happy holidays from our house to yours!

 

what we've been up to...

...also known as "Hey, look! I downloaded pictures from my camera!"

The past few weeks have been action-packed 'round these parts. Last weekend, we had A's Holiday Concert. And, the battery did not die this time around! Here she is singing with all of her classmates!

After the concert, we went and picked out a Christmas tree. And then, that night, we took the girls to a local performance of The Nutcracker. E was entranced the whole time; A was good for the first Act, but got antsy during the second act.

We also got together with some good friends for brunch! We had a table for 14...7 of those were kids. Mayhem, but fun.

On Thursday, we got our first snow. Nothing like last year, but school was cancelled on Friday for E. They had fun playing in the snow...except for when I had to get on a conference call, then they were hungry/thirsty/bored all at once! Ah, the joys of working from home!

This weekend, E had her first basketball game! It's a school league, and John is the coach. Don't they both look so cute?

They ended up tying 10-10...which is the best outcome for a game when all the kids played hard. E didn't score any baskets...but she was a defensive powerhouse.

The league is made up of 1st and 2nd graders. I think the other team was all 2nd graders because they were HUGE...especially the amazons girls. Seriously...my kid (red #15) is off-the-charts in height for her age, and look at how much taller the other #15 is!

John's parents were in also in town this weekend to celebrate Christmas. We had fun, including making gingerbread trees...

and opening presents!

This week should be fun and busy! We've got a half-week of school/work around here, so yay for that! And, the girls are super excited for Christmas!

24 weeks

Whoa nelly. I didn't intend on a such a long hiatus...but all of the sudden, it's been a few weeks since I posted.

We've been keeping ourselves pretty busy. We went to Kentucky for Thanksgiving. John and I have totally kicked ass on Christmas shopping -- we're almost totally done with everyone, but we are totally done with everything for the girls! Christmas cards have been ordered (though I must admit that I'm not nearly excited about them as I was in years past).

Anyway, I'm 24 weeks along now, so I figured I'd post some new belly shots. My oh my how I've grown!

 

It's been super cold here, which means I've encountered a slight wardrobe issue.

Anyway, this weekend we've got A's school holiday program and we are taking the girls to see The Nutcracker. Should be fun!

the big sibling reveal

SlackerBaby is...


And, lest you think they weren't all that excited with the news...here they are celebrating the news.

guess slackerbaby's gender

This morning, I had my 20 week ultrasound. Everything looked great! John and I also did something that we did not do with our first two babies...we found out the gender. I was very adamant about it with E and A...but John has always wanted to find out. Add to that two eager big sisters who are also *dying* to know if they are going to have a baby brother or sister, and well, we found out!

So...what do you think I'm having? Here's some information to help you make your decision.

• The heartbeat at the ultrasound today was 146. With E and A, it was in the 160s.
  
• According to the Chinese Gender calendar, it's a girl. It was correct with E and incorrect with A.
  
• I haven't had any food aversions. As for cravings, I have been craving bread and eggs. No cravings with either A or E.
  
• I didn't have any morning sickness. I didn't have morning sickness with A or E.
  
• Finally, here's what I looked like at approximately the same time with each pregnancy. From left to right: Pregnant with E (2004), with A (2006), with SlackerBaby (2010). [Side note: You can totally tell I started off my pregnancy with A about 10-15 pounds heavier than this one or with E. Whoa tree trunk arms!]

 

If there's another old wives' tale that you use to base your guess on, let me know and I'll answer. Except for what color Draino turns when I pee in it. Because, I'm not going to do that.

Also, I found this article on gender distribution fascinating. It totally debunks the if you have two of one gender, it's nearly impossible to have the other gender myth.

Happy guessing!

20 weeks

So, I'm halfway there! It's hard to believe.

I'm also in that phase with how pregnant I am is directly dependant on what I'm wearing. For example, the picture in the yellow sweater was taken yesterday; the picture in the gray sweater was taken today. I seriously hope I didn't get *that* much bigger overnight, or else I'll be enormous by March!

 

The girls wanted to get in on the belly photo action. But, the shadow then made my belly look square-shaped.

 

They are cute...though I must say it freaks me out that I'm about to embark on newborn-dom again when my children are old enough to be at least half as tall as me.

e's amazing week

E has been having one heck of a week 'round these parts. On Tuesday, she received an award at the first quarter awards assembly. She's apparently spreading the talent around...because instead of being crowned Computation Queen, she was deemed Wildcat Writer. Not as fancy-sounding but just as impressive.

Then, on Wednesday, she had a field trip to hike in a local park. She had so much fun. But the real excitement happened at bedtime when E (*finally*) lost her tooth! I had to take matters into my own hands, but at least it was out.

E and I had a bit of debate on Tooth Fairy Protocol. I insisted that the Tooth Fairy would have a hard time finding such an itsy bitsy tooth underneath a pillow, so she should use her tooth pillow that Grandmom had gotten her. E insisted that the Tooth Fairy would not think to look in the pocket of a tooth shaped pillow for her tooth. She finally relented after we let her write a note to the Tooth Fairy. Apparently, she thought that she could name her price for her tooth, asking for 6 quarters and a dollar. Since she lowballed the Tooth Fairy at $2.50, she apparently could...because that's what she got.

Finally, today was a school holiday. So the girls and I headed to the mall where they got their ears pierced. After changing their minds a gazillion times on which earrings they would choose, they settled on flowers. E went first and didn't even flinch. A had to be strongly convinced to get the second ear pierced. Note the difference in expression between A's before and after.

I'm not sure how tomorrow can top things...but I guess we can find out.

san jose pics

I finally got my pictures uploaded from our San Jose trip. I'm a little bummed that I didn't get more of them, and that the ones I did get weren't all that great. Photographing all three kiddos was definitely a challenge. Guess I have that to look forward to on a regular basis in a few months.

Just Hanging Out

Monterrey Bay Aquarium

Halloween

my achilles heel tooth

Motherhood is a pretty disgusting job. First of all, there are all of the changes your body goes through. And, then there's labor and recovery from that. But, all that's just the warm up for actually having children.

I've been peed on, pooped on, puked on, bled on, sneezed on, coughed on, and drooled on.

I've more wiped heinies and noses than I care to count.

I have stuck out my hand to catch the half-chewed pieces of food my children have determined they no longer care to eat. I've done this with puke, too.

I've become a pro at taking temperatures rectally.

I've done all of these things, in the name of motherhood. And, for the most part, it hasn't bothered me. But, we have entered a phase of motherhood that I do not have the stomach for. The mere thought of sends chills down my spine.

E's tooth is about to fall out.

After months of being on Loose Tooth watch, E's tooth is really loose. Like hanging by a thread loose. Perpendicular to her other teeth loose. And I get nauseous just looking at it.

To make matters worse, she keeps asking ME to pull it out. Which on the one hand, I would just to make it go away. On the other, GAH! It's so gross.

So, wise people of The Internet...how the hell do I get this tooth out of her mouth? I'd much rather see the gaping hole where a tooth was than what's there right now. Besides, I totally made JerseyBaby send me her tooth-fairy certificate to use with E...so I'm jazzed to use it!

common sight from this weekend

We are back from our trip to San Jose to visit Baby AJ and her parents. We all had a blast! I'll be posting more photos from the weekend, including some from trick-or-treating and our trip to the Monterrey Bay Aquarium.

But, here's one from my iPhone that captured the trip. E, AJ, and A all holding hands as they walked along. The cousins could not get enough of each other and it was *so* awesome.

 

It was not nearly as awesome when a jet-lagged E cried herself to sleep because she missed AJ so much...but well worth the visit!

dear fancy nancy

I cannot thank you enough for all that you do. Your books are some of our favorites. I can read them over and over over (and over) again without wanting to gouge my eyes out.

They were also some of the first books that E was able to read independently.

You've introduced very fancy vocabulary into our everyday conversations, such as dining al fresco.

But, most of all, for the second year in a row, you've come through in a pinch when A's needed a costume for her school's Halloween Parade. A trip down to the bin of dress-up clothes is all it takes, which especially nice when A's actual costume is waiting for her in California.

 

So, thank you, Fancy Nancy! Or, should I say Merci Beaucoup instead?

18 weeks

I'm 18 weeks today, which means that I'm 9/20ths of the way there! This week marked the first time when a total stranger asked me when I'm due. This always shocks me, since I'm a staunch follower of the Don't Mention Unless the Baby is Crowning rule. But then I look down and think, "I'm bigger than some chicks who are about to give birth." So it makes sense, I guess.

To add insult to injury, E hugged my belly last night and declared, "Your belly is so big! It's much bigger than your boobies now!" Thanks, kid, for the update.

 

Please pardon the Homeless Chic look I'm rocking in the picture. I'm doing laundry in anticipation of our trip to California tomorrow, and my entire maternity wardrobe is in the wash. I tried to make the picture more palatable with a snazzy setting on CameraBag...but there was no "Supermodel" setting.

rubbing off on each other

This weekend, as part of our jam-packed with stuff to do oh my god I just want to sit down and I'm a football widow to boot, the girls and I headed over to JerseyBaby's for a little Saturday morning waffle-fest. And, as she so astutely pointed out, my penchant for slack rubbed off on her as we neglected to create any photographic evidence of this all too rare get together.

But, don't think she's the only victim of undue influence this weekend. Oh no. In addition to seeing the gorgeous master bath redo in person, I also got to witness the greatest craft closet in the history of man. The shelves were filled with various crafting bins all neatly labeled with a label-maker. Y'all, she has a bin devoted solely to feathers and pom-poms people. Feathers! And! Pom-poms!

So, after waffles, the kiddos spent time creating Fun Fusion masterpieces. Haven taught E how to make a scarf using crafting loops. My kiddos were hooked. So, after we left, we went straight to Michael's to pick up our own crafts. (If by straight you mean after going to the mall, E's school's Fall Festival, and home to pack for a slumber party at Nonna and Pop-pop's house.)

The results were craftastic! E wove a pot holder and they both created masterpieces with Fun Fusion beads. And, on Sunday, the good times continued, when the girls successfully created the piece de resistance for their Halloween costumes -- butterfly antennae!

 

All in all, what a great weekend!

other big news!

The March 2011 arrival of SlackerBaby isn't the only big news round these parts. Oh no! We Slackers are full of excitement!

• E has a new favorite color! She has abandoned pink for...BLUE! Can you believe it? We certainly can't. It's somewhat difficult for her to incoporate blue into her outfits every day, because, well, she has a pink-centric wardrobe. But she's somehow managing.


• E also chose to wear her UVA track suit to the game last weekend instead of her cheerleader uniform. I know! Blue AND pants...it's almost like she's a tomboy!


• The Slacker gals all went to the dentist this week! Which, I didn't find all that thrilling, but the girls thought it was Christmas in October. New sparkly toothbrushes! Crappy prizes for opening their mouths! They are already talking about their appointmens next April.


• Speaking of teeth, and despite my prediction that a tooth loss was imminent last September, E has yet to lose a tooth. But her bottom two teeth are super, super wiggly. So maybe 2010 is her year?


• And, finally, here's a picture I shot of A at the GAP on Columbus Day. It was just the two of us all day (E had school), and we went to get 40% kids and maternity clothes. (Actually, we went twice, because I got to the mall and realized I left my wallet at home. Awesome.) While I tried on clothes, A had fun with the fake belly.
  Apparently, wrapping your arms around your belly is instinct.


• And, we are getting pumped up for our trip to California to visit AJ and her parents. All three girls are going as butterflies. The outfits and wings are store-bought, but this weekend, E, A and I will get our craft on to make anntennae. I'm hoping that it goes marginally better than the Cat Ear Debacle of 2010. But, even though it seems like it'd be hard to screw up a headband, some pipecleaners, and pompoms...I'm sure we'll figure out a way.


• Last weekend, I had the opportunity to hang out with Jenn and Sweet Pea Chef at the UVA game. This weekend, the girls and I are brunching with the JerseyBaby clan. And, of course, we're seeing AJ and fam next week. I love getting together with everyone! Yay!

the girls have something to tell you

E and A have some big news that they couldn't wait to tell you!



Yes, that's right we're having a baby! SlackerBaby #3 is scheduled to arrive at the end of March 2011! We're all thrilled (and a little terrified...well, at least I am)! E can't wait to be a "double-big sister" and A's psyched to be the "medium sister."

So far, I've been feeling great (if not slightly alarmed at how big I'm getting so early this time). The big difference between this and my other pregnancies has been the amount of testing I've already had, thanks to my (ahem) "Advanced Maternal Age." Also, A's enormous size at birth (9 lb 6 oz) got me an BONUS gestational diabetes test at 12 weeks...which was fun. But...so far, so good!

So there you have it...the big news 'round these parts. Brace yourselves for Belly Pictures and Gender Prediction polls!

all's well that ends well

In a nutshell, last week sucked. Between a busted AC, elliptical trainer, and car repairs, the term "hemorrhaging money" was uttered multiple times by John and me. Add to that some major upheavals at my job and a haircut that resulted in me having helmet of so-black-it-looked-blue hair...we were at the laugh so we wouldn't cry stage of survival.

Luckily, things did start to turn around. The job stuff isn't as bad as it could of been (i.e., I still have one!). And, after a 3 1/2 hour stint at the hair salon with the color correction specialist, I now have really really dark brown hair (i.e., brown is the new black!). John and I were able to get away to go to a wedding where we got to see a bunch of friends (including, randomly enough, my best HS guy friend/prom date) in a beautiful location.

So, hopefully, the worst is behind us...and there will be lots of good in the future.

i stand corrected

Apparently, it doesn't matter that I was scrambling to put away Monday night's homework (Word Sort) so that I could get everyone bathed and in bed by a decent hour. R's should look like R's and not V's.

 

Thank goodness E was able to remind me.

the neglected second child turns four

Sweet Baby A turned four (4!) on Saturday. I had every intention of writing a sentimental post about how much she has grown (as I've done when she turned one, two and three), but we were so busy celebrating that I didn't get a chance. And, though I feel bad about it, I know that she doesn't mind. She is such an easy going kid that she was just happy to get some presents and a Hannah Montana cake (that she picked out all by herself).
Dear Sweet Baby A,

Happy 4th Birthday! Turning 4 was a big deal to you, if only because it means you are one year closer to Kindergarten. Oh, how you want to be a big kid so badly. You want to ride the bus and go to the same school as your big sister, E. You like to say that you are "almost in kindergarten", even though "almost" is 11 months away.

There was a time when you were a loner when you played outside. You are the youngest on our street, and you were too young to keep up with the other kids. Not anymore. When the neighbor kids come to our door, they are asking if both of you can come out and play. And, off you go on your bike, pedaling as fast as your little legs can go!

But, for all that big kid stuff you do, you still are my baby. You fell off you bike yesterday, and while E and the rest of the kids stayed outside, you were happy to come snuggle with me and your beloved Taggie, who at 4 is looking much much much worse for wear.

This year is going to be so exciting! I can't wait to see how much you grow and change. So, happy belated birthday, Sweet Baby A. And, remember, no matter how old you get you will always be my baby.

stifiling e's creativity

My girls can spend hours playing together. A big portion of this is role-playing, where E is the mommy and A is the daughter. Or E is the teacher and A is the student. Never vice versa.

Often, I'm drawn into their games...not as the mommy, mind you, but as the grandma or the teacher or dance teacher. And, most times, I'll play along without a problem.

But, yesterday was not one of those days. We were playing on the swingset, and E was handing out the roles.

E: Okay, Mommy, you be A's mommy. And, I'll be the girl who is too old to have a mommy....
Me: What do you mean "too old to have a mommy?" I'm old, and I have a mommy! Daddy has a mommy, too! Besides, you'll always be my baby. So you'll always have a mommy!
E: Okay...how about you be A's mommy. And, I'll be the girl who lives far away from her mommy so that's why she's not here.
Me: I. Beg. Your. Pardon. You will never, EVER live far away from your mommy, do you hear? You will live close to your mommy forever, so I can come and visit you!
E: Okay. How about you be A's mommy? And, I'll be the teacher.
Me: Sounds good to me.

bullet points

It's been crazy round these parts the week or so with the beginning of school and football season. Here's what's rattling around in my head, in my [NERD ALERT} favorite format...the bulleted list.

• First grade seems to be going well. E hasn't been bitching about SAC, either! Yay! And, if you need healthy ideas to pack for your kids' lunches...I highly recommend you hop on over to Sweet Pea Chef, where she has compiled a kick-ass list of things that DON'T include Lunchables!


• Yesterday was John's birthday. We have celebrate 13 of those together. The first one I took him to a really fancy French restaurant. Last night the girls and I took him to a pizza joint. My, how the mighty have fallen. We did, however, bake from scratch buy him a cake with "Happy Birthday, John!" in orange.
  


• On a related note, every member of my immediate family would prefer vanilla cake with vanilla frosting over chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. What kind of freakshows are they?!?!?!?


• We are catsitting my parents' cat, Frank, again. Hopefully, he won't run away this time. Now that the girls are older, he's actually letting them pet him. Either that, or he has early onset Stockholm Syndrome.
  


• The Slackers are California Dreaming. Well, actually, we aren't just dreaming...we are doing! All four of us are headed out to visit Baby AJ and her family before her little sister arrives! We are so excited!