The Summons

Have you ever noticed that there's no good and easy way to tell a state that you no longer reside there?  Anyway, due to this, I recently received a jury summons from the state of North Dakota.  I put it in my "to do" list, but since I'm not actually a resident there and I've got a serious case of pregnancy brain, it did not get done.

So, I received my second notice in the mail yesterday.  This letter, in no uncertain terms, explained why I needed to respond to my summons.  It states "This form must be completed by 20-Jan-2014 [although I received it on 21-Jan-2014].  Failure to do so will result in further action being taken."

Uh oh.  Did you hear that?  Further action.  I'm going to start using that with Will.  "Will, don't you throw that toy or I'm going to have to take further action."  "Eat your peas or, you know, stuff will have to happen."

So, anyway, I'm already giggling as I head to the website to fill out the form, like the good law-abiding citizen that I am.  And then - the first thing the form asks me is my round trip mileage to the courthouse.  So, in all seriousness, I pull up google maps and chart my trip to the courthouse; 1,755 miles one-way.  So, I dutifully type in 3,510 miles as my round trip distance.

However, at this point I'm laughing so hard I'm almost in tears as I picture myself, 39.5 weeks pregnant driving 1700 miles for jury duty in Cass County to avoid "further action."  On the bright side, they reimburse your mileage at .565 per mile.

Road trip, anyone?

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WILL!

I feel like it's been a really long time since I did a post to update on my favorite little man, Mr. Will.  So, before I'm writing up a birth story about his little sister, I wanted to get a good post in to remember what my little guy was like when he was my ONLY little one.

Will is 26 months old now (we just call him 2, however) and is just the light of our whole lives.  In the last couple of months since he turned two, he's come a long way in speaking and communicating with us and gets better every day.

He likes to hug and give kisses - but mostly on his timetable.  If you ask for a hug or kiss, you've only got a 50% chance your actually gonna get it.  Along those same lines, he's pretty headstrong.  He knows what he wants (or more accurately what he doesn't want) and he'll make that clear to you.  I was joking with Geoff the other day that the key to a happy day with Will is convince him that everything is his idea.  I'm surprisingly good at that, too.

I've given Will a bad rap over the past few months as someone who won't let me take his picture.  I discovered on Christmas Eve that wasn't the case.  He just doesn't respect my phone as a camera!  When he had his picture taken with a real camera, this kid was a HAM.  So, my picture-taking philosophy has changed.  So, you'll probably see less instant Instagram posts as I take more photos with my real camera.

Will's favorite things right now are the Rescue Bots.  He got 4 bots for Christmas and they are his favorite toy as well (although he still LOVES his matchbox cars).  He may need to get the last bot as a gift when baby sis arrives.  Geoff and I really liked the show when we found it because it was very kid friendly, but also entertaining to us.  By now it has become almost unbearable as we've seen each of the 24 episodes enough times to act it out.  But, Will loves it and he is too cute to turn down when it's time for a show and he just looks at you and goes, "Bots?  Yeah, bots." and nods his little head.

Along with that, Will is also in the habit of asking you a question and then answering for you.  "Crackers?  Yeah, crackers." or "Car? Car." And he'll nod at you while he says it waiting for you to nod as well.  It's extremely adorable.  The upside to this is he asks for almost everything and doesn't just do whatever he's thinking.  And, if I tell him no, he may pout, but he usually listens.

My pregnancy has confused the whole issue on body parts for Will.  He calls his belly (and everyone else's belly) a baby.  We correct him and try to explain that only mommy has the baby, but sometimes hearing him exclaim "Oh, no! Baby!" when he spills on his shirt is too cute to correct.

Will can point to and name his mouth, nose, eyes, ears, head, belly, arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, and toes.  He can also count to 10 (he usually needs a little help, as 4 gets repeated a couple times).  He is also getting better at his letter recognition.  He can mostly recite the ABCs with me and he for sure knows what an R, P, O and E are and he's learning more each day.  He calls letters Rs and numbers 4s in general.  So, if you are looking at a sign with him, he can differentiate the letters and numbers, but you'll think he's telling you all the numbers are 4s and the letters are Rs.

Will has recently developed a deep and abiding love for "machines."  This means fans, essentially.  But, any kind of fan.  A space heater, a heater vent in the wall/ceiling of the house/store, a regular oscillating fan, a bathroom exhaust fan, etc.  Even the grate at the bottom of the fridge he will kneel and point and exclaim "machine!"  When we are in the store he will point out every vent and then proclaim, "More Machine!"  His loves to turn fans on and off.  So much it can be used as a reward.  After you take a bath, we can turn the fan on!

Will also learned a very important word last week - "Mine."  He hasn't been using it in a possessive way too much yet, but just in a way that indicates he is understanding possession.  He likes to explain who things belong to.  "Mama's pancake, Dada's pancake, my pancake."  Occasionally he'll proclaim something "mine" that wasn't really.  So, we use that as a chance to talk about sharing.  Last night he pushed away his own baked potato and pointed to mine and said "my tato."  I said, "well, this is actually mama's potato, but we can share it."  And, we did.

He's really a very sweet kiddo.  He doesn't like to be punished and punishing him is really hard because of it.  Luckily, his punishments are few and far between.  He makes us laugh all the time and keeps us active and having a blast.  I'm ready to get this pregnancy over with so I can keep up better with him again.  We are SO lucky to be his parents and can't wait to see him continue to learn and grow.

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5 Weeks 'til D-Date!

I did this with Will, so I thought I'd do the same for this little lady, since, in general I'm significantly more terrible about blogging/documenting our lives these days.  She shouldn't have to miss out on everything.  :)

MY PREGNANCY:

Mother Name: Amanda
Age: 27
Birthday: October 1st
Height: 5'6
Father Name: Geoff
Age: 28
Birthday: October 31st
Height: 5'11

FIRSTS

Is this your first pregnancy?: Nope!  This is number 3, technically.
When did you find out you were pregnant?: This is a more loaded question than you think.  But, I took a test around May 24th that came back positive.
How did you find out you were pregnant?: I took a test - it was positive.    
What kind of pregnancy test did you take?: I don't know. Whatever was on sale at the drug store that week.
How many?: Just one.  I probably took another one a couple days later just for peace of mind.  Pregnant minds can go a little crazy.  :)
What were your first symptoms?: Not too bad.  I dealt with some nausea - certainly way worse than my pregnancy with Mr. Will, but very little vomiting or anything.  I was very tired, however.  Still am.  Ha.
Who did you tell first?: The hub!
Who was with you when you found out?:  Geoff was there.
Was baby planned?: Yes and no.  We weren't stopping a pregnancy, per se.  But, since the miscarriage in January and the recent move, it wasn't really something we were expecting or planning exactly.  But, we were delighted.
When was baby conceived?: Mid to late-April 
How far were you when you found out?: Just about 4 weeks.  I tested as soon as I was able. 

MY BABY: 

Due date: 1/30/14
Did you want to know the sex?: Absolutely.
Do you know the sex?: Yup!
If so, boy or girl? Girl!
Any names?: Yes.  Baby girl has a name, but I've been avoiding sharing it publicly.  But, it's not a big secret, so if you really want to know, ask me privately (or just wait a few weeks!).
Any ultrasounds?: I've had a few.  I had one at 6 weeks, one at about 10 weeks (after I fell down the stairs at my in-laws), and the big one at 20 weeks.  The doc mentioned they may do one at my next appointment (36 weeks), which would be AWESOME.  I'd love to see her.
Have you heard the heartbeat?: You bet.  That first appointment hearing that little heartbeat was the absolute best, especially after not having found a heartbeat with the last pregnancy.  Her heart rate has trended lower than Will's did, hovering between 130-140 throughout the pregnancy.
Who do you think baby will look like? I don't know!  Will came out such a blend, it's hard to imagine what this little lady will look like.  But, I'm certain she's going to be adorable.
Will baby have any siblings?: Of course, big bro Will.  It may take him a bit to adjust to her, but she's going to be lucky to have such an awesome big brother. 
When did you first feel the baby move? This chica has not been much of one for movement.  I think I must be carrying her further inside than Will because I don't feel her movements the same.  I felt her first move fairly early (around 14-15 weeks), but I really have to pay attention.  
When did you start to show?: I don't really know.  If you know me, you probably would have been able to tell around 17-18 weeks.  But, I felt noticeably pregnant long before that.  
How long could you wear your regular clothes? Awhile.  I think I had to abandon my pre-pregnancy pants around 13-14 weeks and the shirts closer to 20-22 weeks.  
Are you excited?: Very!

MISCELLANEOUS: 

Did you have morning sickness?: Yeah.  It hit me around 13 weeks and stayed until about 17 weeks.  It was never too unbearable.  I just really struggled making Will breakfast.  
Do you have any cravings?: Not really.  Occasionally I just HAVE to have pineapples or pears, but that's about it. 
Do you have any mood swings?: Oh, sure.  This lady was way worse than Will on my emotions, especially in the beginning.  I felt out of control!  As I've progressed, however, I feel like I've gotten a lot more stable and I'm feeling pretty good these days - albeit easily emotional.
Are you a high risk pregnancy?: Nope.  So far so good.  My doc probably loves it when I come in for my checkups because it's always by the book.  My BP went up around 36 weeks last time, though, so we are keeping an eye on those numbers closely.
Any complications?: Nope.
Formula or breastfeeding?: I will be breastfeeding.
Have you bought anything for baby yet?: Yes.  Although, I feel way behind.  We've got the cradle, crib, carseat (we'll be reusing Will's) and glider.  I had a friend gift me a bouncer seat, bath seat, and play gym (so grateful!).  I've got a few outfits and a pack and play, but that's it.  I haven't stocked up on diapers, I'm short about 20 outfits, a swing, etc... But, it'll all come as it's needed.  Babies need so little at first 
Who will help with baby after their born?:  Geoff will take a little time off and, luckily, my fam is close enough to help out!  My mom will be around a lot, I'd assume and my SIL will probably end up being a life saver.  
What is your favorite thing about being pregnant?:  I'm just in awe of what the human body can do.  I look at my little boy and just can't even believe that I MADE HIM.  I'm excited to meet my little lady and see her unique personality and get to watch her grow as well. 
What is the worst thing about being pregnant?:  All your other organs getting all squished resulting in heartburn, a never ending need to use the restroom, and rib pain - oh, the rib pain!
What's one thing do you miss doing since being pregnant?:  Same answer as last pregnancy: Diet Soda.  If you want to visit me and meet the baby after she's born, an ice cold 20-ounce Diet Coke will get you in the door.  :) 
Any days you wish you weren't pregnant?: Nope.  Pregnancy isn't what I would call easy, but I don't have really terrible ones, either.  I'll be okay with getting my body back when this is over, but I generally enjoy the whole experience.
Are you ready for baby?:  Just about!  I'm not quite far enough along yet to start wishing she'd be here already.
How many kids do you want?: I don't know.  Going from 1 to 2 is going to be a big change, so we're gonna hang tight at 2 for awhile before we make any decisions on future offspring.  
Do you talk to your baby?: Haha.  Not a ton.  Mostly just when I'm calling her a stinker (she stops moving the minute anyone else tries to feel her move) or when I'm asking her to please move her toes out of my ribcage.  But, Will and I talk about her all the time.
Do you still feel attractive?: Eh.  If I go to the effort to get looking cute, usually.  But, if I'm being honest, I very rarely make that effort. 
Have you had your baby shower yet?: Nope.
How far along are you now?: 35 weeks, 1 day

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December Photo Essay

Wondering what we're up to?  Now you know!

Helping to decorate Papa and Dizza's Christmas tree.

Cole and Will were good helpers.

These poor reindeer never have their antlers on straight (lately Will has taken to just pushing them over altogether).

Felt tree - he loved it for awhile and has also since taken to throwing all the ornaments on the floor.

Laundry is fun!

Making Christmas cookies with Dizza (i.e. Grandma Gamblin, for anyone who didn't know).

Tastey!

32 weeks preggo (I'm up to 34 now!)

Pinterest helped me decorate with these DIY showflakes.

My nativity display.

Will at the ER after he cut his lip open.  No stitches needed, just glue and tape strips.  It's healing nicely.

Went to the local holiday parade and outdoor market (where do I live!!)

Presents are starting to appear!

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So much!

So, I know it's been a long time since I blogged.  Every time I go to do it I'm overwhelmed by how much I have to say and how little energy I have to say it all.  I'm loving my Northern California autumn.  The only problem I have is that it gets dark so early - but it's still 60-65 degrees, so I want to go to the park or play outside with Will, but we can't!

We had Halloween - Will was a doctor, and an adorable one at that.  We went trick or treating at a locale shopping center and stayed in to hand out candy at night.  He liked handing out candy.

Will turned 2 almost a month ago, and he's just as delightful as ever.  He had a couple of weeks where I was concerned that he might be turning into a "two year old," but then he got sick and once that passed, he's back to his good ol' self.  We have a lot of fun.  He weighed in at 30 lbs 8 oz and 36.5 inches tall at his 2 year appointment.  He was 90% for weight and 95% for height.  So, he's a big guy!  It still makes me smile that Geoff and I are on track to have a son who is around 6'3"-6'4".  Not that I didn't think it was possible - we both have tall genes, but when you're average height, you don't think you'll make tall kids!

Baby girl is growing right along.  I'm just shy of 32 weeks now.  I'm doing good.  She sits a lot lower than Will did in my abdomen and she's not as big a mover and a shaker as he was (this can lead to scares when I don't feel her moving!).  But, everything is going smoothly.  I'm a little more nervous with each passing week as my blood pressure didn't spike with Will until about 36 weeks.  I'm hopeful we can skip all that with this pregnancy - but ready for it to happen.

Will is very much into the whole Christmas scene.  He LOVES Christmas trees and all the lights and isn't shy about letting you know.  "Big tree!" "More lights!" and "More trees!" are common exclamations around the house/town these days and he gives me the grins every time.  We went for a drive to find some Christmas lights last night, and he could have done it for hours.  "oooh, lights!  More lights!"

I'm feeling extremely blessed this year having a California Christmas and preparing for baby girl and enjoying my time with Will.  It's a good life I've got and I'm just working to live in the moment and enjoy every day because soon it's all going to change (in a good way - but still very different!).

Hope you are enjoying every day as well.

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Tips to have a successful grocery trip

So, the other day I went shopping late at night since I hadn't been able to go on my normal Saturday trip and I wanted to avoid having to take a toddler after day care when he just wants to go home and play.  I've been disappointed in general by the customer service at my local Safeway, but I save a lot of money by shopping there, so I put up with it.

So, I'm cruising around the store at 9pm gathering what I need and finding, to no great surprise, that grocery stores aren't very well stocked at 9pm.  Many of the cheaper items that I was hoping to pick up were stripped from the shelves by earlier shoppers and their (slightly) pricier analogs were sitting there waiting for me.  Rather than causing a fuss over my 20 cents, I picked up the can of name brand chilies and carried on. 

As I did, I thought back to my experience as a grocery employee and thought I'd share my 5 tips to ensuring that you have a pleasant experience at the grocery store:

1) Make a list.  I especially recommend this if you have a toddler or child with you.  My mother taught me the life-changing trick of writing produce on one side, meat/dairy products in the middle, dry goods and frozen goods on the other side.  This way, you can see if you've gotten everything you need as you walk down each aisle rather than realizing you missed something and continuing to wander in circles. 

2) Fill your cart the same way.  Put like items together.  I put cans at the bottom/back of my cart and produce up front.  Eggs and bread go on top.  Then, when you unload your groceries, you'll already have them sorted for easy bagging - this will speed up the checkout process for you and ensure that your bread doesn't get bagged with your frozen veggies. 

3) Think about when you shop.  If you shop on Saturday morning (my usual time), it's going to be busier.  If you shop late at night, it's going to be quieter - but you won't have the full selection or ease in finding an employee to help you (if needed).   So, find a time that works for you and make sure you aren't expecting an experience that can't be provided at that time of day (like me just buying the more expensive item rather than trying to hunt down an employee and send them to the back to save me 20 cents - but, if having the cheaper item is important to you, shop at another time or be prepared to be patient).

4) Be kind to your checker.  If you've had a problem with your shopping experience - share it with the manager at the service desk after you are done checking out.  Getting mad at your checker, for whatever reason, isn't going to be productive.  It's just going to make you look like a jerk to everyone else in line.  If the lady on aisle 4 was rude to you or the line was too long, your checker won't be able to fix that for you.  If you are mad because there was no Chobani vanilla yogurt,
handle that in the back of the store with an associate when you notice it's missing, not when you get to the check out.  Your checker can call an associate to go look for vanilla Chobani, but now you are mad and delayed - and so it everyone else in line.

5) Be careful when you go express.  Unless it is a very slow day at the supermarket, don't go through the express line if you have a cart or plan to write a check (but, seriously, don't use checks at the grocery store).  If your items fit in your arms or a basket, you are safe to go through the express lane.  If what you want required a cart, you should let the people with fewer items use the express lane.  Odds are they are picking up that one item they forgot last time or the milk they need for a cranky baby at home or the dessert for a party and truly are in a hurry.

Bottom line, be considerate.  The workers (well, most of them) are really doing their best to get you in and out with what you need with as little hassle as possible. 

The grocery store is there to provide you with an important product.  Food.  If you are making it out with at least that much - then you accomplished your goal when you walked in. 

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Perfect!

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and I've decided that I really like my doctor.  He speaks my language.  This mostly means that he overuses words like "perfect" and "awesome" and, although I haven't seen his words in writing much, I assume he's a fan of the exclamation point.  For a pregnant lady who feels pretty exhausted most of the time, it's delightful to hear him talk about how great everything is looking for my little gal. 

We reviewed the ultrasound report in which everything came back "unremarkable" (which he assured me was a good thing, but I corrected him and let him know that this little lady is certainly remarkable).  The ultrasound report didn't include gender, but he was thrilled for me when I told him it was a girl - as he knew we had a son at home - and he remarked "You guys are living the American dream!"  That made me smile.  Two kids in your mid-twenties doesn't seem to be the American dream any more, but it is exactly what we want in our lives.  To have our little boy and, now, a little girl on the way - he was right - that is our dream.  We are so lucky to be living this wonderfully blessed life of ours with our awesome little family. 

Will is doing great.  He's learning new words every day and it blows me away how big he is getting.  I can't believe that just a couple years ago, I was still pregnant with him.  Time is an amazing thing.  He's just 6 weeks shy of of his 2 year birthday - and you can tell.  Just in the last few weeks, he's starting transitioning into a "two-year old."  He's still a really laid back and sweet guy, but he's apt to get a little more easily frustrated (and equally loud) when things don't go the way his was expecting.  Luckily we've only really had a couple of major meltdowns and as he gets even better at communicating his needs verbally, I think we're going to have a pretty good kiddo on our hands. 

Oh, and for anyone wondering, we won't be having the same naming dilemma with this little lady like we did with Will.  We already have a name all picked out - but I'll wait a little bit to share it, as we do want to share it with our families first.  :-)

Otherwise, things are going pretty smoothly around here these days.  Geoff got assigned "his" store, so in another week or two he'll graduate from "Manager in Training" to "Manager."  I'm excited for him.  He's worked really hard to get his training and certifications completed and it's going to be great for him to start managing his own store/team. 

The A's are getting ready to wrap up their season shortly and are in the midst of their last home stand of the season - so Geoff and I are going to head to the game on Friday (for Star Wars themed fireworks after the show as well!) to celebrate this great season.  There's also a chance they could clinch the division on Friday - so it would be awesome to be there when they do. 

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