My Crazy Boy

My little Jamers is quite the handful but I sure do love him. He comes up with the craziest things to say and some of them I haven't the foggiest idea where they derived. Here are a few.

At the park the other day he was pretending to make soup in a bucket in the sandbox and when it was "done" he held up a bucketful of it and yelled "Kids, it's soup time! . . . " and then when he got no response from the other kids (who he didn't know anyway) reiterated, "I said it's SOUP TIME!"

He must like "making" soup (although he refuses to eat it when I make it) because yesterday in the bathtub he was once again "making soup" and lifted up a small cupful and said, "Here you go, Mom. Would you like to try a free sample?"

It's hard getting this kid out of the bath. He'll request a bath anytime of the day or night. Here's a conversation we had the other day:
me: "James, it's time to get out of the tub."
J: "No, it's NOT time to get out of the tub."
me, feeling the water: "But the water is cold!"
J: "No, the water is PERFECT!"
How do you argue with that?

The kid has a major imagination. He alternates between which stuffed animals are his favorite from week to week but is usually carrying around at least one. He has also started giving me nicknames. Yesterday was "Captain Hook" (I suppose I shouldn't be flattered by that one) and a few days before it was "little chick." Now every time we drive somewhere and arrive at our destination, he eagerly wants out of his car seat and yells, "Get me out of here, little chick!"

He loves to be outside any chance he gets. The weather in Knoxville has been awesome lately. I think winter skipped over us and went straight to spring, so we've spent a lot of time in the backyard digging. The boy loves to dig in the dirt and push his findings around on his tricycle. 

James has a bad habit of emptying out our kitchen drawers and spewing the contents all over the house (I'm trying to hard to get him to clean up after himself, which is proving difficult). I'll find mixing spoons and can openers in the most random of places, like in my bed, the piano bench, etc. The other day while I made dinner, Jamers completely emptied the drawer under the stove (with the cookie sheets, bread and muffin pans, etc.). It was entertaining him and I was busy, so I let him go ahead with it even though I knew we'd have a mess to clean up later. I walked around the corner fully expecting to see pots and pans everywhere, instead James was standing right there with all the pots and pans arranged neatly in a straight line and said "Look, Mom, come see the train I made!" He had stuffed animals and toys carefully placed throughout the "train" and was giving them a ride. Where does he come up with this stuff?

Oh yeah, and we rarely find this boy without his fire hat on these days. He is always pretending to be someone or something else but if you ask him "Are you a fire fighter?" or "Are you a whatever?" he'll always respond, "No, I'm Jamers!"

I sure love my boy.

Four More Days . . .

My body is definitely ready not to be pregnant any longer. Having to use the facilities every one-two hours (both day and night, no exaggeration) the entire 9-months I've been pregnant has taken its toll.

My mind is another story though.

Left to my mind to decide, I don't know that I'd ever have this baby. I'm just too much of a worrier and never feel ready for big life changes. It's not that I think I have "too much to do" before she comes (although, come to think of it, there are a few items I should currently be tackling). It's more that I sit and worry and fret and pretty soon am completely emotional and anxiety stricken about how I'm going to handle two children. I mean, seriously, how will I?

I've had some incredible friends help boost my enthusiasm, though. I've received so many gifts from friends from all over the country who will never know how much they mean to me, including my amazingly talented friend Christina (I hope she doesn't mind if I brag about her for a minute). A few months ago, I pinned a cute rag quilt on my Pinterest. Christina is quite observant and a discussion ensued about her making me one just because she's cool like that and she knows how, but mostly just because she's cool like that. Much to my surprise, a package arrived last week in the mail and I opened it to find this beauty (photo stolen from her blog without permission):

 

Seriously, isn't it gorgeous? If I were her, I would have kept it for myself. Granted, she has all boys, but still. I would have kept it and stared at it all day long--which I pretty much do, speechless that someone made this piece of art for me. Some day I vow to be as talented and giving as Christina. If a sewing-savvy friend can move by me to teach me the ways of the sewing world so that this goal can be made possible, I'd be grateful. 

Last night I rocked James to sleep for the first time in well over a year (usually I sing him a song or two and plop him in bed). But last night he was scared to be alone in his room, so I held him longer and kept on singing and he finally fell asleep on my shoulder. And then tears streamed down my face with the thought that soon he will no longer be my baby. I mean, in some ways he'll always be my baby, and in some ways it seems like he hardly was--he grew up way too fast. Maybe this little girl will take her time a little more than her brother did.

So, four more days to go . . . Brian told me the other day that he secretly hopes I go into labor on my own because he's always wanted to do the whole jumping into the car, rushing off to the hospital scene. Awesome. Thanks, Brian. I'm just anxiously awaiting Friday and hoping I stay sane until then.

Items Worth the Extra $$$

Most people (who read this anyway) know I hate spending lots of money and I love a good bargain. I came across an article today that lists seven things worth spending the extra money and I wondered if they were all true. Here's the author's list. I concur on some of them, but what do you think? What are items you think are worth the splurge?

Toilet paper: Yes and no. It's a shame to spend a lot on something you're literally going to just flush down the toilet, but as someone who spends a lot of time in the bathroom (especially lately), I refuse to use Scotties toilet paper or whatever that super cheap tissue paper-like stuff is. But I can always get a pretty decent deal on the good kind I like, so in that sense I'm not really paying tons extra.

Trash Bags: I've tried store brand bags before and some are better than others. I do agree not to go too cheap on these because the last thing I want to do is spend time on my hands and knees picking up old food scraps and dirty paper towels because the bag didn't hold up when I tried to empty it.

Running Shoes: I'm no runner so I don't know about this one, but I'm sure your body thanks you for running in a decent pair of shoes.

Food: I am not as bad as some people I know, but I am a bit of a food snob when it comes to certain foods. I hate cheap, nasty, junk food. But, again, you can usually get decent deals on the good stuff if you try hard enough.

Bed Sheets: I've only bought maybe two sets of sheets in my life and I am pretty sure I used a coupon at Bed, Bath and Beyond for them. I do agree that a higher thread count is better. Any thoughts on this one?

Office Chair: Saving money on a cheap chair is probably not worth the price your back will pay.

Silverware: I don't think you have to spend lots of money on this, but I am kind of picky when it comes to the utinsels I choose to stick in my mouth. And if your silverware is totally mismatched and ancient looking with rust spots, it's probably time to update.

Here are other items I will occasionally splurge on:


Clinique make-up: Sometimes drug store items just don't cut it.

A good pair of shoes (not talking about running shoes here, but everyone needs a comfortable pair of loafers or slip-ons to wear with jeans): I still like a good bargain and rarely pay full price, but good brands of shoes really are more comfortable and easy on your feet than the payless pair. And they last way longer, so really it's a better investment anyway.

Pastries: I do not need baked goods in my diet. I know this, But sometimes my stomach doesn't understand and if I pass a good bakery, I usually can't help myself. So much better than a cheap candy bar or whatever else your sweet-tooth craving snack of choice is.

Computers: I bought my last laptop at Dell's outlet website. I got an awesome deal on it. It was fine for a year or two and has gone down hill from there. I'm currently borrowing my sister's mac (yes, I have an awesome sister) and I can totally tell a difference in quality.

What about you? What's on your list?

Large and in Charge

One week to go . . .

I'm most nervous about James. Will he adjust okay? Will he be nice to the baby? He's so attached to me. How am I going to get by without picking him up for 6 weeks? It seems an impossible task.

I am feeling huge these days and several people have commented this week that I look ready to pop and that I look like I have a basketball stuck in my shirt. Today I realized that's exactly what I look like. Awesome.

Up until 2-3 weeks ago, I was thinking I was much smaller than I was at this point with James and feeling pretty good about that. The baby must have had a major growth spurt because I gained 4 lbs at my last doc appointment and my stomach is protruding even more. I'm now up to a 25 lb weight gain for this pregnancy which is exactly what I gained with James, too.

February was a great month and there were a lot of things I just didn't get photos of, including an awesome baby shower thrown by some great friends.  It's not common to get a second baby shower back in Utah, so I was super grateful for all the support from friends and ward members here in Tennessee.

Andrea and Nicki also visited and sometimes a visit from two of your favorite people is just what you need.

My emotions have been running super high the last few weeks. Today I had a minor meltdown after some things James did (and I'm sure my lack of sleep the last 9 months has something to do with it. It's amazing what sleep or a lack of can do to you mentally) that frustrated me. After James saw my tears he climbed up on my lap and kissed me and said "I'll tell you what we'll do, Mom. We'll go to the park, feed the ducks, and go down the slide. Will that make it better?"  Oh, James. I sure do love that boy.

February Thoughts

After three months of beyond horrible naps (from learning to adjust without his precious binkie, we assume), James has finally gone back to being a really good napper (knock on wood). Hallelujah is all I can say!

James is sassier than ever these days. I would ask myself where such a sassy child came from, but I'm pretty sure the answer can be found in the mirror. His favorite song is "Jingle Bells" (yes, still) and he is semi-obsessed with Donald Duck and Chip and Dale.

He is increasingly loving his stuffed animals and has developed quite the imagination and friendship with a select few. He now can't sleep without at least two of them tucked in beside him. When we go somewhere in the car, another one has to come and he gets quite upset if they aren't "buckled in" the seat next to him. I'm sure anyone who walks passed our car in the parking lot and sees Mr. Bear buckled in next to the car seat has a good laugh.

One month from today I am going to be a mother of two. Heaven help me.

My Restless Leg Syndrome has finally subsided and I am starting to at least get small bouts of sleep now. Another Hallelujah to that one!

Apparently this baby is sitting a lot higher than James ever was. I have heart burn up the wazoo and every time I bend forward even the slightest bit, I come close to throwing up. Awesome. I also used to always find it odd when people said their baby was kicking their ribs because I never experienced it and honestly didn't even see how it was possible. I get it now. Ouch.

My birthday came and went. It was a good day. My only bday wish was to go to the temple, so Brian surprised me with a b-day weekend trip to Atlanta. Just what the doctor ordered. Gotta love the peace the temple brings.

Growing up, I always hated having my birthday on Valentine's Day. In fact, I usually dreaded the day. But I think I finally matured enough to be able to separate the two same-day events and just enjoy the day despite the fact that everyone else is also showered with gifts and attention on that day (I know, how self-centered does that make me sound?). I think I finally figured out that giving to others on that day does more to make me feel the love than being the sole gift-getter. Only took 30 years to figure that one out. I'm brilliant sometimes, I know.

Ouch

Before this next kiddo arrives (one month from tomorrow is the scheduled date), I've been trying to take James out and about doing as many "fun things" as possible.

Of course, it occurred to me the other day that this idea could totally backfire and when the new baby does get here, he'll be so used to going out that he'll have an even harder time when we can't go anywhere.

Oh-well. I suppose he'll survive either way.

(Side story: telling James if he wants to do "fun things" he had better do x, y, or z has been our lifesaver. It doesn't matter if we explain what that "fun thing" is or not. If he wants to do "fun things" he has to obey. He usually complies without question.).

Anyway, so one of those "fun things" is going to the play place at the local mall. He loves it there but sometimes gets a little too rambunctious. Case in point: trying to climb UP the slide rather than go down it and then slipping half way up and biting through his upper lip. I always think I'm being so nice and then something like this happens.  Poor kid . . .

Friends (or the small things)

Over the last several months, I've been contemplating the value of good friendships and why those really "good" friends are so precious to me. Some dear ones go clear back to childhood while others span just the last few years, but are just as meaningful.

I have many of these "good" friends and yet I am terrible at keeping in touch with them. 

Do these people know they mean a lot to me? Why would they? I'm terrible at showing it and I have no good excuse ("I think about you all the time and yet only am pro-active about it a few times a year" is not the best excuse).

I'm a quality vs. quantity-friendship type of girl. I mean, of course I'll take as many friends as I can get, don't get me wrong. But I'm not the type of person who needs to constantly be surrounded by 100 girl friends. I'll gladly take the company of those few quality friends any day.

I always say you know you've got a good friend when you don't talk to someone for weeks/months and can still pick up a conversation like it's only been days. It's always comforting to know that even though I stink at calling people, that friendship is still intact.

I am grateful those people are patient and understanding and I hope they'll forgive me for my lack of communication sometimes. I'm grateful for those friends who are better people than I am and actually take the initiative to pick up the phone (like one good friend did this morning--she knows who she is and it totally made my day).

In those types of friendships, it's the small things that make such a huge difference: phone calls, emails, a weekend visit, etc.

A couple weekends ago, our good friends from dental school, the Sanfords, came to see us. They probably didn't think it was a major deal, but it meant a lot to me, seeing as over a year had passed by since we last saw them and we could just as easily have driven to see them (and although we talked about it plenty of times, we never actually did it).

We suck sometimes.

I was really looking forward to this visit, because since we last saw them, they had a new addition to their family and every time I see pictures of their little guy I practically drool over how darling he is. I couldn't wait to meet him.

Also, James used to be Chelsey's #1 fan (okay, aside from Tim) and would stare at her adoringly for hours. Obviously, I knew he wouldn't remember her but I was curious to see how he'd take to her.

The kid picked up right where he left off and wasted no time sitting on her lap and making her play with him. He adored her just as he had before. I loved that.

I didn't get any great shots but these will have to do until I can get my hands on better ones.

I was a little worried how our sassy two-year-old would interact with their almost 18-month-old but he was patient and shared and didn't do anything drastic, thank goodness.

Here's to many more future visits with good friends and a promise to myself that I'll be the one to take the initiative more often.