Before and Afters from the Yard

Before

After

BeforeAfter

What's going on this week with us

So, I haven't been posting a lot lately. Been pretty busy trying to finish up with 'stuff' to be done before Randi's arrival. Things that have been accomplished the past week or so:

Finished unpacking last of boxes from the move. Sorted all of Randi's clothes. Washed 0-3 month size clothes for Randi. Had to find places to put all of Randi's clothes. Set up bassinet in our room. Went to both Wal-Mart & Target to stock up on as many size 1 & size 4 diapers as possible with gift cards we were given. Returned unworn shirt to Motherhood Maternity, exchanged for a nursing bra. Returned extra outfit that Randi got two of to JCP. Weekly checkups with Dr. Westmoreland. Went to Babies R Us for a bottle warmer. Went to Toys R Us for James' Tigger costume (that just happened to be on sale for 50% off!). Made 'Thank You' cards for all of Randi's awesome gifts. Made treats for James' class for Halloween. Hung curtains in James' room finally (there was a blanket covering the window since we moved in!). Got James' hair cut. JJ installed the pet-door for the garage for Pat's cat. JJ finished all of his flower bed and yard projects this week. etc. etc. etc.

I have also spent time every day this week trying to get all of the CHIP insurance stuff straightened out. Neither our doctor, nor the hospital are listed in the CHIP provider directory, but because it's only 1 week away, we can't possibly switch either one. So, I have had to try to organize between myself, the doctor, the hospital, and CHIP to make sure that all of the 'Out of Network Authorizations' are completed in time! Not complaining, trust me! We are just so thankful to have any coverage at all since JJ's insurance at work didn't go through in time!

We really wanted to have everything done before Halloween weekend. JJ is 'On-Call' Halloween night, so there is actually a chance that he can go Trick-or-Treating with us which will thrill our little Tigger. Then on JJ's day off on Monday, we plan to spend the entire day with James, and not working or cleaning at all. We have a picnic planned (hopefully it won't rain again!) in a cute park we found near the church we have been visiting. And then, when he naps, we plan to nap too! Have to get as much rest as possible before our world changes completely next week!

While trying to satisfy a craving of my own this week (for cupcakes) I made an accidental discovery! There is actually a cake mix out there that doesn't taste like cardboard that James can eat (he has a pretty bad dairy allergy). I thought I had checked them all before his birthday party, but I guess I missed one. These cupcakes were going to be our treats after James went to bed at night, so as not to tease him with something he couldn't have. I just happened to check the ingredients list as I was making the cupcakes (this is a habit you gain almost immediately when your child has food allergies!) and realized he could have them too! Just another of our small but really exciting blessings this week! As you can see, it made his day to be able to have a 'Tuc-Take' with chocolate icing (he also does not get chocolate very often because of the milk in it!)!!!!!!!!

My Gardening Guys

James loves helping Daddy in the yard. They were planting flower bulbs to bloom in the spring.

1 Week to Go!

Alrighty...today was my last checkup! This pic is from earlier today at 38 weeks and 168 pounds! I did much better than I did with James...I have only gained 34 pounds vs. the 50 I gained with him.
We are scheduled for the C-Section next Wednesday on November 4 at noon to meet Miss Randi! Be thinking of us, and James, next week please! (BTW...Misti will be here and will post pics to this blog for all of you guys too see!)

Favorite Past Time

James has always loved to read books, but especially with his Daddy. But here lately, he seems that all the kid wants to do is read books! Especially one that he calls 'Brothers & Sisters'. It's a Mercer Mayer book called 'Just Me & My Little Brother' that Aunt Moozer gave him before we knew the baby is a girl. But, when we read it, we switch it out to 'Little Sister'. It is currently his favorite, and we must read it every night, and sometimes several other times throughout the day too!

2 Men Working

James & Daddy in the yard again! This time he was helping him to make the pond an ACTUAL pond. JJ had the shovel, James had his own ( a little garden shovel), and he was helping him dig the hole a teaspoon of dirt at a time! I am so glad that JJ requested I put him in a swim diaper before they started this project. He was covered in mud and soaked completely! Not to mention all the mud that he had eaten! I guess the kid just needed a snack!

Orange Hands

James has really enjoyed helping his Daddy in the yard the past couple of weeks. On this particular day he was helping him mow the grass, and he was very excited that I put Daddy's 'orange hands' on him!

Something to Think About

Do NOT Let Your Child Get Flu Vaccine -- 9 Reasons Why

This year it is more important that you protect your children and loved ones from the flu vaccines than influenza itself. This article on Lew Rockwell discusses how:

Here's the link to the Fox News Article