So lately I've felt this increasing desire to stay at home next year. I'm as surprised as anyone by this because I've always said how much I like my job (and I do). But staying at home sounds so nice too. I'm honestly very torn on this issue....First, we'd be relying on Walker's salary, which is nothing to get excited about (yaaay teachers' pay). Things would be very very tight for us. Honestly, I'm not even sure it'd be possible. I put some numbers together and our monthly bills right now total more than his current take-home pay. Now, I realize that he will get a raise next year but it won't be much as most school districts in IL are cutting back their budgets. Yes we'd be saving money in daycare costs but I don't think it's enough savings for us to live on.
And also, this is going to sound very selfish, but I don't want to really change our lifestyle. I'm sorry but I really like the fact that I can run out to Target or Meijer and pick up extra things whenever I want (well I haven't been able to do that as much this year due to taking days without pay on my paychecks). Also, I really want to get Taylor in some tumbling classes and maybe swimming lessons within the next year. Unfortunately, those can be kind of expensive. Does she NEED them? No, absolutely not. However, I think they'd be really good for her (she already loves doing somersaults and loves splashing in the pool) and it's something she and Walker could do together. But if I'm not working, we definitely could not do any of that.
Another concern I had that is kind of fading is boredom. I really get bored when I'm at home. I think it's because I tend to be a couch potato. I know that if I did stay home, I would make more of an effort with the housework and cooking (I really do like to cook) and I would try and take the girls different places a few days a week. And we would do playdates and things like that. The only thing I'm still hesitant about is winter. It's very hard to get out with a baby during the winter. I don't want to think about doing it with a baby and a toddler. I'm afraid that the effort of getting them out will just keep me in the house and I'll slowly go crazy. =)
And then there's the latest email from my sister who stays at home with my 4 year old nephew and my 2 year old niece and is about ready to lose her mind.
But going in the other direction here, I do want to start Taylor in preschool within the next few years. I don't really know how I'd be able to get her to and from preschool when I'm at work.
I really just wish there was a happy medium. Well as long as I'm wishing I might as well just wish that we would win the lottery. Or that teachers made more money than doctors.
I guess being a teacher is one of the best professions to have if you do have kids and staying at home is not an option. I mean I do get my summers off, I get 2 weeks at Christmas, a week in the spring and other random holidays sprinkled through the year. And I have to admit, I do enjoy being in an environment where I'm not "mommy" (although my kiddos have called me that before!). I like being around other adults and having conversations that consist of more than "look a dog! say dog! dog! can you say dog? what does a dog say?" I guess this isn't anything I have to decide right now. It's just something I need to think about for the next few months.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
34 Weeks
Let me just say that today was teen mom day at the OB's office. It kinda made me sad to see so many young women who probably would not be in that situation if they could just keep it in their pants. Okay enough commenting on society....
34 week check up today and nothing terribly exciting. Weight is up 3 pounds (yeeesh, I really need to stop with all the sugar) but blood pressure was good. Baby's heartbeat was 159 and definitely head down (she has been the entire time!). I'm very proud that I'm still wearing my wedding rings quite comfortably. I'm really hoping I'll make it all the way through the pregnancy with them still on my finger. I think my regular workouts have been helping keep the swelling away. You know what else I've been avoiding? Leg cramps! I haven't had any this pregnancy (uh where's some wood for me to knock on?). I remember having awful ones with Taylor, but I heard that exercising helps combat them. Woohoo!
So I remember about this time with Taylor that we had already installed the carseat and my hospital bag was nearly packed. Ummmm haven't accomplished either of those yet! Well we're still using the carseat in Walker's car for when he takes Taylor to daycare (yes she can still fit in it; sometimes it pays to have a small child). But I know we need to get it installed in my car soon. Or actually we might just have to install Taylor's carseat in Walker's car and that may become my car. Honestly, I'm not looking forward to the switching of cars (I looooove my car) but I really don't see how both carseats will fit.
Well, there's really not much else going on pregnancy-wise. My belly button is half in, half out. I really expect it to make the full switch to outie in the next few weeks here but we'll see. 6 weeks to go!
34 week check up today and nothing terribly exciting. Weight is up 3 pounds (yeeesh, I really need to stop with all the sugar) but blood pressure was good. Baby's heartbeat was 159 and definitely head down (she has been the entire time!). I'm very proud that I'm still wearing my wedding rings quite comfortably. I'm really hoping I'll make it all the way through the pregnancy with them still on my finger. I think my regular workouts have been helping keep the swelling away. You know what else I've been avoiding? Leg cramps! I haven't had any this pregnancy (uh where's some wood for me to knock on?). I remember having awful ones with Taylor, but I heard that exercising helps combat them. Woohoo!
So I remember about this time with Taylor that we had already installed the carseat and my hospital bag was nearly packed. Ummmm haven't accomplished either of those yet! Well we're still using the carseat in Walker's car for when he takes Taylor to daycare (yes she can still fit in it; sometimes it pays to have a small child). But I know we need to get it installed in my car soon. Or actually we might just have to install Taylor's carseat in Walker's car and that may become my car. Honestly, I'm not looking forward to the switching of cars (I looooove my car) but I really don't see how both carseats will fit.
Well, there's really not much else going on pregnancy-wise. My belly button is half in, half out. I really expect it to make the full switch to outie in the next few weeks here but we'll see. 6 weeks to go!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Complete Randomness
Here are the random thoughts I've been thinking lately.....
1. Enjoy the time before your baby starts walking. Once they are mobile, you can forget taking them anywhere they will be required to stay in one place.
2. I've already started getting comments on how big I'm looking and how it's hard to believe I still have 7 weeks. This may be true but keep those comments to yourself- it doesn't help that I already feel like a hippo; I don't need other people's opinions validating those thoughts.
3. Another comment to be kept to yourself- "was it planned?" I honestly didn't mind this question at first but now I'm getting rather annoyed by it. Does it matter if this pregnancy was planned? Are we going to love this child less because it wasn't? Heck no! I seriously think that the only reason people ask this question is so they can feel superior for a few seconds because they never had an "oops" or never think they will (by the way I never thought I would have an "oops" either....)
4. If it's going to snow/sleet/rain and make the roads dangerous, do it enough so that at least school gets canceled. I don't enjoy driving on dangerous roads.
5. Lastly, my hormones must be hitting me hard right now because this has ended up being a really crabby post. Time for some chocolate.....
1. Enjoy the time before your baby starts walking. Once they are mobile, you can forget taking them anywhere they will be required to stay in one place.
2. I've already started getting comments on how big I'm looking and how it's hard to believe I still have 7 weeks. This may be true but keep those comments to yourself- it doesn't help that I already feel like a hippo; I don't need other people's opinions validating those thoughts.
3. Another comment to be kept to yourself- "was it planned?" I honestly didn't mind this question at first but now I'm getting rather annoyed by it. Does it matter if this pregnancy was planned? Are we going to love this child less because it wasn't? Heck no! I seriously think that the only reason people ask this question is so they can feel superior for a few seconds because they never had an "oops" or never think they will (by the way I never thought I would have an "oops" either....)
4. If it's going to snow/sleet/rain and make the roads dangerous, do it enough so that at least school gets canceled. I don't enjoy driving on dangerous roads.
5. Lastly, my hormones must be hitting me hard right now because this has ended up being a really crabby post. Time for some chocolate.....
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
32 Weeks and a Name
Hmmm my ticker says I have about 55 days to go. It sounds like it's not very much but I know it's still an eternity when you can't remember the last time you were able to look down and see your feet.
Fortunately, everything is still going well. Weight gain is now 24 pounds (I'm not totally thrilled with that but it's a lot less than I had gained with Taylor by this point). My blood pressure was up at my appointment today but still well within the normal range (hmmm maybe it was because right before the nurse took it, I was chasing Taylor around the office?). And I"m happy to say that my feet do not look like loaves of bread with sausages sticking out at the end of the day. My midwife said I was measuring right on target so that's good too I guess.
And I'm starting to feel pretty confident that this baby will be bigger because over the past few weeks I have watched my belly button get shallower and shallower and it is thisclose to being an official outie; something that never happened with Taylor.
I have to admit that I really miss sleeping on my back. Like really miss it. I fully admit that sometimes in the morning before I get out of bed, I lay on my back for just a few minutes, just to try and relive some pre-pregnancy glorydays nights. Although, it's really not that comfortable with this huge belly. Still, I'm tired of sleeping on my side (and my hips are too).
Lastly, we have finally decided on a name. I feel like there should be a big drumroll since I've been agonizing over this for nearly 3 months now...... but anyway, we're pretty sure that Taylor's little sister will be Lucy Jane. There is really no significance to either name- I just like them both, they go well together, they go with Taylor's name, and Walker is letting me use them. =) And besides, as my dad (not so nicely) said "no one names their kid that anymore!" (for the record Lucy was #112 last year).
Fortunately, everything is still going well. Weight gain is now 24 pounds (I'm not totally thrilled with that but it's a lot less than I had gained with Taylor by this point). My blood pressure was up at my appointment today but still well within the normal range (hmmm maybe it was because right before the nurse took it, I was chasing Taylor around the office?). And I"m happy to say that my feet do not look like loaves of bread with sausages sticking out at the end of the day. My midwife said I was measuring right on target so that's good too I guess.
And I'm starting to feel pretty confident that this baby will be bigger because over the past few weeks I have watched my belly button get shallower and shallower and it is thisclose to being an official outie; something that never happened with Taylor.
I have to admit that I really miss sleeping on my back. Like really miss it. I fully admit that sometimes in the morning before I get out of bed, I lay on my back for just a few minutes, just to try and relive some pre-pregnancy glory
Lastly, we have finally decided on a name. I feel like there should be a big drumroll since I've been agonizing over this for nearly 3 months now...... but anyway, we're pretty sure that Taylor's little sister will be Lucy Jane. There is really no significance to either name- I just like them both, they go well together, they go with Taylor's name, and Walker is letting me use them. =) And besides, as my dad (not so nicely) said "no one names their kid that anymore!" (for the record Lucy was #112 last year).
Monday, January 10, 2011
Books, Books, and more Books
I don't really know why, but I have a weird desire to blog about some of the books I've read (or am reading) about pregnancy and parenting. Maybe it's because that's all I ever seem to read these days!
And I was going to put a picture of each book on here but blogspot's picture thing isn't working so no pics (unless I can get it to work before I finish this post).
Pregnancy:
Your Pregnancy Week by Week: This is probably one of the most popular pregnancy books out there. I will admit that I never read What to Expect When You're Expecting (my sister said it would scare me) so I can't compare the two but I imagine they're very similar. I really liked how this book was divided into weeks. I looked forward to reading my new chapter each week and I totally admit to peeking ahead to the upcoming chapters.
The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy: Okay this book was a bit tongue-in-cheek but it had a lot of good information too. I loved the author's style of writing. I actually read this book many times because I enjoyed it so much and it always helped me feel better if I was feeling down.
The Best Birth: I love this book. The author is a labor and delivery nurse who encourages women to have natural labors but totally understands that some women really do need (okay, want) pain medication. I really like how she goes through all the options for child birth and she doesn't put the reader on a guilt trip for choosing one way or the other. She gives her opinion without being pushy and there are tons of great coping techniques (of course I couldn't remember hardly any of them!). There's also a chapter just for dad's and at the end of each chapter she has "conversation starters" for mom and dad so they can openly discuss their ideas and opinions about how the birth should go. Seriously, cannot recommend this book enough!
Breastfeeding:
So That's What They're For: I just got this book the other day and am almost done with it. Okay, I may have skipped a few pages where the author explains for the 100th time why breastmilk is superior to formula but it's information I already knew. This is a very easy-to-read book with some light humor. A word of caution though: if you used formula with a previous child, or you think you might use formula, or if at any time you thought "surely formula isn't all that bad" then prepare to feel very bad about yourself. I think there are about 3 chapters devoted solely to why breastfeeding is far superior to bottle feeding. Don't get me wrong- I agree with the author that it is best, and I understand who she's aiming those chapters at (women who are on the fence about breastfeeding) but wow did I feel guilty after reading some of those pages. And what's interesting is that she even talks about how guilty moms feel if they don't breastfeed....well I don't think she's helping. Honestly I think that section was trying to scare moms into breastfeeding. I might give this book a more hearty recommendation once I'm done reading it (and rereading it and then reading it again).
Spilled Milk: I don't think this book is actually being published anymore. I found a used copy on Amazon but I didn't see any new copies available. Anyway, I thought this was a great book. It is painfully honest about how hard breastfeeding is but does so in a gentle way with many stories that are both humorous and uplifting. It can be a hard book to read if you feel like you "gave up" on breastfeeding too early (many of the stories are by women who stuck with it and say it was worth it in the end) but I found it to be very encouraging. There are several stories in there from women who weren't able to breastfeed their first babies but were completely successful with subsequent children. This is another one that I'll be rereading.
Making More Milk: I purchased this book after I had Taylor hoping it would help me increase my supply. It is chock full of information on why some women have trouble nursing and different things women can try to establish a successful breastfeeding relationship. I highly recommend this book for any woman who is having supply issues or thinks that she might have supply issues when it comes time to breastfeed (like if your mom did- it can be hereditary).
Parenting:
First Time Parents: This is a great reference book for parents. It's divided into sections so it's easy to find the information you need and it covers everything from pregnancy (those sections are actually pretty brief) to potty training. Really the best part is how easy it is find exactly what you need. There are lots of great photos and each section has special tips "just for dad."
The Girlfriend's Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood: Well of course I'd recommend this after liking the pregnancy book so much. This book is just like the book on pregnancy- very tongue-in-cheek but also some sound advice. I've read this one several times too.
The Girlfriend's Guide to Toddlers: Truthfully, I haven't read this yet. I ordered it from Barnes and Noble and it hasn't arrived yet. But considering how much I liked the author's other books, I'm sure I'll love this one too. (and as a total side note, there is a girlfiend's guide to baby gear that i enjoyed as well).
Be Prepared: This one is for the dads. In fact it was given to Walker by our good friends Val and Dan (Val correct me if I'm wrong but I swear you guys gave us this book!). And while it is written for dads and I haven't read that much of it, the parts I have thumbed through seemed very good. Like the tip about rocking your baby on his tummy on an exercise ball- total genius and I'm so doing that with this next baby!
These are certainly not all the books I've read on these topics but they are definitely the best of the ones I've read (in my humble opinion).
And I was going to put a picture of each book on here but blogspot's picture thing isn't working so no pics (unless I can get it to work before I finish this post).
Pregnancy:
Your Pregnancy Week by Week: This is probably one of the most popular pregnancy books out there. I will admit that I never read What to Expect When You're Expecting (my sister said it would scare me) so I can't compare the two but I imagine they're very similar. I really liked how this book was divided into weeks. I looked forward to reading my new chapter each week and I totally admit to peeking ahead to the upcoming chapters.
The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy: Okay this book was a bit tongue-in-cheek but it had a lot of good information too. I loved the author's style of writing. I actually read this book many times because I enjoyed it so much and it always helped me feel better if I was feeling down.
The Best Birth: I love this book. The author is a labor and delivery nurse who encourages women to have natural labors but totally understands that some women really do need (okay, want) pain medication. I really like how she goes through all the options for child birth and she doesn't put the reader on a guilt trip for choosing one way or the other. She gives her opinion without being pushy and there are tons of great coping techniques (of course I couldn't remember hardly any of them!). There's also a chapter just for dad's and at the end of each chapter she has "conversation starters" for mom and dad so they can openly discuss their ideas and opinions about how the birth should go. Seriously, cannot recommend this book enough!
Breastfeeding:
So That's What They're For: I just got this book the other day and am almost done with it. Okay, I may have skipped a few pages where the author explains for the 100th time why breastmilk is superior to formula but it's information I already knew. This is a very easy-to-read book with some light humor. A word of caution though: if you used formula with a previous child, or you think you might use formula, or if at any time you thought "surely formula isn't all that bad" then prepare to feel very bad about yourself. I think there are about 3 chapters devoted solely to why breastfeeding is far superior to bottle feeding. Don't get me wrong- I agree with the author that it is best, and I understand who she's aiming those chapters at (women who are on the fence about breastfeeding) but wow did I feel guilty after reading some of those pages. And what's interesting is that she even talks about how guilty moms feel if they don't breastfeed....well I don't think she's helping. Honestly I think that section was trying to scare moms into breastfeeding. I might give this book a more hearty recommendation once I'm done reading it (and rereading it and then reading it again).
Spilled Milk: I don't think this book is actually being published anymore. I found a used copy on Amazon but I didn't see any new copies available. Anyway, I thought this was a great book. It is painfully honest about how hard breastfeeding is but does so in a gentle way with many stories that are both humorous and uplifting. It can be a hard book to read if you feel like you "gave up" on breastfeeding too early (many of the stories are by women who stuck with it and say it was worth it in the end) but I found it to be very encouraging. There are several stories in there from women who weren't able to breastfeed their first babies but were completely successful with subsequent children. This is another one that I'll be rereading.
Making More Milk: I purchased this book after I had Taylor hoping it would help me increase my supply. It is chock full of information on why some women have trouble nursing and different things women can try to establish a successful breastfeeding relationship. I highly recommend this book for any woman who is having supply issues or thinks that she might have supply issues when it comes time to breastfeed (like if your mom did- it can be hereditary).
Parenting:
First Time Parents: This is a great reference book for parents. It's divided into sections so it's easy to find the information you need and it covers everything from pregnancy (those sections are actually pretty brief) to potty training. Really the best part is how easy it is find exactly what you need. There are lots of great photos and each section has special tips "just for dad."
The Girlfriend's Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood: Well of course I'd recommend this after liking the pregnancy book so much. This book is just like the book on pregnancy- very tongue-in-cheek but also some sound advice. I've read this one several times too.
The Girlfriend's Guide to Toddlers: Truthfully, I haven't read this yet. I ordered it from Barnes and Noble and it hasn't arrived yet. But considering how much I liked the author's other books, I'm sure I'll love this one too. (and as a total side note, there is a girlfiend's guide to baby gear that i enjoyed as well).
Be Prepared: This one is for the dads. In fact it was given to Walker by our good friends Val and Dan (Val correct me if I'm wrong but I swear you guys gave us this book!). And while it is written for dads and I haven't read that much of it, the parts I have thumbed through seemed very good. Like the tip about rocking your baby on his tummy on an exercise ball- total genius and I'm so doing that with this next baby!
These are certainly not all the books I've read on these topics but they are definitely the best of the ones I've read (in my humble opinion).
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Not Resolutions
This past week I had my first graders write paragraphs on their New Year's Resolutions. Some of them were pretty sweet (like a little boy who said he wants to play more with his older brother) and I'm very proud that a good number of them wrote about becoming better readers (loved reading this on their papers!). It's been a few years since I've made a resolution; mainly because I never keep them (ummm who does?). I realized that I really don't like the word resolution. So this year, I have some goals I'd like to achieve.
1. Make breastfeeding work this time. Yes that is my biggest goal this year. Those of you familiar with all the details of my breastfeeding experience probably understand why I'm so determined to make it work this time. I really feel like things are going to be better. For one thing, I totally get how hard it really is (at first) and how even though it is a natural thing for mom and baby to do, that does not mean you (or baby) will instinctively master it the first time you try. Also, I've been doing much more research this time around. And, lastly, the nurses at Carle's breastfeeding clinic might just get sick of me because of all the times I plan on visiting! Can I just say how awesome it is that they are a free clinic to everyone in the community? And how stupid my insurance company is for not covering any services provided by Carle? Anyway, moving on....
2. Have a shorter labor. Well, okay there may not be a whole lot I can do to control this. According to my dad, my mom had long labors with all of us children. So I could be doomed. Wait, I need to revise that goal. Have a labor shorter than 16 hours. Considering Taylor took 26 hours to get here, I really need to specify because while a 25 hour labor is shorter than 26, I certainly don't want to experience that. But along with this, I'm hoping I'll be able to labor at home longer than I did with Taylor. Don't get me wrong- I didn't fly to the hospital the moment I started having contractions. But now that I know how long it took my body to dilate, I'll know that just because my contractions are close together and painful doesn't mean the baby is going to come flying out anytime soon.
3. Clean out and organize. Okay this one could just be there because my nesting instinct has been on overdrive the past week. But in reality, we have too much stuff. We have a tiny house that is about to have another person in it- gotta make room! But I must say getting rid of stuff feels so good. Before the holidays, Walker and I went through our closet and dressers and filled 5 trash bags of clothes for donation and another trash bag of clothes that needed to just be thrown away. This past weekend, I attacked part of the kitchen. Next up, the storage closet in the hallway.
4. Lose all the baby weight from this pregnancy and the last one. Alright, that might not happen before the end of 2011 but I'm certainly going to try. I am clinging to some of my favorite pairs of pants from before I got pregnant with Taylor desperately hoping I'll be able to wear them again. Don't worry, all the low-rider jeans got donated! But I think I have a good chance of being successful considering I haven't gained nearly the amount of weight I did with Taylor. And honestly, this goal is a small reason why I'm so determined about goal number 1!
5. Triple our savings account. Okay this sounds like a lofty goal, but in all honesty there isn't a whole lot in our savings account so it's completely doable. As much as I'd like to get out of this house, it just isn't realistic for this year. I'm really glad God changed my heart on this one because a few months ago I was very set on moving this summer, but He showed me that with a little hard work and creativity, a 2 bedroom house can hold a family of 4 comfortably. I'm getting off track here.....the point is, staying in this house will give us more time to save for a down payment hence this last goal.
I may have to keep revisiting this blog post over the course of this year so I remember what my goals are and I don't slack. Of course I (we) would appreciate any and all prayers regarding any of these. =)
1. Make breastfeeding work this time. Yes that is my biggest goal this year. Those of you familiar with all the details of my breastfeeding experience probably understand why I'm so determined to make it work this time. I really feel like things are going to be better. For one thing, I totally get how hard it really is (at first) and how even though it is a natural thing for mom and baby to do, that does not mean you (or baby) will instinctively master it the first time you try. Also, I've been doing much more research this time around. And, lastly, the nurses at Carle's breastfeeding clinic might just get sick of me because of all the times I plan on visiting! Can I just say how awesome it is that they are a free clinic to everyone in the community? And how stupid my insurance company is for not covering any services provided by Carle? Anyway, moving on....
2. Have a shorter labor. Well, okay there may not be a whole lot I can do to control this. According to my dad, my mom had long labors with all of us children. So I could be doomed. Wait, I need to revise that goal. Have a labor shorter than 16 hours. Considering Taylor took 26 hours to get here, I really need to specify because while a 25 hour labor is shorter than 26, I certainly don't want to experience that. But along with this, I'm hoping I'll be able to labor at home longer than I did with Taylor. Don't get me wrong- I didn't fly to the hospital the moment I started having contractions. But now that I know how long it took my body to dilate, I'll know that just because my contractions are close together and painful doesn't mean the baby is going to come flying out anytime soon.
3. Clean out and organize. Okay this one could just be there because my nesting instinct has been on overdrive the past week. But in reality, we have too much stuff. We have a tiny house that is about to have another person in it- gotta make room! But I must say getting rid of stuff feels so good. Before the holidays, Walker and I went through our closet and dressers and filled 5 trash bags of clothes for donation and another trash bag of clothes that needed to just be thrown away. This past weekend, I attacked part of the kitchen. Next up, the storage closet in the hallway.
4. Lose all the baby weight from this pregnancy and the last one. Alright, that might not happen before the end of 2011 but I'm certainly going to try. I am clinging to some of my favorite pairs of pants from before I got pregnant with Taylor desperately hoping I'll be able to wear them again. Don't worry, all the low-rider jeans got donated! But I think I have a good chance of being successful considering I haven't gained nearly the amount of weight I did with Taylor. And honestly, this goal is a small reason why I'm so determined about goal number 1!
5. Triple our savings account. Okay this sounds like a lofty goal, but in all honesty there isn't a whole lot in our savings account so it's completely doable. As much as I'd like to get out of this house, it just isn't realistic for this year. I'm really glad God changed my heart on this one because a few months ago I was very set on moving this summer, but He showed me that with a little hard work and creativity, a 2 bedroom house can hold a family of 4 comfortably. I'm getting off track here.....the point is, staying in this house will give us more time to save for a down payment hence this last goal.
I may have to keep revisiting this blog post over the course of this year so I remember what my goals are and I don't slack. Of course I (we) would appreciate any and all prayers regarding any of these. =)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Christmas 2010 (Part 4)
A little delay in the posting of all the Christmas segments but cabin fever is hitting me and sitting in front of the computer for an extended time is not totally appealing. Hopefully this won't be a novel like the previous posts.
Christmas Eve for us was another low-key day. Jen and I ran to the toy store and Barnes and Noble for some last minute gifts. We were not the only people who had the same idea, that's for sure! For dinner my sister made a delicious dish that I can't remember the name of but I know it's on her website somewhere and I'm totally going to have to steal the recipe. After dinner, I started feeling a little icky but as we got ready to go look at Christmas lights, the feeling passed.
So all 7 of us crammed into the minivan and drove around Greensboro to look at lights. Here's something I didn't realize- putting lights up on your house is not such a big thing in the south. Folks down there are more into the wreaths and greenery so that the houses look pretty during the day. However, there is one neighborhood that has this really cool tradition: light balls.
Light balls are homemade balls made of chicken wire, wrapped with mini lights and suspended from trees.
This is a picture I found on google images that kind of gives an idea. Anyway, however many years ago, this guy in this neighborhood had this idea on how to make them and started doing so and it spread through the whole neighborhood. It is actually very cool to see in person and going to see them on Christmas Eve is so popular that there is usually a line to get into the neighborhood and the neighborhood has a big wagon for you to stop at to donate canned food. Walker and I are going to attempt to make some next year- maybe we'll start a tradition in our neighborhood. =)
After looking at the lights we put the kids to bed (all 3 had fallen asleep in the car- score!) and the adults settled in to watch "Couples Retreat" which actually turned out to be pretty funny.
Then about 2 AM I woke up. Remember how I said I felt a little icky after dinner? Well, it was back full force. I ran to the bathroom and made it to the sink. Just as I had predicted, the stomach flu had gotten me. And then it got me again. At that point, Taylor woke up and decided that the only person who could comfort her was mom. She wouldn't even let me put her down so she came to bed with us. In between feeling sick, comforting Taylor, and making sure the covers didn't go over her head, I didn't get very much sleep. Needless to say, it was very hard to get out of bed when Jen knocked on our door at quarter to 7. She said we didn't have to get up but I really wanted to watch the kiddos open presents and I knew they couldn't wait. So Walker and Taylor slept in while I went downstairs with everyone else.
And so the chaos began....I had not been around little kids on Christmas morning since I was a little kid. I guess I had forgotten how exciting it is for them. Will, like any 4 year old, couldn't really wait for other people to open their presents but he did a great job bringing presents from under the tree into the family room. He was especially good at finding presents for himself. =) Courtney seemed to be overwhelmed just by opening her stocking. She kept getting presents for herself and then just leaving them in the family room unopened. Jen had to stop her and make her open a few before getting more.
The rest of the day was spent hanging out playing with all the new toys. We did video chat with Dan's parents and then my dad and Linda. We also watched the snow come down!
It was a white Christmas in Greensboro. They ended up getting around 6 inches! Later that evening, a family from the neighborhood came over despite our warning that the stomach flu could be rampant in the house (I was feeling much better by this point by the way). Our dinner was "Thanksgiving Part 2." Dan had asked Jen to make Thanksgiving dinner over again since it didn't last long enough the first time. It was very good. Unfortunately, both Will and Courtney slept through the whole dinner.
Then, after the friends had left, Will woke up and got sick. Poor kiddo! I felt so bad for him because I knew I was the one who gave it to him!
The evening ended with all of us watching Star Wars in the family room. Definitely one of the more interesting Christmases we've had in a while. =)
Christmas Eve for us was another low-key day. Jen and I ran to the toy store and Barnes and Noble for some last minute gifts. We were not the only people who had the same idea, that's for sure! For dinner my sister made a delicious dish that I can't remember the name of but I know it's on her website somewhere and I'm totally going to have to steal the recipe. After dinner, I started feeling a little icky but as we got ready to go look at Christmas lights, the feeling passed.
So all 7 of us crammed into the minivan and drove around Greensboro to look at lights. Here's something I didn't realize- putting lights up on your house is not such a big thing in the south. Folks down there are more into the wreaths and greenery so that the houses look pretty during the day. However, there is one neighborhood that has this really cool tradition: light balls.
Light balls are homemade balls made of chicken wire, wrapped with mini lights and suspended from trees.
After looking at the lights we put the kids to bed (all 3 had fallen asleep in the car- score!) and the adults settled in to watch "Couples Retreat" which actually turned out to be pretty funny.
Then about 2 AM I woke up. Remember how I said I felt a little icky after dinner? Well, it was back full force. I ran to the bathroom and made it to the sink. Just as I had predicted, the stomach flu had gotten me. And then it got me again. At that point, Taylor woke up and decided that the only person who could comfort her was mom. She wouldn't even let me put her down so she came to bed with us. In between feeling sick, comforting Taylor, and making sure the covers didn't go over her head, I didn't get very much sleep. Needless to say, it was very hard to get out of bed when Jen knocked on our door at quarter to 7. She said we didn't have to get up but I really wanted to watch the kiddos open presents and I knew they couldn't wait. So Walker and Taylor slept in while I went downstairs with everyone else.
And so the chaos began....I had not been around little kids on Christmas morning since I was a little kid. I guess I had forgotten how exciting it is for them. Will, like any 4 year old, couldn't really wait for other people to open their presents but he did a great job bringing presents from under the tree into the family room. He was especially good at finding presents for himself. =) Courtney seemed to be overwhelmed just by opening her stocking. She kept getting presents for herself and then just leaving them in the family room unopened. Jen had to stop her and make her open a few before getting more.
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| Will got his rollerblades! |
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| The aftermath |
Then, after the friends had left, Will woke up and got sick. Poor kiddo! I felt so bad for him because I knew I was the one who gave it to him!
The evening ended with all of us watching Star Wars in the family room. Definitely one of the more interesting Christmases we've had in a while. =)
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