Child's Play

We spent a really fun evening at the Imagine Children's Museum in Everett, WA. It was FABULOUS, and the kids had a blast exploring and pretending. It was super interactive, a little wet, and free (thanks to their "Friday Night Live" program). Doesn't get much better than that.

The vet clinic--complete with x-ray station.

There were all sorts of pretend businesses--bank, restaurant, theater.

Would YOU trust this guy to fix your hair??

Even the roof was covered in fun things to explore. Like dinosaur bones.

We caught a glimpse of our future.

Ginormic

Yes, we're actually making up words to describe bigness. I don't think my kids specifically meant me when they invented this one, but I think the application is appropriate. And yet I keep growing.

Mind you, you can't say this about me, or even agree, really, unless you are also pregnant.

You can't be a facebook friend that I haven't actually talked to in years and comment about me in a photo (that was taken at 7 months) "[You] look ready to pop. Are there twins in there??"

You can't be a 16 year old sales clerk at the shoe store and say "Wow. I had a baby three months ago and no one could even tell I was pregnant."

You can't be an older lady and say, "When I was pregnant, they didn't even want us to gain more than 15 lbs."

And, if you are a stranger, you can't rub my belly, even for good luck. It's barely tolerable when friends do it.

Simple rules, people. All you should really say to a huge, pregnant girl is "Wow, you look so great/cute/glowing" even if you're lying through your teeth. Or ask how she's feeling, because if she's anything like me, she's feeling something.

And you don't, under any circumstance, pass me (and my husband and three kids) in the laundry detergent aisle of Costco and say loudly, "Someone's been busy! --do a double take-- VERY busy!!" in a wink-wink, nudge-nudge kind of tone.

I'm in the last, miserable phase of pregnancy where I'm ready to trade my quiet nights for the sweet sounds of a newborn. Ready to have my body back, instead of this aching, bulbous thing I've been hauling around. And start looking for that surgeon who's going to laser me back into pre-baby form. I wish.

Not that being this huge doesn't have it's perks, because it does. The Belly works nicely as a shelf for my nightly ice cream, which I'll miss (the ice cream, not the shelf), and also as a convenient place to put my cell phone when I'm driving and have speakerphone on (that I might miss).

It will just be nice to be able to reach my feet again (and stop accidentally wearing brown shoes with a black outfit). That's all. I'll stop talking. Typing. Whatever.

Another Two Year Old

Let me introduce you to my homeboy. He's my Little Buddy. And he's two now.

Don't you know me at all by now? Of course we didn't get a dog. We only 'borrowed' one from my friend for the evening. I couldn't think of anything that would delight my little maniac more than playing with a puppy, and since buying one was not a viable option, we did this instead.

We feasted on puppy cupcakes. I don't think he even noticed that it was store bought icing. Yes, that's just how tired I am nowadays.

He is like a quirky little cartoon character. Sort of like a miniature Calvin (think Calvin and Hobbes). He even has a 40% body/97% head ratio going on. He likes to yell, and makes an astoundingly large amount of noise for someone who has only a handful of words.

Great loves: his siblings, dogs (animals of any sort, really), climbing, wrestling, being outside.

It irks him: socks that are not pulled tight on his feet, any blanket besides his white or fishy one, meat.

Things I love about him: he says 'mama' in his sleep, his chubby-armed hugs, he 'pays' me in puckery kisses, how he rubs my belly softly and says 'baby', when he takes off running around half naked and laughing hysterically, when he cuddles up to read books (even if it's the same book, seven times in a row).

How he celebrated: 1--learned to open doors

2--started replying 'no' to requests (not an angry 'no', but more of a 'well, I thought about it and I just don't think that it's going to work out' kind of 'no')

3--thinks he's big enough to go down stairs like a big boy.

Man, I love this kid. Happy birthday, little man!

Ah, Spring

Okay, I LOVE spring! And, although it takes a while to really arrive here, the warm, sunny days that pop up now and again are a treat for the senses. Seattle is beautiful, even in the winter (they don't call us the Evergreen State for nothin'), but when the sun comes out...it's off-the-charts gorgeous. The sun, almost literally, turns life from black and white to full technicolor.

Mother's Day was wonderful this year. I don't know if it was the kids wanting to do breakfast in bed at 6:30 a.m., or the fact that the boys humored me and wore the matching sweater vests that I requested (for the picture at least), but it was a great day. Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mothers I know that inspire me, especially my own mom. I love you and I'm lucky to have you in my life. This picture will give you a good shot of my whale-ish belly, too.

Below are the tulips that accompanied my toast, eggs, and box juice breakfast. They sit in my kitchen window and smile at me while I do dishes.

While the change of seasons breathes new life into me, I--in turn--feel the need to breathe life into my old, dusty house. A few Saturdays ago, I woke up with a bug to freshen life up. Let's be honest, it was past due--I didn't do a single post-holiday decorating thing and were sorely in need of something.

Here's a little of what I've been up to around the house. J says that this post won't be useful, but I hope you'll disagree. I love to see other's ideas--it inspires me, or at least gives me fun ideas that I tuck away in the back of my brain for another time.

"Good news!" I said, "You don't have to worry about my Mother's Day present!" He laughed and asked "What did you buy yourself?" The answer was this window. I paid too much for this old window that I spotted as an old house was being torn down. J asked why they didn't pay me for hauling it away. It's actually a really good question.

Anyway, I cleaned it up, but basically hung it 'as is'--chipping paint, handle still attached. I love it. Then I added hydrangeas, potted magnolia stems, candles and a funky little Asian-y/garden lattice looking piece that I found in Target clearance. Never mind the red wall. It wants more than anything to be a smokey grey-blue now, but until J buys into that whole idea, red it will remain.

Color, color, color! In the dining area, I replaced the black and white kitchen photography with vintage pattern fruits and veggies. I think these wooden plaques came from Target originally, but, but I got them at a garage sale for $2 each.

I am a SUCKER for old (looking) tin signs. Love them! This one replaced the framed black and white Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop menu. I got it for $4 at TJ Maxx.

I love bowls of fruit, and as I can't seem to keep real ones all summer, I opted for realistic looking fakes atop paper filled bowls. Yes, I nail things (like the 'bistro' sign) to my wall, yes it leaves little holes, that's why I use straight pins, no it doesn't bother me--the next display just covers it up.

More fruit. I LOVE vintage (or vintage-looking) enamelware, especially the white stuff with red trim. I settled for black because I liked the bowl so much. I see lots of these at antique shops.

Freshen up bedrooms by replacing the cozy warm stuff with light colors and patterns. Should you not have 'new bedding' on your list of financial priorities, you can always (as I have seen done in hotels) sandwich a down comforter between two fresh sheets. Even a fresh, crisp white brightens things up. Accent with fun colors or patterns in pillows. I swear a pretty bed helps you sleep better. And, in the toddler-free house I'll have five years from now, I also plan to have fresh flowers by my bed.

Colorful quilts, like this half-finished project of mine also scream "Hey, have a good day! Here's some extra energy!"

These are just bunches of fake statice and ranunculus that I bought at Michael's. They were cheap, but the colors make me smile. They are in tall, square vases, and I added the tissue paper in the bases to infuse even more color and to cover up the stems.

These are the starts of yellow squash, cucumbers, zucchini, and basil. I'll add them to the garden when they get a little bigger. For some reason, the seashell that one of my littles planted in the top right corner doesn't seem to be producing.

Breathe in the new energy of spring and let it inspire you!

I lost my brain.

It's turquoise, with a cute, swirly design and stylized birdies on it. Have you seen it? I really need it, because I have things going on this week that I should know about. Like doctor's appointments. I just know it. Yes, I realize I have another 'brain' inside my skull, but I mostly use that one for a mediocre backup these days. I'm also aware that my time here could be better utilized actually searching for my planner, but the extra 30 lbs hanging off my front says 'No, just take a load off and whine about it instead.'

My girl is getting big enough now that I watch her for entertainment. Every night she has a dance party, which doesn't bode well for a mama who would still get 10 hours of sleep a night if she could. My whole belly will shift and you can see little baby body parts make their way across my abdomen. It is so cool and very weird. Feeling the baby move is amazing, right up there with eating whatever you want. The two best things about pregnancy.

I have 7 1/2 weeks left. That's enough time that I think 'Oh, I've got time' and little enough time that I think 'Shoot, I need to get my rear in gear--I don't even have binkies!' There are a million cute little things (and big room makeovers) that need to be done around my house. I'm too tired to do most of it, but I am still good at pointing effectively and saying, 'Darling, could you please...' I'll find a Saturday in the near future and hit up the baby store for all the goodies. I've got the cutest, sweetest friends in the world, who have given me some of the most adorable clothes and accessories imaginable and it makes me UBER-excited to meet this little miss. And play dress up with her. :)

On the flip side, there is a twinge of bittersweetness knowing that Little Buddy's days as Baby are numbered. There's always something about my littlest one being ousted that makes me...miss... them for some weird reason. I'm trying my best to get in the extra snuggles and kisses, as much as an almost-two year old will tolerate anyway.

And, why not? As far as I know, I've got all the time in the world...
...hope I find my brain soon...

If I May Rant For Just a Moment

To anyone with questions to the following answers:

No, it's not my first baby--it's my fourth.
Yes, I know what causes this.
Yes, I have my hands full and they keep me very busy.

Actually, I don't mind it. You see, I wanted each of these children. I planned for them. I know the chaos that comes with a house full of creative, busy, messy kids. Yes, some days I want to pull my hair out. But mostly, I love it. LOVE IT. Because, while you might think I'm crazy or irresponsible for having 'so many' kids, I actually think it's a blessing. You can tell me all kinds of horror stories about these two kids you know that {gasp} fight or this toddler that {gasp} bit her sibling, but I will regale you with tales of laughter-filled Rumble Royale (wrestling) or sisters reading to little brothers, sibling slumber parties, all kinds of pretend play, or, basically a group of little, life-long best friends who have got each others' back.

So, while clearly you cannot imagine that we had this many kids on purpose, we did. Because while you think that it is way too many, I will tell you that it's not too many when you need a friend, when you need someone to play a game with, or listen to you or cry with you. It's not too many when you are at the dinner table, or Christmas morning, or sitting around a campfire telling stories. It's not too many when you need people around to love and to love you. There's nothing more wonderful and important.

For us, it's not too many.

All of my kids were meant to be in this wonderful thing we call our family.

{Thunk, thunk} (me getting down from my soap box)

Bits of Nothing

I haven't posted in almost three weeks. That's like a decade in blogging years. Tonight's post is purely an exercise in posting, just so I don't forget how, and fall permanently off the face of the blogging planet.

There is a really irritating kid I know. I see him frequently, and every time I do, he points to me and yells "She is FAAAAAT!!!!!" What I really want to do is flick him. What I actually do is smile pseudo-patiently, like it's cute. It's not.

We put Little Buddy into a big boy bed about a week ago. It went okay until last night about 4:00 a.m., when I felt prompted to check on him and found him asleep at the top edge of the stairs. Phwew. Tonight he's in the pack and play.

Girlie is back in school after spring break. I'm just a sappy boob, and I've cried both mornings that I've dropped her off at school. Will I never learn?

I've been slowly gathering cute clothes that I find for my baby girl. When I need a mental break, I sit down with the basket of them and arrange them into stylish little outfits, complete with accessories. I would show them to J, but then he would ask his usual "How much did that set me back?" and I'm not prepared to answer that.

With Sammy's asthma now officially diagnosed and treated, we thought we were done with midnight runs to the ER. Last night proved us wrong. He, however, saw the sunny side of things and wore his hospital bracelet like bling all day.

I'm tired of lumbering and heaving and waddling. I'd like to get back to flitting, and sprinting, and prancing. Okay, not that I ever pranced, but I'd like to at least have that option.

In completely unrelated news, I discovered these very naughty ice cream bars dipped in chocolate and rolled in toasted almonds at Costco, thanks to Laura F. Wow, can I just say, wow.

I forgot to dye Easter eggs this year. Shocking but true. I have no valid excuse, except that I'm a pregnant lady with a million things on her precariously balanced plate. Something had to give. To those of you posting about your darling dyed eggs--kudos.

We stopped at the Tulip Festival in Skagit County this weekend, on our way up to Vancouver, BC. My most anticipated event was a little deflated, though, because the two older kids fell asleep on the way up, so I just grabbed Little Buddy to snap some pics. That's him at the top. His hair has since been cut.

We continued up to the Vancouver, BC Temple Open House. It was one of the most gorgeous buildings I've ever seen, and the most fantastic feeling to be there with our whole family. We LOVED it!! (This is not actually considered one of the 'Bits of Nothing', but it is all I'm going to write about it here.)

Ciao.

I've got good news and bad news

It's really cute. Every day I pick Girlie up from school and she says, "Do you want to hear the exciting news or the bad news first?" I always ask for the good news. She tells me, then she'll say, "There's actually no bad news."

My parents came to visit us for a week--the first time since we've moved here (thanks to the 50 or so family weddings that happened in our first 1 1/2 years here). We lived in Vancouver, British Columbia for three years when I was young, so we all headed three hours north to our old stomping grounds.

Good news: We got to visit my old first grade school.

Bad news: While we were there, Little Buddy smacked his forehead on some bricks, and the gash required stitches. We spent the afternoon in the ER. Facial lacerations on my kids and foreign medicine=two of my biggest fears.

Bad news: Clearly, this trip was not turning out as I planned. I don't look amused, going on three hours in the waiting room.

Good news: At least I got pictures.

Bad news: Our medical detour cost almost $900.

Good news: This happened before the healthcare overhaul, and our insurance covered it all.

Good news: We got to see alot. Along with Gastown (my kids snickered at that name) and Chinatown, we saw

Granville Island

My wonderful parents

Good news: Since we had others with us, we actually got pictures of our whole family!

Totem poles at Stanley Park

And another one.

With my dad (looking at Olympics stuff across the harbor) my brother.

Visited a salmon hatchery

Queen Elizabeth Park. Beautiful gardens, fountains.

Stopped to visit Deception Pass (Washington) on our way back to Seattle.

Bad news: As soon as we got back, we realized Sammy had a fever.

More bad news: It hit 104 and lasted a week. And ended up being tonsilitis and an ear infection. And we didn't get to do any Seattle fun with my family because I had to nurse "Sickie and Stitch", as J nicknamed them.

Good news: We still had lots of fun in the evenings and at least we got to see them.

More good news: It's been long enough now that it's not quite so painful to talk about.

Belly

Today I very optimistically bought a bunch of seeds. Optimistic on two levels: 1--I expect amazing produce to spring from these seeds, and 2--I expect that when our late May/June planting season arrives that I will not be too huge and exhausted to get down in the dirt and plant some. And then weed. And water. And harvest.

The guy at the cash register smiled and said, "You're baby's comin' soon, huh?"
I smiled and shrugged, "...kind of."
"April?" he guessed.
"June, actually."
"Whoa!! Big baby."

Okay, seriously.

I shrugged again and smiled congenially. "I don't know what to say to that."
"No, I mean...healthy. Yeah, healthy. That's good!"

I don't know if it is 'good' that people think I'm due next month. In any case, there's nothing I can do about it. At my doctor's appointment a month ago, I was told to 'keep an eye on' my weight, since it was about a 10 lb gain. I can tell you where that 10 lbs went--straight to my tush. I get booty when I'm pregnant, and still can't figure out how to deal with it, short of duct taping myself together back there. I've come very close.

This is the thing, though. I don't really mind now. You see, this is my (presumably) last child. This will be the last time in my life that I can eat what I want and not give it another thought. I'm going to be watching my food intake for the rest of my life. So, forgive me, I'm going to enjoy every minute. This whole eating business is one of the best parts of pregnancy. A couple days ago I took Sammy our for a frosty as a reward for something. As we sat in Wendy's, I realized that I needed fast food. Now. Needed it. And not some salad or grilled chicken sandwich, or anything else that I could pretend was quasi-healthy. Like, give me a double cheeseburger and fries. Arby's curly fries, to be exact. It took every ounce of my will power (and the thought that the next day would be 'weigh-in'--a.k.a. doctor's visit) to walk out empty handed and drive straight home.

At my appointment I tried to beat the nurse to the scale, so I could position myself in optimal weigh-in stance--leaning back just a little on my heels to make myself 1/2 a pound lighter, like I practiced on my scale at home. Unfortunately for me, the doctor's scale was just a little smarter than my home version. Fortunately, though, I gained only two pounds last month, despite the fact that the only difference in my eating was that I ran out of Tillamook Udderly Chocolate ice cream. I rewarded myself by visiting the Arby's drive-thru on the way home.

I've decided my body lies in the hands of fate. While pregnant, it will just do what it wants to, leaving me to worry about things that I can control. Like these (imagine me circling my unruly, neglected eyebrows).

Otherwise, I feel fantastic. As in, 2-hour-hikes fantastic. I'm enjoying this Just-a-Little-Tired stage between Sick and Huge. And so, since I'm in the market, any guilty pleasure foods you recommend? I've got three months.

A Rose By Any Other Name

We've come to that stage again. Where, now knowing the gender, discussion turns to the naming of our offspring. Or rather, I come up with a plethora of delighful and charming names and J shoots them down.

"Yeah, maybe if she were 80."
"Yeah, maybe if she were a hooker."
"Okay, that one is just weird--where did you even come up with that?"

And so on. I'm not going to tell you any of the names that preceeded these responses--surely I'd offend someone. I will just say I didn't suggest any names of friends of mine, so it's not your name. Unless you read this blog and I don't know you and you have an unusual name, then it might be. I don't want an overused name, he doesn't want it too weird. It would be nice to have some significance for us, but he's dismissed all the ones I read off of the pedigree chart. It can't be too 'old' or too 'ethnic'. Not too popular, too Biblical, and not the same name as any ex-girlfriend, unkind roommate, or unruly child that we know of.

It's hard to ask parent's opinions, too. Two of them are teachers, and have undoubtedly encountered children of any name we could think of. I'm not sure my own mother is sold on my third child's name. She was still making suggestions after we left the hospital with that one.

It's just...the pressure of naming a child. The honor. The responsibility. Assuming the child doesn't grow up and then request to be called Delia (I knew someone like this) or legally change their name to Princess Consuela Banana Hammock (did you see that Friends episode?), this is the name that they'll bear, and hopefully live up to, for the rest of their lives!

We've come to a short list of names that are "on the table." There is a proverbial table, and we place names on it, until someone flicks, throws, or otherwise removes it from contention. The list is as follows, in no particular order of preference:

Claire
Avery
Emma
Hallie

Okay, there it is, people. Now tell me, what do you think? Any one in particular, or have you got one yourself that you'd love to throw into the running?