For a quick laugh, go to the July 24 post, The Sky is Blue. No it's not, over at Because I Said So .
Why do kids do that to their parents? Are we really dumb? It reminds me of something my little gnomes would do.
I did get accepted into Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing. I will be attending orientation in Kentucky the week of Sept 15. Yes, with a newborn, and some helpers. I have registered for my orientation program, my computer training, and fall classes. I have started reading one of the prereq books, and am going to order my textbook for Physical Assessment tonight. Apparently, I have to read up on that before I get down there. I filled out my FAFSA, and today, got my master promissary note in the mail for my student loans. You know, as a gradute student, you qualify for a maximum for $138,000. Scary, huh? Thank God school won't cost anywhere near that.
I feel like things are moving forward and am getting pretty excited about the whole thing, which is good, because I was second guessing the returning to school with 5 children, one of them newly born idea.
I also plan to tackle a few things on the to do list tonight, so I'm hoping that list will look a little shorter tomorrow. Feeling slightly productive....
Sunday, July 27, 2008
36w3d appt
I had another appt with my midwife on Friday. All is well. Baby sounds good and is measuring right on. My feet still look like heifer ankles. But my BP is a perfectly normal 110/60. So, I guess I'm a healthy cow. She offered to take me off work, but I sucked it up and said no, I guess I can handle it. I did ask her if she could write for me to be on 8 hour shifts. I don't know if it will make a huge difference since I still don't take advantage of my time off to put my feet up. But, like she said, you don't want to go into labor feeling run down. It'll just take longer to recover. She's so smart. I didn't even think of that.
She did offer to check my cervix since we collected the Group B Strep culture. I declined since she was going out of town that afternoon and I didn't want her stirring anything up.
The last 3 kids have all come 8-11 days early so I am aiming for the weekend of Aug 8-10. I was looking at the to do list, and mentioned to Bobby that we potentially only have 1 MORE WEEKEND to get things done. Eeeek!!!
My next appt is Friday.
She did offer to check my cervix since we collected the Group B Strep culture. I declined since she was going out of town that afternoon and I didn't want her stirring anything up.
The last 3 kids have all come 8-11 days early so I am aiming for the weekend of Aug 8-10. I was looking at the to do list, and mentioned to Bobby that we potentially only have 1 MORE WEEKEND to get things done. Eeeek!!!
My next appt is Friday.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Sleeping prince
Yet another sleepy Teagan pic. This one is actually kind of funny. He was in the boys' room, which should explain all the junk on the floor. But, he managed to fall asleep in front of the door. See the toe there? Yeah, that's me trying to peek my head through the door. 
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Been up to
First, let me say, some songs have no special meaning to me. I pick them because I like them, Krista. :op Like, I'm not planning on getting divorced even though I had the Reba McEntire/Kenny Chesney duet, nor have I ever kissed a girl, I think. I just think this song is catchy, and I find it funny that whenever we're in the car, Tatum has to ask me
"Why did she kiss a girl?"
"Because she wanted to try it."
"Why did she want to try it?"
"I guess to see if she liked it"
While I haven't really knocked anything else off my to do list, I have done a few things. Despite the fact that I hurt my back again yesterday. I swear the chiropractor did it. I didn't do anything differently or anything directly that made me think that I hurt it. I went to the chiro in the morning and within a few hours, I noticed that when I stood up, the same pain that I had a couple weeks ago was back. The only thing she did differently at that visit was drop the foot of the table down to stretch my lower back. So the only thing I accomplished yesterday was taking some extra strength Tylenol, alternating heat and cold, and lying around whining about how much my back hurt. I hope it's pregnancy related and will soon end. I'm getting back to the "unable to relax my butt muscles" stage, which was not comfortable.
Anyway, today I baked some banana bread. Mmmm.
Sunday, I picked more beans. I guess I need to get busy freezing them. Unfortunately, this was only half the row, so I have to go out there, AGAIN.
And here's my first cucumber! Isn't it huge? It's bigger than the ones I got at the Farmer's Market last week. Of course, the vine has taken over the garden fence, which means that some of them grow on the outside of the fence. Which means this isn't actually my first cuke. More like the third or fourth.
Meet the cuke stealing mutt. She either really likes veggies, or she thinks they are chew toys. She steals pumpkins too. Maybe it's a squash fetish.
This is our "new" crib. Can you believe I paid $40 for it? It converts to a toddler and a full size bed. I wish I would have taken before pics. The crib and the dresser/changer are wood and had a honey colored stain. These are after Bobby painstakingly hand painted them both. Okay, so he spray painted them, but he wants everyone to think it was hard work.
I did get the diapers and the baby clothes put away. So, I think we are a little closer to being ready for this little girl. We have the clothes, diapers, car seat, and boobs, so I guess, we're good. Well, not really. That's all we have. I suppose I'll need a diaper pail to put those dirty diapers in. Oh, and baby socks. I have one pair. Hmmm, do you really need receiving blankets? I don't have any of those either, or diapers or pacifiers, or baby butt stuff, or wipes. Okay, so maybe I'm not ready. Darn it.
Hey, you know what's really gross? When you're drinking a nice cold glass of grape Kool aid, and just about the time you are ready to tip your glass up for the final sip, you realize there is a huge, dead fly floating in the bottom. Ewwww, I feel sick.
"Why did she kiss a girl?"
"Because she wanted to try it."
"Why did she want to try it?"
"I guess to see if she liked it"
While I haven't really knocked anything else off my to do list, I have done a few things. Despite the fact that I hurt my back again yesterday. I swear the chiropractor did it. I didn't do anything differently or anything directly that made me think that I hurt it. I went to the chiro in the morning and within a few hours, I noticed that when I stood up, the same pain that I had a couple weeks ago was back. The only thing she did differently at that visit was drop the foot of the table down to stretch my lower back. So the only thing I accomplished yesterday was taking some extra strength Tylenol, alternating heat and cold, and lying around whining about how much my back hurt. I hope it's pregnancy related and will soon end. I'm getting back to the "unable to relax my butt muscles" stage, which was not comfortable.
Anyway, today I baked some banana bread. Mmmm.
Sunday, I picked more beans. I guess I need to get busy freezing them. Unfortunately, this was only half the row, so I have to go out there, AGAIN. 
And here's my first cucumber! Isn't it huge? It's bigger than the ones I got at the Farmer's Market last week. Of course, the vine has taken over the garden fence, which means that some of them grow on the outside of the fence. Which means this isn't actually my first cuke. More like the third or fourth.
Meet the cuke stealing mutt. She either really likes veggies, or she thinks they are chew toys. She steals pumpkins too. Maybe it's a squash fetish.
This is our "new" crib. Can you believe I paid $40 for it? It converts to a toddler and a full size bed. I wish I would have taken before pics. The crib and the dresser/changer are wood and had a honey colored stain. These are after Bobby painstakingly hand painted them both. Okay, so he spray painted them, but he wants everyone to think it was hard work.
I did get the diapers and the baby clothes put away. So, I think we are a little closer to being ready for this little girl. We have the clothes, diapers, car seat, and boobs, so I guess, we're good. Well, not really. That's all we have. I suppose I'll need a diaper pail to put those dirty diapers in. Oh, and baby socks. I have one pair. Hmmm, do you really need receiving blankets? I don't have any of those either, or diapers or pacifiers, or baby butt stuff, or wipes. Okay, so maybe I'm not ready. Darn it.
Hey, you know what's really gross? When you're drinking a nice cold glass of grape Kool aid, and just about the time you are ready to tip your glass up for the final sip, you realize there is a huge, dead fly floating in the bottom. Ewwww, I feel sick.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Made a dent
Call it nesting, or freaking out, realizing time is running out, but we managed to make a little dent in the to do list. I got the baby clothes and diapers washed, along with all the rest of the laundry. Ugh. And, I washed the kitchen cabinets. Let me say, that was a real pain, literally. Five grubby sets of fingerprints make for some grimy cabinets. Yes, five sets, I am counting Bobby.
The patio chairs and the changing table were painted by my darling husband, so the list is getting a tad shorter.
Yay!
The patio chairs and the changing table were painted by my darling husband, so the list is getting a tad shorter.
Yay!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
30 days!
Eeek! Will that ticker down there really say 30 days left, TOMORROW?!?!?
Where did the time go? So much left to do. And considering that the last 3 babies have come 8-11 days early..... maybe only 20 days left????
Does my to do list look like it's getting any shorter? NO! In fact, I think it's just getting longer. Must. Get. Busy.
Where did the time go? So much left to do. And considering that the last 3 babies have come 8-11 days early..... maybe only 20 days left????
Does my to do list look like it's getting any shorter? NO! In fact, I think it's just getting longer. Must. Get. Busy.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Keeping it local
For those of you who don't know me IRL, or heck, those of you who don't pay attention IRL, I'm a bit of a closet environmentalist/homesteader wanna be. Okay, so maybe I'm not always so in the closet and annoy people when I preach to them about recycling and using cloth shopping bags, but, anyway...
I have attempted tending a garden the last few years. I started off really slow, with just a couple tomato and pepper plants, just to be sure I could grow something. Last year, I was lazy (which doesn't go well with the whole homesteading thing, hence, the wanna be tagged onto the end). I did manage to weed and prep the garden area, and planted a small fall garden. Unfortunately, the laziness crept in and the frost got to my beans and lettuce before I did. The bastard.
This year, I actually have a decent size garden with tomatoes, lettuce, green beans, carrots, peppers, cucumbers, and corn. I know, there are a gazillion different kinds of veggies but considering that I have little people who are veggie resistant, why waste my time? I'm too self conscious to show you a picture of my garden. Since I hurt my back a couple weeks ago (and I'm lazy), my lettuce looks like a hedgerow. I'm sure most of it will be split between the rabbit and the compost bin. But, now I know, if you ignore it long enough, it will reach epic heights, so I will be prepared to plant the fall round and harvest it in a timely manner. Besides, what the heck was I thinking planting two rows of lettuce for 2 salad eating people?
On to my adventures in home preserving. I couldn't believe the amount of green beans we had growing. I could have sworn when I weeded around them a couple weeks ago, I only saw a few beans.
Here's my short tutorial on freezing beans, but don't take my word for it because this is the first time I've done it. I got the directions from the Pick your Own website.
Step 1: Wash your beans. Then cut or snap the ends off, and break them into about 1 inch sections, or however, big or small you like them. I prefer snapping them.
Keep in mind, if you are 8 months pregnant, and you stand at the sink long enough, you will no longer have ankles or feet for that matter. Just big fat pads where your feet used to be. A better idea would be to sit at a table and prop your feet while doing this.
Step 2: Blanch your beans. Boil for about 3 minutes, then.......
Step 3: Submerge them in an icebath to stop the cooking process.
Step 4: Bag them up in serving size portions. Yeah, mine are just quart size. Remember the veggie resistant gnomes that live here? If you have a food saver, you can get the air out that way, or you can be like me and use the old fashioned suck the air out with a straw technique. As long as you don't mind sucking green bean flavored air.
I have attempted tending a garden the last few years. I started off really slow, with just a couple tomato and pepper plants, just to be sure I could grow something. Last year, I was lazy (which doesn't go well with the whole homesteading thing, hence, the wanna be tagged onto the end). I did manage to weed and prep the garden area, and planted a small fall garden. Unfortunately, the laziness crept in and the frost got to my beans and lettuce before I did. The bastard.
This year, I actually have a decent size garden with tomatoes, lettuce, green beans, carrots, peppers, cucumbers, and corn. I know, there are a gazillion different kinds of veggies but considering that I have little people who are veggie resistant, why waste my time? I'm too self conscious to show you a picture of my garden. Since I hurt my back a couple weeks ago (and I'm lazy), my lettuce looks like a hedgerow. I'm sure most of it will be split between the rabbit and the compost bin. But, now I know, if you ignore it long enough, it will reach epic heights, so I will be prepared to plant the fall round and harvest it in a timely manner. Besides, what the heck was I thinking planting two rows of lettuce for 2 salad eating people?
On to my adventures in home preserving. I couldn't believe the amount of green beans we had growing. I could have sworn when I weeded around them a couple weeks ago, I only saw a few beans.
Here's my short tutorial on freezing beans, but don't take my word for it because this is the first time I've done it. I got the directions from the Pick your Own website.
Step 1: Wash your beans. Then cut or snap the ends off, and break them into about 1 inch sections, or however, big or small you like them. I prefer snapping them.
Keep in mind, if you are 8 months pregnant, and you stand at the sink long enough, you will no longer have ankles or feet for that matter. Just big fat pads where your feet used to be. A better idea would be to sit at a table and prop your feet while doing this.
Step 2: Blanch your beans. Boil for about 3 minutes, then.......
Step 3: Submerge them in an icebath to stop the cooking process.
Step 4: Bag them up in serving size portions. Yeah, mine are just quart size. Remember the veggie resistant gnomes that live here? If you have a food saver, you can get the air out that way, or you can be like me and use the old fashioned suck the air out with a straw technique. As long as you don't mind sucking green bean flavored air.
Step5: Pop them in your freezer!
I actually skipped the most important step. That would be, sending your husband and eldest child out to actually pick them. Man, the picking was easy.
There is a pick your own strawberry farm up the road and I am really tempted to try some homemade jam or something. But, I'm a little scared. My experience with canning is from childhood. I vaguely remember my step mom in a hot kitchen with a big pot of water and some glass jar thingys. I guess I should have paid more attention.
I would have shared a pic of our farmer's market dinner from last night, but after standing in the kitchen for an eternity cooking dinner and freezing beans, I was too famished to slow down and take a pic. We had pork chops from a local farm in Tipp City and corn and cabbage from a farm in Greenville. I did discover that if you are going to eat pesticide free corn, you might have to share with a worm or two. Ewww. Luckily, they don't eat much.
I try to visit the farmer's market weekly which is where I get my free range, chemical free chicken eggs and some yum, yum, yummy homegrown bacon, among other things.
Other ways we, I mean I, (Bobby's just along for the ride) try to reduce our carbon footprint:
Buy locally and/or organic when able.
Plant a garden.
Compost scraps and yard waste.
RECYCLE! Everything!!! (Ever heard of Craig's list? Don't throw out your junk, someone will want it)
Combine errands.
Plant drought tolerant plants to reduce watering.
Don't water the grass. It will grow, trust me.
Hang clothes to dry. (Heck, let your kids run naked, that would be even better)
Limit shower/bath time. (With water hog kids, this one is hard)
Use cloth shopping bags.
Use cloth diapers.
Use recycled toilet paper. (Okay, it's recycled paper products, not actually recycled TP. That would be gross.)
Turn your thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter.
Walk (or bike) when able.
Encourage others.
Limit the use of our gas guzzling SUV that my husband insisted he must have. Yeah, $140 into the tank and even he thinks of not driving the monstrosity. Unfortunately, with a family of 7, our choices are pretty limited, if we don't want to strap the kids to the bumper.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
And the winner is.......
One of the top four.
Hahahaha
Seriously though, there are two names we are still stuck on, and they are both in the top four. We'll let you know...... at some point.
Hahahaha
Seriously though, there are two names we are still stuck on, and they are both in the top four. We'll let you know...... at some point.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
34 weeks
Had another midwife appt today. Nothing too exciting. I'm all normal. Hey, no laughing.
Baby sounds good, all systems within normal limits, even minimal swelling. The surprising part, I lost 1/2 pound since my last visit four weeks ago. It shouldn't be terribly surprising since I gained 7 pounds at that visit and I had massive swelling. I suppose, now that I have something resembling ankles, there is less water weight to haul around.
It's still a little surprising...... considering my recent obsession with iced coffees.
Baby sounds good, all systems within normal limits, even minimal swelling. The surprising part, I lost 1/2 pound since my last visit four weeks ago. It shouldn't be terribly surprising since I gained 7 pounds at that visit and I had massive swelling. I suppose, now that I have something resembling ankles, there is less water weight to haul around.
It's still a little surprising...... considering my recent obsession with iced coffees.
Monday, July 07, 2008
The Day is Improving
This morning, I felt a little better than I did the last several days. My low back and butt still ache, but not as severe as over the weekend. And I haven't whined or sobbed at all today. I went in to see the chiropractor today. This was the first time at their office, and I have to say, they make a really good first impression. It is a husband wife team. I saw the husband today while their 18 month old toddled around the office. Very family friendly place, thankfully, since my 2 little people disappeared once I was lying flat on my face on the table and couldn't keep track of them.
The tailbone pain I've been having for weeks he attributed to some of my L's being out of alignment. Was it 4 and 5? Anyway, my butt muscles were overcompensating and staying tight to stabilize the joint. Hmm, that's the first time I've been told I have a tight ass. :op He massaged the muscle and asked if it was sore because it felt really tight. Uh, sore is an understatement as I lie there flinching and holding my breath. Massage isn't supposed to hurt, is it?
Secondly, the back pain that has put me out of commission for the past 5 days, is a pulled muscle, with some really fancy name, that is basically connected to my rib from my spine. Surprisingly, it wasn't near as tender as my left butt cheek. Apparently, that is the only muscle I use in my entire body so it compensated for the low back pain by tightening even more. That would be my sacro illial joint, or something like that.
I did feel better walking out of the office, but then I had to sit down to drive, so it hurt again by the time I got home. I have another appt with the wife in the morning. He didn't think one adjustment would do it. Uh, yeah, me neither.
I think I may be able to work tomorrow though, as long as I don't sit for too long. Tonight was the 4th night that I called out, which is causing me some psychological stress. One, because I haven't called out in a looooong time, and two, because I sort of need my sick days for maternity leave.
Or, maybe I don't. ;op
I found, in my inbox this morning.....
Dear Carla,
Welcome to the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing! I am pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to our school via the ADN-to-MSN Bridge entry option. You will enter as part of Class 62, and you will attend the August 25-29 Frontier Bound.
Hooray!!! Needless to say, I don't think I'll be continuing full time employment after maternity leave. Speaking of, do you think Aug 25 may be cutting it too close to my due date of Aug 19?
Oh, and I lost my manny. Yeah, Bobby went back to work today. He was getting a little burnt out at home all day. Although, he kept pointing out to me that in the Fall, I'll only be home with 2 of the kids all day because the rest will be in school. His previous employer called and asked if he'd be willing to come back. So with that, combined with my inability to work for the last week, and his belief that I'll be starting maternity leave sooner rather than later, he decided to go back.
The tailbone pain I've been having for weeks he attributed to some of my L's being out of alignment. Was it 4 and 5? Anyway, my butt muscles were overcompensating and staying tight to stabilize the joint. Hmm, that's the first time I've been told I have a tight ass. :op He massaged the muscle and asked if it was sore because it felt really tight. Uh, sore is an understatement as I lie there flinching and holding my breath. Massage isn't supposed to hurt, is it?
Secondly, the back pain that has put me out of commission for the past 5 days, is a pulled muscle, with some really fancy name, that is basically connected to my rib from my spine. Surprisingly, it wasn't near as tender as my left butt cheek. Apparently, that is the only muscle I use in my entire body so it compensated for the low back pain by tightening even more. That would be my sacro illial joint, or something like that.
I did feel better walking out of the office, but then I had to sit down to drive, so it hurt again by the time I got home. I have another appt with the wife in the morning. He didn't think one adjustment would do it. Uh, yeah, me neither.
I think I may be able to work tomorrow though, as long as I don't sit for too long. Tonight was the 4th night that I called out, which is causing me some psychological stress. One, because I haven't called out in a looooong time, and two, because I sort of need my sick days for maternity leave.
Or, maybe I don't. ;op
I found, in my inbox this morning.....
Dear Carla,
Welcome to the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing! I am pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to our school via the ADN-to-MSN Bridge entry option. You will enter as part of Class 62, and you will attend the August 25-29 Frontier Bound.
Hooray!!! Needless to say, I don't think I'll be continuing full time employment after maternity leave. Speaking of, do you think Aug 25 may be cutting it too close to my due date of Aug 19?
Oh, and I lost my manny. Yeah, Bobby went back to work today. He was getting a little burnt out at home all day. Although, he kept pointing out to me that in the Fall, I'll only be home with 2 of the kids all day because the rest will be in school. His previous employer called and asked if he'd be willing to come back. So with that, combined with my inability to work for the last week, and his belief that I'll be starting maternity leave sooner rather than later, he decided to go back.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Whine
Okay, I'm normally not a big complainer. I have a pretty high pain tolerance. I mean, I had a baby in my bath tub, for goodness sake. But, my back is flipping killing me.
I pulled a muscle or pinched a nerve in my back on Wednesday morning and have been suffering since then. It sucks because it is constant pain. I'm okay if I sit still or stand still, but trying to change position or walk, is painful. And it's not getting better.
I've tried taking Tylenol, big help that is. Both hot showers and stretching help during, but as soon as I'm done, there's the pain again. I've already taken two days off of work and tomorrow's not looking real promising. Which really sucks because I haven't called out sick in over 2 years. I thought about just going and sucking it up. I mean, it's just pain, right? But, thankfully, I stuck with my plan and stayed home, because it just got worse through the day.
I'm hoping I can get in to see a chiropractor tomorrow, even though it's a holiday weekend. I think if I saw my family doc, he would just give me pain killers. Yeah, that would help with the pain, but it wouldn't fix the problem.
If anyone has any suggestions, or sympathy, feel free to send it my way.
I pulled a muscle or pinched a nerve in my back on Wednesday morning and have been suffering since then. It sucks because it is constant pain. I'm okay if I sit still or stand still, but trying to change position or walk, is painful. And it's not getting better.
I've tried taking Tylenol, big help that is. Both hot showers and stretching help during, but as soon as I'm done, there's the pain again. I've already taken two days off of work and tomorrow's not looking real promising. Which really sucks because I haven't called out sick in over 2 years. I thought about just going and sucking it up. I mean, it's just pain, right? But, thankfully, I stuck with my plan and stayed home, because it just got worse through the day.
I'm hoping I can get in to see a chiropractor tomorrow, even though it's a holiday weekend. I think if I saw my family doc, he would just give me pain killers. Yeah, that would help with the pain, but it wouldn't fix the problem.
If anyone has any suggestions, or sympathy, feel free to send it my way.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
A peek inside
We took a peek at Baby T today. Which, in itself, was a feat. I pinched a nerve in my back yesterday and have been aching with every step, with the odd sharp pain thrown in for kicks. But, I managed to get there without too much moaning.
On top of that, I am 33 weeks now. The US tech, who is just great I should add (not the same as last time), said we could have got clearer pics at about 28 weeks. Well, that was when the first US got cancelled. Anyway, the little one has her head wedged down in my pelvis without alot of fluid in front of her face, which made it difficult to get a really clear picture. On top of that, she apparently likes to stick her arms up by her head, and her hands in her mouth.
Here's her little face. Like I said, she is a little squished. Her eyes are closed, her nose is right there in the middle and her pouty little mouth is there under her nose. :op
On top of that, I am 33 weeks now. The US tech, who is just great I should add (not the same as last time), said we could have got clearer pics at about 28 weeks. Well, that was when the first US got cancelled. Anyway, the little one has her head wedged down in my pelvis without alot of fluid in front of her face, which made it difficult to get a really clear picture. On top of that, she apparently likes to stick her arms up by her head, and her hands in her mouth.
Here's her little face. Like I said, she is a little squished. Her eyes are closed, her nose is right there in the middle and her pouty little mouth is there under her nose. :op
This is the typical 2d pic. I wish we could have captured the profile on video. She kept opening her mouth and sucking her lips. We discovered why towards the end. She managed to get her fingers in her mouth, which meant the end of trying to get pics. All we could see was her fist in front of her face and her thumb.
And yes, I keep saying her. Them there is her girl parts. Confirmation for you skeptics.
These two pics aren't as clear. You can see she has her hand up on the left side of the pic, and her other arm is down in front of her chin. Bobby said she looks like a cat in the pic above.
The tech estimated her to be about 4 1/2 pounds now, which would make her about 7 1/2 by her due date. I know that doesn't sound all that big these days, but Teagan was only 6 lbs 5 oz. Tatum was a whole pound bigger at 7 lbs 5 oz, and I sure could feel the difference. I guess I grow my girls bigger.
She is still nameless. There are two names that I am leaning towards, but I may put up a little poll to get other opinions. Bear in mind, it will not affect my ultimate decision. :op
33 weeks
Okay, not in my usual spot, but hey, I was out of town. 
Does it look all the much bigger from 29 weeks?
Does it look all the much bigger from 29 weeks?
The long road home
Actually, it didn't seem as long coming home, as it did getting there. A few suggestions for anyone planning to travel with children........
Invest in a portable DVD player with multiple screens. It will be your saving grace. Modern, technologically savvy children quickly tire of "I spy".
Avoid Chicago, at all costs, especially with small, potty trained children, unless you're crazy, or feeling really adventurous. Keeping them occupied with the above mentioned DVD player may save you from having to take a potty break in downtown Chicago, you know, if you're feeling adventurous.
If you're planning a picnic lunch at a rest area, just forget the whole state of Illinois. Apparently, a "rest area" in Illinois is actually an "oasis" consisting of an exit ramp with a gas station and strip mall type set up with multiple eating establishments. Not a picnic table or grass in sight. Rest areas with grassy areas are essential when traveling with children, or pets, for that matter.
Invest in a portable DVD player with multiple screens. It will be your saving grace. Modern, technologically savvy children quickly tire of "I spy".
Avoid Chicago, at all costs, especially with small, potty trained children, unless you're crazy, or feeling really adventurous. Keeping them occupied with the above mentioned DVD player may save you from having to take a potty break in downtown Chicago, you know, if you're feeling adventurous.
If you're planning a picnic lunch at a rest area, just forget the whole state of Illinois. Apparently, a "rest area" in Illinois is actually an "oasis" consisting of an exit ramp with a gas station and strip mall type set up with multiple eating establishments. Not a picnic table or grass in sight. Rest areas with grassy areas are essential when traveling with children, or pets, for that matter.
There were actually four kids in the car. Number 4, however, is leaning over in the seat on the left to avoid having his picture taken. Tanner and Tatum were actually playing together, without fighting. Miracles do happen.
Family pics
These were all taken at my grandparents house. The tall kid in the back is my 14 yr old cousin Jesse, then from left to right are my little buggers, Tanner, Travis, Tatum and Teagan. Notice, it takes several tries to get a decent pic when children are involved.
I had to pull this one off another shot since Teagan was looking particulary ornery.
The pregnant lady is me, duh. On the other end is my sis, Krista. (She has some more pics on her blog)
This is my uncle Mike and his wife, Deb. The tall kid is theirs. :op
I had to pull this one off another shot since Teagan was looking particulary ornery.
The pregnant lady is me, duh. On the other end is my sis, Krista. (She has some more pics on her blog) 
This is my uncle Mike and his wife, Deb. The tall kid is theirs. :op
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Fun at grandma's house
This pic doesn't really capture Teagan's fascination with the cuckoo clock. He figured out that one of the other clocks would chime a couple minutes before the cuckoo clock. So, whenever he heard the clock chime, he would run to the cuckoo and stand there waiting for it. 
Playing with Legos, Teagan is still back there, waiting for the cuckoo to come out.
Playing ball, with lots of bug spray! The mosquitoes are horrendous. I don't know if they are always that bad, or they have just increased because of all the flooding. But they are out ALL DAY LONG! Which is unusual mosquito behaviour for us Ohioans, who are used to the little buggers coming out at dusk.
Playing with Legos, Teagan is still back there, waiting for the cuckoo to come out.
Playing ball, with lots of bug spray! The mosquitoes are horrendous. I don't know if they are always that bad, or they have just increased because of all the flooding. But they are out ALL DAY LONG! Which is unusual mosquito behaviour for us Ohioans, who are used to the little buggers coming out at dusk.
Park fun
We visited the Chicken Chew while in Wisconsin. It's a small town festival that has something to do with Chicken, although, we didn't see much chicken there.
Chillin in the hotel
Well, it wasn't all about chillin, at least for the adults. Sometimes, it was repeating over and over again to stop jumping on the beds, and stop wrestling, and stop, stop, stop.....
This was a comical moment though. Teagan has decided that Tatum is his best friend. So, while she was getting her hair brushed after bath time, Teagan would hug her around the neck and say "You my best friend."
Travis is not a morning person.
This was a comical moment though. Teagan has decided that Tatum is his best friend. So, while she was getting her hair brushed after bath time, Teagan would hug her around the neck and say "You my best friend."
Travis is not a morning person.
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