfounded as I was. Then was told to quit pushing, just to push another 5-10 seconds for his body to come out!  WHAT!?!?! seriously!!!!  Okay, epidurals are a girl's best friend if you are for them!  Which I am DEFINITELY for them!  I didn't even tear this time!!!  WOO HOOO!!!!!!!!!  (I think I can do this another time without a second thought!!!...Now if I can talk Steve into it!). 3:55 pm is when Jacob Lewis Peterson came into this world!  Oh how I love my little boy!!!

I cried so hard after I heard him cry!  I'm sure I cried with Kayleigh, but this time it was so much more emotional!  Mind you...November 30th is so far from October 3rd...but since then I have been so worried and heartbroken.  An old friend from college gave birth to her baby boy Calder on October 3rd. Her pregnancy was normal...was induced at 41 weeks, and had a pretty normal delivery, until the end. Calder had a heart attack during delivery. 3 weeks later he passed away. I couldn't help but think of her from that day on. Sad that she had such a horrible end to the most amazing experience. I still do not know how she got through this, how strong she could be and still is!  Also, worried that it could happen to me! 

Oh Jacob...you are a perfect little guy!  Kayleigh absolutely adores you!!!  You first smile was to her!  I love that!  I love everything about you and her!  You guys are the greatest kids God could ever have chosen to give to me and your Daddy!  I still look at both of you and cannot believe that you are MINE!  Does that ever change?!?!  I LOVE YOU!!!!

Happy New Year!!!

So...one of my New Year's Resolutions is going to be to blog better!  So...today is a start!

Jacob--He's finally here!!!  Took his sweet time and had to be induced to get him!  So...welcome little buddy!  We love you so much!!!  Right now, he's sleeping, peeing/pooping, eating, smiling and cooing.  Trying hard to roll over. He holds his head up for a good minute or two at a time. He started raising his head up at the hospital, just like his sister!  Little stinkers! 

Kayleigh--She's just as sweet as before.  However, we have some moments of "Terrible Two's" or jealous older sister...not sure which!  She is a smart cookie.  She loves her play kitchen she got from Santa that stopped at Grandma Onn's as well as her Little People Amusement Park (from Santa at Grandma Lewis's) and her piano and guitar from Santa at Grandma Mary's.  I'm sure glad Santa knew where all we would be!!

Steve--working his little butt off at Wells Fargo still.  He has his moments of love and hate with his job. 

Megan--finishing up her Master's projects (two left) that she got an extension because of labor/delivery :)  So...she WILL be done by the end of January so she can GRADUATE in MAY!!!!!!!!!  YEA!!!!!! 

Enjoying my maternity leave...and will try to post more...and hopefully get some pics on here!!!