Our 2nd bundle of joy's story

*I actually typed this months ago...and here it finally is! :)
9-1-11
Since it's week 12, I guess I can make it official that I am PREGNANT again!! :) We are very excited, but I'm not going to lie: this pregnancy has been very different than my first! Here is how it all happened:
Let me start off by saying we really are over the moon happy about our little plum!! Todd has been ready for baby 2 for quite some time, but I kept insisting that I wanted a non-preggo summer with Andrew and then we would start trying. Todd was in Europe in June when I went to pick up my BC. I found out it was going to cost me an arm and a leg (new prescription + no generic+ new insurance= SUPER expensive!!)so I asked for my old one. They said no, so I told them, " I'll call my doctor and have her call in my old prescription."  (the irony of all of this is: I'm pretty sure a BABY is slightly MORE expensive that the perscription) ;-)

Todd was out of the country for a few weeks so I figured I'd be good. Well.... never called my doctor, hubby returns from Europe...you can guess what happened next. The whole theory of  BC taking a few months to get out of your system is a big myth...try less than 2 weeks of not taking it and bam!! Baby on the way. :) The way I found out is also quite interesting: I got into some poison ivy while working in my yard, broke out uncontrollably and had to go to the doctor.  WARNING: the pictures you are about to witness are disgusting, but I just want you to observe just HOW BAD it was:

The nurse asked if I could be pregnant and I said I might be but it's too soon to tell (Todd's face was priceless!) I went home, took a 1st response:  it was negative. Another very different thing about this pregnancy: I seriously just KNEW I was pregnant. It was really crazy.

Because they didn't give me any meds for the uncontrollable itching and inflammation, I went back the next day. They asked again if I was pregnant, and I said I took a test but it was too early to tell. They figured I wasn't because of the negative test so gave me a steroid shot and 3 different perscriptions that you should NOT take while pregnant...I was worried ( but also in agony from the itching), took another test 2 days later (4th of July) and it was POSITIVE! "I knew it!!" was exactly what came out of my mouth! :) So, I immediately stopped the medicine I was taking (which was rough considering all I could take for itchiness and redness was benadryl or rub some calymine lotion all over my entire body). Then the morning sickness kicked in, then the exhaustion, moodiness, very odd cravings...etc etc...which essentially made me extremely lazy for the rest of the summer!! When Andrew napped, I napped. When he was playing, I would usually lay on the couch or floor. Crackers and zofran were my morning ritual. :) So, after that long story, I may have to type a WHOLE OTHER blog  to to tell about the bizarre cravings and other interesting differences this pregnancy brings. I do have to say that we are very blessed and I know this was definitely God's plan for our family. :)

Fast Forward to 10-17-11:

We find out IT'S A GIRL and are absolutely THRILLED!! That explains why this pregnancy is SO DIFFERENT than  Andrew's. God is good. :) :) To be continued....

My summer with my handsome little man

This really has been one of the best summers ever. Andrew has been an absolute ball.  His dancing, silly faces, and growling noises keep mommy entertained. :) The one thing I would REALLY love for next summer: a big backyard with soft grass: WITHOUT a swimming pool. I never thought I would say that.  We really have enjoyed our time with the pool. All the fantastic pool parties, fun with friends, the late night pool memories (now don't get any raunchy ideas) ;-) But in my opinion, it has become more of a nuisance than a luxury.

Example- I got Andrew and myself ready for a nice dip in the pool yesterday. Swim trunks/little swimmer on, floaty blown up, mommy in her bathing suit, both of us slathered in sunscreen, music going in the backyard (seriously a 40 minutes ordeal). When I got out there to clean it up a little bit, low and behold: algae had mysteriously appeared ALL over the walls (it literally happens over night).  After 30 minutes of attempting to scrub it all off the walls, I looked up to see nasty flakes of algae floating in the pool. YUCK! So, of course I didn't want to put my little baby boy in that nasty water. I would have probably attempted to swim (it really wasn't too terribly bad), but when it comes to my baby, I don't chance it. So we ended up playing in the front yard for a little while and then spent most of the day inside.

I had a week of training last week for Problem- based learning and then a professional day today. Oh, and next week I have 2 days of science training. Oh...and I had math training in June. Did my district forget that we are teachers who are SUPPOSED to have summer OFF??! Seems like it. With that said, my summer really is flying by. Oh well, at least I got paid for some of it. ;-) But I would have rather spent the day with my giggly, wheels-off wild, into-everything toddler Andrew Maddox. :) I will savor those precious moments I have left until school starts!

Anniversary weekend!

So, as always I make up my mind to sit and write a blog and it never happens. I will put most of the blame on my slow laptops...yes plural. I have both my personal and work laptop and they are BOTH not quite right lately. Secondly, I blame the fact that the only way I am able to post pics is from my phone (which I usally just go to the pics I've posted in facebook and save them on my computer and then post them on here: not the best quality).  We are in the process of picking out a new camera but I really just want the old one back. :( oh well!! There are far worse things that could happen!

We spent last weekend at the Gaylord for our 5 year anniversary. Originally, we were going to eat in North Richland Hills and then go out to the Glass Cactus for some Spazmatics (fun!) When Nanny Maria offered to stay the night at our house (which she has done before), we decided why not just stay at the Gaylord!! Glad we did! Not only did we get a night out without the baby, but we got to spend all day with little man by the Gaylord pool. He had an absolute BLAST! They had a toddler area with a little waterfall, little mushroom lookin thing that sprayed water, and a very shallow area for them to play in. He loves being outside, water, and people watching so this was perfect for him. :) He even got his first kiss from a girl!! Seriously though.....he has been giving me kisses for a few weeks now (talk about the sweetest thing EVER!), and he was sitting in the pool with this adorable 2-year-old girl when he went in for it....open mouth and all!! HAHA! I felt like I needed to apologize to the little girl's dad who was sitting right there. ;-) My little man is already quite the little casanova.  Here are some pics I was able to get on my phone.

The life jacket probably last about 5 minutes tops

My mop-headed cutie pie covered in watermelon: but he sure was happy!

That night, Todd took Andrew back to the house to meet up with Maria (who was able to go to the Rangers game that afternoon with her family thanks to Todd!) while I got ready for the evening at the hotel. It really was a great idea! A short little vacay away from the house to celebrate 5 years of married bliss! :) We ate so much  at The Old Hickory we thought  we would burst but decided we may as well order the dessert since it was free. Good thing it was :Peanut butter and jelly creme brulee: definitely a bad idea!! :\ Disgusting!

Most disgusting dessert ever: PB and J creme Brulee: at least it was free!

Dinner at Old Hickory at The Gaylord Texan

After dinner, we took a shuttle from the Gaylord to the Glass Cactus for a fun-filled evening of adult beverages, music, and good times. Strangely the same couple sitting right behind us at the restaurant  (in front of me I should say), recognized us at The Glass Cactus and even told us Happy Anniversary.  I definitely couldn't forget them : the couple sitting on the same side of the booth at the restaurant getting pretty hot and heavy while I sat directly in front of them.  Todd's response: "I remember when we used to sit on the same side of the booth"  I guess we are just an old married couple who would rather enjoy the comfort of our own side of the booth and save the PDA for a more appropriate setting. ;-)

Spazmatics at The Glass Cactus

What a fun night!

a few exciting things

My last post was a bit lame. I thought it was funny at the time, but then got to thinking that it may have given the impression that my life is completely boring. :) Well, I have actually done some pretty fun things this summer and just forget to share on here.  One thing was I to the taping of a new reality show called X factor with my mom and sister. In case you haven't heard of it, it's a singing competition similar to American Idol (I'm sure Simon Cowell would wring my neck if he knew I said that), only there is not an age limit and they allow singing groups to try out. I was a bit flattered because after you show up with a printed ticket,  they give you a hard ticket that tells you where you will be sitting. Well, we ended up getting tickets on the floor (I kept singing J-Lo's "On the floor song" while waiting to be seated) :)  When we asked some people around us if that was good (I imaged a mosh pit style area where we would be standing), but it was actually a good thing because we were right by the judges/stage. It's interesting how they strategically place the audience by seating the most attractive people directly behind the judges stand (no...we did not make THAT cut). ;-) Anyway, it was pretty cool getting to see Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, and LA Reid up close and personal. Here are a few pics (oh and a bonus pic of us out in Fort Worth)

Jackie, my brother,me, Todd and then Ryan, my sister and Blake

Simon Cowell on the balcony outside the AAC

Pretty good seats I must say! :)

Waiting outside the AAC for X factor

Silly diapers...

I have wanted to sit at my computer all week and type up a blog. I wouldn't say my life is extremely interesting, but I think of myself as one that takes pleasure in the simple things in my everyday life as a stay-at-home-summertime-mom. :)

For example: I order diapers on amazon.com. I'm an "amazon mom" thanks to my friend Sarah's tid bit of advice, and I hope someone else reads my blog and signs up as well. It really does save a lot of money,  is so convenient, and you can save on all sorts of baby items.  I knew Andrew's diapers were going to arrive anyday and this would not be any ordinary diaper delivery....they would be SIZE 4 DIAPERS!! Dum dum dum.....haha!! :) This is so silly when I think about it, but I would seriously talk to Andrew about it on a daily basis: "Andrew, I wonder when your SIZE 4 DIAPERS will be here??" "I wonder why your SIZE 4 DIAPERS are not here yet?"

He grew out of the newborn diapers in about 2 weeks, the size 1 a few weeks later, size 2 may have lasted a couple months, and his size 3 diapers have fit him for most of his cute little life. SO....when I started noticing they were getting a little snug, it was kinda crazy. "We need to move up to SIZE 4? Oh, my baby is growing up!!" So...the day they arrived was a bit like Christmas morning to me..... :) I ripped them open and couldn't wait to get them on my little man. hehe....I can't believe I'm sharing this! ;-)  Something about diapers that fit him a little better just seem to be one simple pleasure I enjoy in my day-to-day life.

Todd is back from Europe so my days of living the "single mom" role are done for a while. It was easier than I thought, but I sure did come to realize the things Todd does to help run the house. It makes a WORLD of difference to have my hubby back to help out. One other big deal for little Andrew (besides the SIZE 4 DIAPERS ;-): he has learned to sign "more" when he wants more to eat! I think deep down, he knows exactly what everyone around him is saying and trying to get him to do, but he is a bit hard-headed like me. He will only do it when he wants. Plus, I think he gets a kick out of seeing me get so overly excited that it seems like he graduated honors from Texas A&M University or something. I know that will come one day as well , and I will be just as excited as I am now. :)

My little Genius figured out how to get the lid off the Gerber puffs: he's quite proud of himself :)

Stories to share

Summer is fabulous...absolutely the BEST THING EVER! Especially now that I have my little man to share everyday with. :)

So yesterday, I went to visit my friend, Jena and her beautiful baby boy Dexter (baby fever came over me and lasted about 5 minutes until the following incident unfolded). Mother of the year moment: Well....Jena has stairs in her house...Andrew has never had an opportunity to be anywhere near stairs so I assume (NEVER assume with toddlers), that he would not be brave enough to climb the stairs (mind you, we are downstairs in her living room...NOT upstairs). So, we are both talking, I periodically check on Andrew (as any good mother would), and last I saw, he was about 3 yards away from me with a big grin on his little face, no where near the stairs enjoying his sippy cup  (probably scheming his next move). Not EVEN 2 minutes later....BUMP BUMP....WHAAAA!!!! Scariest moment to date for me. My little Andrew had climbed the 3 steps up to the carpeted area before the stairs go up again (there's probably a name for this), climbed a little further, and FELL onto the carpet area!! SO...he didn't actually hit the floor at the bottom of the stairs, but he still tumbled down... :( POOR BABY!! I scooped my little sugar bean up, kissed him over and over, inspected his little body for any visual injuries, and then gave him his paci (which I'm normally trying to keep away from him during the day).

Sparked another story: later that evening, I'm in the kitchen making some of Andrew's favorite: Annabel's Vegetable Fritters (from First Meals by: Annabel Karmel). Pictured below:

Andrew is playing in his "fenced off" child-proof area while I'm cooking in the kitchen when he starts to get pretty fussy. I blame it on being so close to dinner-time, so I put him in his high chair with some broccoli and pasta. Broccoli is normally something he will NEVER turn down (especially if he's hungry). Well, he wanted nothing to do with the broccoli. He cried and cried, so I thought, "What if he really did get injured after falling down the stairs today?!" So I take him out of the highchair to get some Tylenol, and he starts crying even harder. I was pretty worried at that time (and by the way: Todd is out of the country for 2 weeks, so it's all Mommy right now). I go to the kitchen to get him some milk (thinking maybe he's thirsty), when he starts leaning toward the counter where the veggie bites were cooling (they had just came out of the skillet). I pick one up to blow on it and he starts screaming at me! I keep saying, "No, it's hot! Wait," but he is reaching with all his might trying to grab it from me. It finally cools down, and I give him a bite....the crying completely stops...I guess he smelled the veggie fritters cooking from the other room, got fussy, and when I didn't give him what he smelled, he got frustrated. I was laughing so hard! My son is officially as picky and particular about food as I am. When it comes to food: if you don't give him what he wants, right when he wants it, he's not happy. So...the baby fever comes and goes, but for now....I think I will stick with having my 1 accident-prone, grey-hair-causing, into-everything (but perfect in every way!) Toddler Andrew for the moment. We'll see if my mind changes after summer break. ;-)

YAY SUMMER!!!

Oh my goodness....this is the happiest I have been in a while!!! I have 1 more day of work and I'm FREEEEE!!! Woohoo!! :) Those of you that have seen/talked to me this year, know how long I have been waiting for this day. Not that I dislike my students or anything....but man....I sure had my hands full this year!

 Anyway, enough about the J-O-B that is soon to be DONE WITH for 2 months, 15 or so days....my brother and his girlfriend Jackie came to visit last weekend. Oh, and my last post was ACTUALLY from May 25th. It was saved as a draft until just now. :) Andrew went to his first Rangers game and had a blast! I was pleasantly surprised at how he made it through the entire game. Granted, we didn't show up until the 3rd inning....but he made it without getting fussy until well after the game ended! He was SO well behaved (even in the 90+ degree heat), and really enjoyed himself. He also grubbed down on some popcorn, gerber crunchies, some rice I brought from home (and yes, he was also fed a full dinner right before arriving). My baby boy is growing up so fast. I just know he and I are going to have an absolute fabulous time this summer. :) YAY!!!!!!!

Such a sweet picture of my boys :)

Me and my little man after the game (had to break out the paci..on the verge of fussiness)

Look how happy they are :)

Awesome seats (compliments of Todd's previous job)

Go Rangers!!