Happy 3rd Birthday, Lucas!

Dear Lucas,

The candle  on your cake will be the number 3 today. You have been reminding me daily that you will blow out a 3 candle on your "birfday." Last night as we discussed your birthday candle you said, "And I make a wish. I will wish for a doggie!"

Oh the current doggie obsession you have! Everything you talk about has to do with dogs. You have numerous toy dogs: stuffed, small figures, books about dogs, doggie puzzles and the list goes on and on. Your favorite TV show is "Paw Patrol." After all, it is about dogs "saving the day" as you like to say. If someone needs help, you will often be heard saying, "It's ok! I will save the day!"

You have brought new life to our family. You are excited by each new thing you see. You live life with contagious amounts of joy. Christmas was thrilling for you as each aspect was being newly discovered. The Christmas lights on houses, each ornament on the tree, picking out your new ornament, learning Christmas songs, making list for Santa and learning that Jesus was born to "save us." You loved it all.

Your addition to our family has been such a blessing. You bring so much joy to our house. Nothing slips by you. You know exactly what everyone is doing and spend a large amount of your time trying to become involved as well. You love spending time following Jacob,  recently the two of you began playing tag and interactin more. It warms this Mommy's heart.

The innocence and purity of your conversations are refreshing. Last night you insisted on helping me make the bed. As you tried to lift blankets to the bed you said, "I can do it! I am a strong boy." Of course you succeeded. You then cheered for me once the bed was fully made saying, "Mommy, you did it! You are so strong, mommy!"

Not only are you our cheerleader, you are our love bug as well. You give the best hugs, wrapping your arms fully around the person's neck and hugging tightly! When you are sleepy you  like to cuddle,  saying  "hold me, Mommy!" You always make sure to tell others that you love them. You even have a "girlfriend" at daycare who you hold hands with any opportunity you find.

I pray daily that you continue to love life to the fullest. I pray you will always hold such a joyous  attitude about life, that you will see the positive in every situation. I pray you will bring the happiness to others that you have brought to us.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Sweet Baby!

We love you!

Mommy, Daddy and Jacob

Happy #8, Jacob!

Jacob,

Wow!

How are you already 8 years old?

I am impressed with the tall, mature looking boy you have become this year. Your 4'7" frame is deceiving. You look older than your 8 years.

This year you have faced and overcome many challenges and have learned how to persevere and adapt. You have taught me how to be a better mother this year. You have shown me that no matter how busy life gets, spending one on one time with you and your brother will always be my priority.

You continue to be such a blessing to our lives. Your genuine passion for your interests make me smile. You are definitely a zealot like your mother. I enjoy listening to you announce the "WWF legends" as you stand on the fireplace as if you are on a stage. You are beyond excited for the newest WWE 2014 video game being released in a few weeks.

I never know what song you will be singing, but I can guarantee it is most likely a Michael Jackson hit. You have more lyrics memorized at 8 then I will ever have in all of my years.

Perhaps my absolute favorite thing about you is the joyous expression and excitement that comes on your face when you talk about your birthday. Every year since your 2nd birthday you get so happy as your birthday nears. Earlier this week when I told you it was October you squealed. I hope you will continue to love celebrating your birthday each year.

When I start to feel sorry for myself, and I hate to admit it happens more often than not, I look at you. Every single day you venture into a world that is overwhelming. You overcome challenges on a daily basis the rest of us don't understand. Despite these daily obstacles you reach any goal you set your mind to.

Jacob, I love you to the moon and back. I am committed to be the best mother I can be for you. I promise I will always support you and walk beside you (hopefully you will still let me hold your hand).

Happy 8th birthday, Red.

We love you!

Mom, Dad and Lucas

Happy 2nd Birthday, Lucas!

Dear Lucas,

It is January 11, 2013 and today you turn two years old. The minute you took your first breath, you have changed our lives. The loud scream you made filled the room as you made your presence known. From that second forward you have continued to make sure everyone knows you are in the room.

You have the friendliest personality and you own every room you enter. You carry yourself with such confidence I know that you will do anything you put your mind to. I love how you seem to be the “Norm” (Cheers reference) of your daycare. As soon as you enter the room a chorus of “Lucas!” sounds from the teachers. You are proud to show off the toy you snuck in or the character on your shirt that day. You greet the other children with “Mornin’ Kids” and you make sure to tell everyone “Bye!” before leaving every day.

You are a true leader as you boss us around all the time at home. I can’t speak to your brother without you repeating me, “No, Kakob, No!” or “Kakob down‘tares (Jacob, downstairs).” You even tell me to go upstairs when you are ready to go to bed or take a “bub bate (bubble bath).”

Perhaps my favorite cuteness you exhibit is when you do “roll call” as you announce everyone in the room. You also like to talk about your friends at daycare and list all their names, always beginning with the girls’ names. You are quite the ladies’ man.

I find your desire to help so endearing. You like to help with the laundry by pulling everything out of the dryer. You will clean up your toys, but we know you are still just a two year old as you enjoy dumping all the toys as well. You love to be praised and feel like you are helping. You will hand Jacob his toys even if he doesn’t want them and hand out tissues to everyone in the room. You want everyone to be happy and worry if someone appears not to be.

You like to give hugs and be tickled, but you still are not a cuddler. You are too busy to be bothered with snuggles. I hope I never forget the sound of your sweet voice yelling for “Momma.”

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is definitely your favorite TV show and toys to play with. We all have the theme song stuck in our heads most every day. You will carry around your Mickey Mouse toys and make sure we tell you their names. You enjoy Elmo as well, but Mickey has surpassed the Sesame Street gang, hence the theme for your birthday party being Mickey Mouse and friends!

I pray you will always be as happy and joyful as you are at two years old. I hope your compassion and caring nature will never be suppressed. I desire to be the mother you need to help you grow into the great leader and man I know you will be one day. Your future is so bright; I can’t wait to see what is to come for you.

We love you to the moon and back, Little Man. Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mommy, Daddy and Jacob

Happy 7th Birthday, Jacob!

Jacob,

Today is your 7th Birthday! I loved your grin when we woke you up this morning singing "Happy Birthday." Your eyes were still closed and you were not ready to get out of bed yet, but you could not surpress the smile on your lips. The joy that you have about your birthday fills my heart. Every year I can't wait for the days surrounding your birthday. You love the extra attention and the celebrations just to honor you. So much so I wish we could celebrate your birthday every week.

I can't believe you are 7 (I think I say this every year!). You have grown so much this year, literally. You are over 70 pounds and 4 ft. 5inches. Actually, you are probably 4'6" at this point. You are going to be towering over me in just a few years. Your red hair is just as red as your first birthday (maybe even more so). I am so glad that God decided to make you stand out in that way. Your red hair and glasses set you apart from others.

Since your last birthday you have completed your first year of school. Kindergarten was a new adventure for both of us. You are a very smart boy, testing in the 96th percentile in reading. Even though there are numerous hurdles you have to jump, I know that you will succeed.

You are no longer just tolerating your little brother, but you are interacting and showing him love. Earlier this week your Daddy relayed this story to me and it warmed my heart. Lucas was going around giving his nightly goodnight hugs. He stopped at Dad and gave hugs and kisses, then he went to you. You leaned over and give a slight hug (patted his back) to Lucas then stood back up. Lucas was wanting to give you a kiss as well and you realized this. You picked Lucas up, brought him up to your face and allowed him to give you a kiss. You then sat him back down just as gently. Lucas was beyond thrilled with this contact with you. He did a little dance and looked at you with admiration only a little brother can show toward his big brother. I feel so blessed to be the mother to both of you and I know you will both bless each other's life in insurmountable ways.

Your love of music has only continued to grow through this year. Your current favorite artist is Michael Jackson. I am certain you will be thrilled to open the Michael Jackson Experience video game at your birthday party tomorrow. You also enjoy play the Just Dance video games and love to sing along to Katy Perry songs and "Call Me Maybe." You seem to find it hilarious when I know the words to the songs and sing along since I am not the music guru that you and your daddy are.

Jacob, you are an amazing blessing to our lives. You have taught me more life lessons in your short 7 years than I have learned in my entire 32 years of life. I know there is a lot to accomplish in the years to come and it may not always be easy, but together we will make it!

We love you, Bubba! Happy Birthday!

Mommy, Daddy and Lucas

Happy 1st Birthday, Lucas!

My dear sweet Lucas,

I can't believe a year has passed since we heard your first cry. What a fast year it has been! You have gone from a 9lb 1oz baby to a toddling 26lb 7oz little boy.  You still love your paci and haven't yet given up the bottle, but you are growing into a smart little boy.

You are such a huge blessing to our family! Your sweet smile and demeanor are contagious. You are so curious and are always trying to get everything in your hands. You adore your big brother and try to do anything he does.

You love to dance or your version of dancing, bouncing up and down! You love to play pat-a-cake. I can just say the word and you immediately begin to clap your hands. You love to play with cars and balls. If you can crawl after something you love it. However, I venture to say that pots and pans are your favorite toys.

Needless to say you are always on the move. You like to climb up the stairs, but will wait on the 4th step until we come behind you because you want us to "chase" you. When we come to the stairs, you grin from ear to ear and begin to climb the steps as quickly as you can while looking to see if we are following you.

You are such a flirt! You will flash those baby blue eyes with a sweet smile and women everywhere melt. You crack me up when you tilt your head and raise your shoulders when you are trying to get away with something. How do you know to do this already? I'm blaming daycare. ;)

I once heard that you can measure the amount someone is loved/liked by the number of nicknames they have. If that is true, you are a very loved little boy, "Lukie Loo," "Lucky Luke," "Lucas Mucas" (as Daddy so affectionately calls you), "Bubba," and more recently, "L. Reed."

You are my baby boy and always will be. I am so excited to see what the next year brings and I am thrilled to be your Mommy.

Happy 1st Birthday, Lucas Reed!

Love,
Mommy, Daddy, and Jacob

Happy 6th Birthday, Jacob!

Today you turn 6. Wow! I can't believe that little (or not so little) baby with the red hair is now so tall and handsome. But it is true, you are growing up quickly. This year has been a very eventful year for you.

You became a big brother in January! Lucas has been a blessing in our lives and even though I'm not sure you acknowledge it now, he is a big blessing in your life. He loves watching his brother play and I'm sure in a couple more months he will be trying to play with you.

 
You participated on your first sports team. You showed an interest in soccer when we watched your cousin play last fall and I knew when the spring season came around we needed to register you. Although, your enthusiasm lessened when you realized there were rules and you couldn't wander off the field or pick at the grass, you stuck it out and I am proud of you!

You started Kindergarten! I had a lot of worry about how you would transition to Kindergarten from pre-school, but you were marvelous! You were very excited when we first visited the school to register, but as we approached the building I recall you asking me if I was leaving you there. I felt your excitment and your trepidation as if it was my own. I know it is difficult for you to make changes in your routine and I am thrilled that you have made this change so well.

I'm in love with your laugh and your pure joy. This past Saturday you woke up on the "silly" side of the bed (at 5:30a.m. -- could you please sleep a little later, especially on the weekends? Please? Is it too much to ask?). You laughed and squealed and found everything hilarious! From calling your cousin the wrong name to a cartoon you had seen numerous times before -- life was just funny to you.

Thank you for making me a Mommy and for being such a blessing in our lives. Even if I may not remember that at 5:30 in the morning!

We love you!

Mommy, Daddy and Lucas

Our Life with Autism

I know I have not been blogging much lately and I haven't forgot about the pictures I promised to post. I'll get around to it eventually...maybe! :)

Today, I've been inspired to get out of my blogging silence by Kelly Korner's Show Us Your Life topic. Today's topic is Special Needs Families. I have touched on it slightly off and on over the years; however, late last year we received an official diagnosis of Autism for Hoss. We are facing this with our heads up. Luckily for Hoss, my job profession has given me knowledge about Autism and I am familiar with resources and supports available in my area. However, the fear of the unknown is the biggest worry. I strive to find and listen to more experienced parents and what has worked for them as their children have faced obstacles and challenges. Hopefully I will find more through this post!

Below is a post I wrote about Hoss in September 2010, before the official diagnosis. He still melts my heart!

He turns five in a couple weeks. He is a cuddler, loves to have big bear hugs and sleep snuggled up close to someone. His red hair and blue eyes positioned behind adorable oval framed glasses make him an instant charmer. He is very tall for his 5 years and all his teachers talk about how much he grew over the summer.


Just glancing at him, he is a typical boy with bruises on his legs from climbing, dirt under his fingernails from digging and a superhero action figure in his hand. He sings along with the music on the radio and has very specific preferences in what music he likes.


However, “typical” is not a word textbooks would use to describe him. Instead, textbooks would likely describe him as autistic. See, this little boy does not make eye contact, he seldom initiates conversation, he mumbles and sings to himself and he can not name any friends.


Well, except for his best friend, his mommy. That’s right. He tells everyone his best friend is “Mommy.” This makes his mommy’s heart melt every time he says it and recently that has been daily.


Being his mommy is an extremely difficult task. Mommies have dreams for their children, hopes for a better life. This little boy’s mommy has recently realized these dreams will be much more difficult for her little boy to accomplish. While, his mommy still believes he can do great and marvelous things, it pains her to see him struggle daily to try.

Despite these struggles, this little boy is perfect in his mommy’s eyes. I know because he’s my little boy.

The Birth Story

I began writing Lucas' birth story in January, then again in February and March and now here it is April. Everytime I attempted to write I would get distracted by a crying baby or a 5 year old. Let's hope I can finally get the story done and that I can remember all the details! :)

Here goes! The story of Baby Lucas' Birth.

Because of my history of having a large child (Hoss weighed 10lb 5oz) and Lucas' ultrasound at 33 weeks showing he was following in his brother's footsteps, we scheduled a repeat c-section for January 11th.

We had a snow storm the night before and had a few inches of snow on the ground. My parents, Gigi and Grandpa, came to our house the night before in order to be at the hospital for Lucas' arrival and to wrangle Jacob during the c-section.

The morning of the c-section was typical. We left at 10a.m. in order to get to the hospital and finalize some paperwork. Once that was done I answered a million questions about my health history, changed into the attractive hospital gown and prepared for all the fun that lies ahead.

My mom came in when they arrived and sat with Donnie and me. About this time, the nurse began to put in my IV. I always say one of the worst parts of the entire c-section experience with Jacob was the IV. So, I had some anxiety about this part. I also have a history of passing out during blood draws and similar procedures. As the nurse was putting the needle into my hand I could tell I was starting to experience some anxiety. My mom was trying to distract me by telling me about a story...it didn't work. I completely blacked out, soon after the nurse told me that she may have to stick me again (she didn't, she was able to get the first stick to work). My husband tells me my eyes rolled back in my head, I began to make a snoring type noise and twitched slightly. I think it was scarier to watch than what actually happened.

I remember when I began to regain consciousness, I could hear the nurse calling for back up, asking for ammonia. I didn't need the ammonia, but my reputation spread quickly. When it came time to head back to the operating room, the anesthesiologist came in and discussed the spinal and told me he was going to give me some medicine to help me during the procedure, so I wouldn't pass out. Apparently the medicine he gave me forced me to "fall asleep" for a few minutes. I remember him telling me he was putting the medication into my IV, leaning over the side of the table with the nurse in front of me, then waking up lying on the table, ready for surgery and completely numb.

The c-section went as planned. Lucas was born at 12:30p.m. weighing 9lbs 1 oz, measuring 21 3/4 inches (a bit smaller than his big brother!). He did not immediately cry as he had inhaled a large amount of amniotic fluid, but after much suctioning by the doctors and nurses he began to cry. And it was the cry that could pierce eardrums. Shew! He was so loud and definitely made his prescence known. Donnie went with Lucas to the nursery while the doctors finished up my c-section.

Soon after they left the room, my face began to itch. I mentioned it to the anesthesiologist and he said it was likely from the morphine they put in my spinal. The longer I laid there, the more I itched. It was torture!

As soon as I was put back together, I went to recovery where I got to hold Lucas for the first time. He did not have the red hair like his big brother, but he has the beautiful big blue eyes. A few minutes later the nursery took Lucas back in order to bathe him and I was moved to my room.

As they began to move me to my room I began to feel sick to my stomach. I was able to keep it together, but we stopped moving for a minute and I received the nice pink puke bucket to accompany me. Once I made it to my room, the visitors arrived. Gigi and Grandpa brought big brother Jacob in to visit and my in-laws also stopped by to see little Lucas.

About an hour after being in my room, I began to feel sick to my stomach again. This time I couldn't keep it together and the room full of people quickly cleared out! The nurse was able to give me anti-nausea medicine which kept everything stable, but I had to remain on a liquid diet a bit longer.

Everything settled down and more visitors arrived to see Lucas. He was a very popular little boy! As the night moved along, I began to experience the post c-section pains and the itching I experienced from the morphine continued, but only more severe. Luckily, there is magic medicine to help with itching and this was very helpful; however, I got to enjoy the itching for a couple more days until all the medicine was out of my body.

My hospital stay was great. The nurses were wonderful; very friendly and helpful. Lucas was a great baby, sleeping a lot and easy to satisfy. The last day we were at the hospital, my husband and I got to enjoy a special steak dinner to celebrate Lucas' arrival! We got to go home on Friday. I wasn't sure I was ready because I was in a lot of pain still, but by Sunday I was a new women, pain free and ready to tackle the joys of parenting 2 boys!

I'm still here!

Whew! Has it really been 3 MONTHS since I last wrote a blog post? I never planned to abandon my blog writing after having Lucas, but I have found being a mother of 2 keeps me much busier than I expected. By the end of the day when I finally have a few minutes to myself, my brain is no longer able to throw words together to write a coherent blog post.

Life has been going well. I returned to work 2 weeks ago and that transition has been great. My husband took a 12 week family medical leave from work and is staying home with both boys now. I think he is starting to have more compassion for me and mothers in general. He is doing a wonderful job caring for the boys and I'm proud he's my husband!

Once he returns to work in late June, little Lucas will be attending daycare. Jacob will have 6 weeks before he starts Kindergarten (this transition is hurting his Momma's heart!) so he is going to be hanging out with grandparents, attending a camp and playing with friends during those 6 weeks.

Lucas is doing great. Growing like a weed! Gosh, he's stinkin' cute! And getting so big! I will post pictures soon. No, really, I will. I am just not on a computer that has pictures saved.

Well, that's about all I have for today. I started Lucas' birth story waaaaayyyy back in January and it is not done. I hope to tackle that this week. :)

He's Here!

Introducing Lucas Reed Frye born Jan. 11, 2011, weighing 9lbs 1oz, 21 3/4 inches long. He has a head full of blondish brown hair. I hope to get back this week to write out the birth story -- not much drama, but details I want to remember.



Big Brother & Little Brother


Kissing Baby Brother


Sleepy Boy

Baby Watch -- Week 39

This is it. The last blog post before Baby Boy is born. Tomorrow is the big day. We should have a new son by 1p.m. My c-section is scheduled for 12p.m. and I have to be at the hospital at 10a.m. for all the fun prep.

This week has gone well. I was prescribed a Z-pack for my cold, which has improved greatly. I still have an occassional cough, which I definitely do NOT want to have tomorrow after the c-section. I'm hoping that disappears!

We are also hoping the weather cooperates for us. There is prediction of snow; however, it looks like we might be getting a lighter amount than most others. I'm definitely looking forward to a small amount, don't want to have to walk to the hospital, but I will if needed. :)

Baby Boy is growing. I believed he was definitely going to be smaller than his big brother (who was 10lb 5oz at birth) until 2 days ago. My stomach suddenly looks like it grew 12 inches, plus baby boy is wearing me out. The energy level is dropping quickly.

So, tomorrow is the big day! I'm both excited and nervous! Hoping for a speedy recovery -- that's what I dread most. Wish me luck!

Baby Watch -- Week 38

So, last week I was worried about the sprained ankle. Yeah, so that was NOTHING (and has completely healed)! Because the next day I developed possibly the worst cold I have had in years. Hoss and Hubby had both been sick, but not horribly so and typically my body fights off those germs, but I guess my body is currently too busy growing a baby and not able to fight off cold germs.

All of that to say, I've been miserable during week 38. Thankfully my OB gave me a Z-pack yesterday and I think it may be helping the cold already. I am still having to blow my nose 75% of the day, but I am able to do so without coughing fits and headaches accompanying.

And let's just say, when you are 38 weeks pregnant coughing and sneezing does nothing for your already compromised bladder. Well, nothing other than cause the bladder to leak. UGH!

However, despite the illness I am beyond thrilled to say that this time next week I will be fasting and preparing to go to the hospital to have this baby. I can't believe the time is here. I'm very excited to see him and to hold him and to watch him develop his little personality. And, of course, I am nervous about if he will be healthy, how Hoss will handle the transition to Big Brother status, and how this little bundle of joy is going to change our day to day life and schedule.

The time is approaching quickly...and it's oh so exciting!

Baby Watch -- Week 37

I hope everyone had a great Christmas! Our Christmas was nice and relaxing. My parents came over on the 23rd to celebrate with us and boy were we spoiled! Even Baby Frye got lots of presents.

I was a major procrastinator this year with shopping so I spent several hours on the 22nd and 23rd finishing up my shopping. Then, in a lapse of better judgment I took Hoss to Kroger on Christmas Eve. It wasn't horrible, but it was a tiresome trip.

Christmas day Hoss woke up coughing at 6:15 a.m., so we got an early start to our day. After medicating the kiddo, we opened gifts and then I made breakfast. Around lunchtime we went to my in-laws and celebrated Christmas with them.

We had a great time. That is until I sprained my ankle leaving my in-laws' house. I did NOT fall, but somehow my ankle rolled when I was walking to the car. I can't explain how it happened, but I know I felt popping. My poor husband had to deal with my freak out at this point. I have a tendency to over-react when I get hurt. Especially when there is instant pain and swelling. So I immediately began to feel light headed and hot, but once I got in the car, I calmed down; however, my ankle was a nice swollen mess by the time we got home.

The injury gave me an excuse to do nothing else the rest of Christmas! I sat on the couch with my ankle propped with a bag of ice. The swelling did not get any worse and I was able to hobble around the house fairly well. The next morning there was minor bruising, but otherwise I have survived the injury just fine.

I had my 37 week check up yesterday and everything looked good. Still have a big baby who the doctor said appears to be "nice and comfortable." He hasn't dropped and I am still not dilated, so he likely is waiting for his 1/11/11 birthday.

I've noticed a little less movement from him in recent days. I think this is because of his size as he doesn't have much room to move. I'm trying not to freak myself out about it and definitely am mindful of every time he moves.

This week I am planning to get the Christmas decorations put away and start moving baby items from their hiding places into the living areas of the home to get ready. Only 14 days to go!

Baby Watch -- Week 36

Don't panic, all is well. I thought I set this to auto post, but something must not have worked. So here it is!

Oh my word...this baby is large and in charge! He is hurting me all over. In my sides, back and well, ya know.

I had my 36 week appointment yesterday and he is no longer breech; however, he is still HUGE, so we are sticking with our 1/11/11 c-section. Now, if he decides to come earlier then we will see what happens, but if he's not here by the 11th, he'll be getting some help to enter the world. I was not dialated, so he doesn't seem to be in too much of a hurry.

Which is fine, I'm not quite ready for him. I keep telling myself I'm waiting until after Christmas to get serious about getting ready. The nesting is starting to kick in slightly, but I have so many other things going on I don't have time to nest.

Even though my house may not be ready for him, my body is definitely ready. The pain is starting to be a bit much; however, after this week of Christmas festivities, I'm hoping life will settle down a bit and I'll be able to get some rest. Although, my plans to nest may not allow much resting.

I had an extremely busy weekend, which may be part of the cause of the pains. We had our children's Christmas program Sunday evening and somehow I volunteered to head up the 1st grade and up performance. Yeah, I definitely was not 36 weeks pregnant when I agreed to do that. Needless to say, I was busy Saturday with dress rehearsal and then Sunday with the last minute preparations and performance. But everything went great and I'm beyond relieved that it is over!

Plus, Saturday evening the hubby and I went to a UK basketball game. My husband won the tickets at work Friday and even though we had a busy weekend, I will NEVER turn down an opportunity to see the Wildcats in action live! Hoss was able to spend the night with the grandparents that night since it was a late game. However, even though I got to sleep in (slightly -- does 8a.m. count as sleeping in?), staying up until after midnight doesn't fare well for a 3rd trimester Momma.

So, the summary of week 36 is this -- I'm tired, sore, achy and busy. However, I'm very excited for Baby Boy's arrival and I'm counting down the days -- 21 left!

Baby Watch -- Week 35

I have one complaint this week and it has little to do with pregnancy -- SNOW! We received 4-5 inches of snow over the past couple days.

My dear Hoss isn't a fan either, but my issues venture more toward safety. I'm not real great with balance -- pregnant or not -- and all the snow and slippery weather we have had the past couple weeks is not helping! Luckily, I have not experienced any falls -- yet!

I fell twice with Hoss, the last time 2 days before I had him and I landed right on my stomach. That experience is still traumatic to me. Even though it appears it didn't cause harm to Hoss -- I spent that entire day in the hospital being monitored -- I still worry. I don't want to fall.

So, this weather is not helping. Trust me, I am taking is slowly, taking small steps, and watching for ice or slick areas. I used to always make fun of my mom about her fear of falling in slick weather -- mostly I would make fun of the fact that she would always grab on to my arm to help balance when I'm more likely the one who would fall. Now I need to apologize to my mom for making fun of her because I'm the one who is terrified of falling!

Other than the fear of falling, everything else is going well. I keep "forgeting" (not really) I'm pregnant and do too much standing on my feet. This past Saturday I spent the afternoon baking Christmas goodies. By the time I was done I could barely stand any longer -- my back and hips ached horribly. I definitely can feel it when I overdo it.

Although, I'm starting to experience pains after sitting too long as well. And even WHILE sitting. One interesting thing I never experienced while pregnant with Hoss, is feeling the baby kick/hit my pelvic bones. Hoss never dropped low and was stuck very high up, so this is a new experience for me. It's an interesting experience.

We'll just leave it at that! :)

Baby Watch -- Week 34

We are another week closer to the arrival of Baby Frye! And I sure am glad!

I had another doctor's appointment yesterday and all was well. Baby is still big, but the doctor thought he might have turned around and is no longer breech. That was her guess, but we there is no definite proof of that. Unless you count the horrific pain I've experienced over the last week as the little one turning.

I asked Donnie if he remembers me complaining about pain with Hoss and he chuckled. It's amazing how we mothers can block out all the bad stuff from one pregnancy to the next. He said he remembers me sitting with my hugely swollen feet (so glad I don't have those this time...yet!) propped up and complaining about how "this child is sitting right on top of me." Meaning, he was so high up (and so huge), it was like he was sitting on my chest.

This time I'm complaining about side, back and lower abdominal pain from "this child." He's sitting much lower (but is still huge!) and is enjoying punching, kicking and pushing forcefully, which is not pleasant when you have a full bladder!

In other pregnancy news, I was thinking about what cravings I've had with this pregnancy and I can't think of any. I'm just excited about eating food -- all food (and the scales are telling that tale loud and clear). I have enjoyed sweets, mostly chocolate; however, I wouldn't say I'm craving them. The most I could come up with craving-wise is spicy foods, especially Mexican. But that gives me a little bit of heartburn, so I'm avoid those. Otherwise, I'm just enjoying eating!

And on that note, I'm off to eat some lunch...or something like that!

Baby Watch -- Week 33

We had a great Thanksgiving as we visited with family! We traveled to my parents' home to celebrate. Hoss and I were able to stay a few extra days, but Donnie had to return home due to work responsibilities.

We celebrated my niece and nephew's birthdays and also had a family baby shower for me on Thursday evening. The shower was wonderful and I have some very gracious, giving family members! (Now we just need to organize/assemble everything!)

I had some pregnancy hallucinations and went to Wal-Mart at midnight on Black Friday. 8 months pregnant, fighting crowds for a few good deals and standing in line for over 30 minutes -- it definitely was not worth it. My dad was my chauffeur and if I had gone alone it would have been horrible with the snow and parking situation.

We were in and out in an hour, mostly due to my pure exhaustion. I completely overdid it and Baby Boy was letting me know. I went home and slept, only to go back out later on Black Friday -- then I went back home and napped!

The rest of my weekend was rather busy as well. Hoss and I traveled home on Saturday and when I got home my wonderful husband had pulled out the Christmas decorations and set up some of them. Since my husband is a bit of a grinch when it comes to Christmas, I knew he really was going out of his way to do this. And I really appreciated it! I spent Saturday evening finishing up the Christmas decorating. Sunday was busy with church, going to see the movie "Tangled" (which was very cute!) and then my nephew's 6th birthday party. I was happy to return to work on Monday just so I could rest a bit!

I feel tired from all the activities and things going on around me, but I have a mental to-do list a mile long that needs to happen in the next 5 to 6 weeks, plus all the holiday activities. I'm tired just thinking about it! But, it will all get done, it always does and I will try to rest in between!

Baby Watch -- Week 32

Apparently this little boy thinks he needs to compete with his big brother in the weight category. Hoss was 10lb 5oz at birth. This little one is not so little it seems. My ultrasound yesterday showed that my 32 week baby is measuring 35 1/2 weeks and is weighing in just over 6 pounds. People, my niece weighed less than that at birth! Heaven help me!

Since this baby is growing so quickly and does not appear to be stopping, we scheduled a c-section yesterday. So, 7 weeks from today, on January 11th, this baby boy will be born...that is if my body can hold in another huge baby that long. (I got to pick the day and I chose 1/11/11 purposefully! My c-section is scheduled for noon. I'm secretly hoping we get a late start and he is born at 1:11p.m. However, he is NOT allowed to weigh 11 lb 11oz).

Despite being big, Baby Boy is also breech, like his brother. He must really like his big brother because he sure is following his lead.

I've decided that being 5 years older and having another large baby is not working out for me. I don't remember the aches and pains in my hips when I was pregnant with Hoss as I am experiencing now. Other than that I don't have many complaints.

Well, except for the fact that my face looks like a 14 year old boy's as the acne is OUT OF CONTROL! I guess my hormones are on overload as my body is growing this HUGE child.

However, I am very thankful I have a growing, healthy baby (with chubby cheeks and fuzzy hair!). I would suffer through the pains and annoyances a million times over to get to be a Mommy!

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving this week!

Baby Watch -- Week 31

The 3rd trimester is definitely here and I can feel it. This week I have experienced heartburn (so glad it has waited this long! It was horrible with Hoss.), fatigue (or more like a complete lack of energy), and aches and pains (mostly when I'm attempting to sleep which may explain some of the fatigue).

Oh, and I'm HOT all the time! Yesterday morning the temperature was 28 degrees when I left the house. I grabbed a sweater on my way out the door and actually thought -- this isn't that cold. I stopped and got a hot chocolate at the convenience store on my way to work (all sizes are 99 cents on Mondays!). As I drank that hot chocolate I just got hotter and hotter -- I almost started sweating! So glad it is cooler outside, otherwise I'd be a miserable mess right now!

I am starting to believe my doctor about the "big baby" diagnosis. This boy is growing like a weed, thus my belly is growing just the same. Again, this may be the cause for the above troubles. I'm anxiously anticipating my ultrasound next Monday which will determine just how big this kiddo is and help us to determine the birth plan. That c-section is starting to look more appealing.

Baby Watch -- Week 30

I've been sentimental this week, reminiscing about the days of Baby Hoss. I am excited to get to relive the adorable chubby fat rolls and all the 1st again -- 1st steps, 1st words, 1st solid foods, and on and on....


This got me wondering who Hoss looks more like and what this Baby Boy (who will be arriving in 10 weeks!) will look like. I think Hoss is a pretty good combination of my husband and me. He has my husband's eyes -- color and shape, but a lot of my facial features, like my nose, mouth, etc. Although, after looking at the pictures below I think he looks a lot more like my husband.

What do you think?

Husband:

Me:

Hoss:

Look at all 3 of us showing off our 2 bottom teeth! :)

In other news, my 30 week appointment showed that Baby Boy is trying to give Hoss a run for his money in the weight category. My belly measured 34 1/2 weeks. Um, I should only be 30 weeks! YIKES! I have an ultrasound on the 22nd at my next appointment to see just how big this kiddo is. That VBAC is not looking so promising now.