Thank you, James!

If I have learned anything over the past couple years of being a parent, it's that the small things can make all the difference. Small things can make or break my day. So even though it may seem like a small thing, the fact that I have not had to change a poopy diaper in over 10 days is the best thing ever! I'm sure now that I've shared it, we'll have an accident (but since I haven't technically begun real potty training just yet, I'll take all the progress we can get. I'm not sure what I'm waiting for--but I think this week I'll finally remember to check out a book from the library on how exactly we're supposed to master this thing). Regular diapers are another story, but I know we'll get there, too--soon I hope.

Also, last night, for the first time since Christmas, I may have slept more than 6 hours and it was glorious. As I mentioned last week, Restless Leg Syndrome may be the death of me during this pregnancy. The second I lay down to go to sleep, no matter how tired I am, my legs won't stop that creepy crawly restless feeling, which has resulted in many sleepless nights the last few weeks. On the bright side, only 7 more weeks to go!

If anyone has tips on the transition from one child to two, I'd love to hear them. I'm getting slightly anxious (okay, terrified) about how to balance the needs of a crazy toddler with that of a newborn. Yikes.

Back Home

After nearly a month of being gone, we finally arrived back in Tennessee late last night. For the first in a year and a half living here, I was happy to come back. That long away from our house (okay, and sleeping on a water bed) was just too long.

The only pictures I took of our entire trip were on Brian's iPhone. If he ever sends them to me I'll post some pictures (maybe).

Both James and I are sick. Not deathly ill by any means, but sick enough that it's annoying. I had a doctor's appointment this morning to check my glucose levels. The one where they make you drink that nasty orange stuff. I was already feeling queasy but when I saw that thick neon concoction, I knew it had bad news written all over it. I downed it all as fast as I could only to have it come right back up one minute later. All over the nurses' station. Awesome. Welcome back home to me. The worst part about it is I have to go back next week and drink it all over again.

Restless Leg Syndrome. It may be the death of me. It keeps me up half the night. Anyone else go through this during pregnancy (or otherwise)? I've tried jumping jacks, running in place, soaking my feet in warm water all before bed, etc. Nothing works and I'm trying to avoid taking medication. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears.

We're around 10 weeks away from having a baby girl. So weird. I still am not sure what I'm going to do with a girl (except try and teach her to avoid drama). I keep getting the feeling this little girl wants to come early. But, we all know how horrible my intuition is, so she'll probably come late just like James. 

This trip made me realize more than ever that close proximity to a temple is a must for our future residence. Two-three hours is just too far away for me. Every time we passed one on the freeway (at least five), or saw the lights at Temple Square, I got emotional thinking about it.

Over the holidays, I read Laura Hildebrand's Unbroken. Wow. What an inspiring/awesome story. I highly recommend it. Now I'm looking for another good book. Please send suggestions my way!



Unpacking. It just plain stinks. And that is all.

Happy 2012

Happy New Year! May 2012 be filled with many happy memories and an abundance of blessings.

We've spent the last several weeks with family in Utah and Idaho and will be back in Knoxville later this week. It'll be nice to finally get "home" but leaving family and good friends always stinks.

Annual Year End Video

James and I have been in Utah for several days now. Brian flies in tonight and tomorrow morning our official Christmas 2011 adventure begins in Idaho.

I know unless you're family, and sometimes not even then, that videos posted on blogs don't get watched much, but for all those Candrian fans out there, my lovely and talented sister made our annual year end video review again and did a stellar job as usual.

The Richman clan didn't go on any extravagant European vacations like the rest of my family did, so our part in the video is less than exciting. . . maybe next year. Okay, probably not. Maybe in like five.

Annual Year End Video

James and I have been in Utah for several days now. Brian flies in tonight and tomorrow morning our official Christmas 2011 adventure begins in Idaho.

I know unless you're family, and sometimes not even then, that videos posted on blogs don't get watched much, but for all those Candrian fans out there, my lovely and talented sister made our annual year end video review again and did a stellar job as usual.

The Richman clan didn't go on any extravagant European vacations like the rest of my family did, so our part in the video is less than exciting. . . maybe next year. Okay, probably not. Maybe in like five.

Dance, Dance

 (Yep, I totally stole both these things from Amy's blog)

Over Thanksgiving, my entire family was together for the first time in nearly a year and a half. Of course, to celebrate the occasion, my good mother insisted we have family photos taken.

To get the two little guys to smile, we all did our best to entertain them, only little Jamers ended up entertaining us instead. Check out his dance moves. I sure do love this boy.

I broke the binky?

We did it.

I vowed to get James off his binky by the time he turned two and I did (of course Brian made me be the bad guy). I was so terrified of it for so long but I knew it had to be done so I finally bit the bullet. All I can say is, as with all transitions in this kid's life, it wasn't all rainbows and daisies, but it wasn't the nightmare I suspected it would be either.

Naps were rough for awhile but less than a month later and we are back on track for the most part. Hallelujah!

Oddly enough, the week "the binky broke" was "Put down the Pacifier" week at Sesame Street. Just thought I'd share that tidbit.

And for anyone who is curious, this is the method we used.