Happy Birthday to Me

OK, well it was really yesterday, but Happy Birthday to me. I had a really great day. Mike brought me home my favorite--red velvet cake. Then he and the kids got me a pink camo hoodie. You can never have too many hoodies!! My mom and dad came over to eat supper, cake, and ice cream with us. Of course I wish my sister could have been there. That would have made it even better!! But she did do a birthday week for me. She sent me these really awesome, sweet messages everyday for a week. It was the greatest and almost made me wish I had a birthday every week!! But, we didn't even have enough candles for this year, so that wouldn't be very good!
I haven't blogged in awhile, but not much has changed. Derek had a birthday October 25. It's so hard to believe that I have a 12 year old. Where does the time go. I can still remember the day I had him. And the day before!! You never realize when you're a kid how fast time really goes by. In just 4 short years he will be driving. Oh help me!! Austin is now 16 months old (12 months corrected) and doing great. Since it's flu/RSV season, we once again have to keep him away from kids and have a "hands off" policy with other people. People don't understand how serious it can be if he gets sick. We don't want to have to go down that road again. Calleigh is just the same, stubborn little girl she has been!! Only I think she may be getting worse. Her new favorite things to say are "I don't care," "I'm fine," "Whatever," or "I told you." Now these are all said with a little accenty attitude. I have no idea where she gets it from!!
Well, I'm not even going to say when I'm going to blog next, because obviously I lie. I will try for soon though. But right now I have a screaming kid in a crib and one on the toilet!!

First Swim

Well yesterday we had our first swim of the year. Calleigh has never really been fond of the water unless of course, she is hanging onto me. So I was very curious to see how it was going to go!! Derek just jumped right in--couldn't wait to get wet! So we put on the floaties and she says "no". So I stick her toes in the pool and she smiles. So I plopped her in the ring and she was a little freaked out at first. I was on the outside of the pool holding her hands. But finally......

she loved it!! I was so happy! So the kids swam a couple hours. Even Austin and I got in the pool.

Austin enjoyed the pool too. He sat (or rather layed) just like this the whole time. Never made a peep. He would turn his head to look at something, but that was the extent of his movement for like an hour! He is actually awake in the picture, just pretty relaxed!! We all had a good time swimming!!

My parents have decided to go on a vacation to the aquarium in Georgia and they asked if they could take Derek. So yesterday evening  my dad came and picked him up. They headed out early this morning. Derek wasn't too excited about the drive, but he has plenty to keep him busy. I'm rather jealous he got to go actually. I would LOVE to get out of here for 4-5 days. I'm glad he got to go though. I sent him my old camera to take pictures so I can see how much fun they have!

I was telling my sister how Austin likes my flip-flops. I always wear shoes around the house--ALWAYS. There's something about walking barefoot on the floor that makes my toes curl. Well last weekend I was on the computer and Austin was making some noises. I didn't bother to look and see what he was doing, I just waited. What could he possible get into laying on the blanket on the floor? When I finally looked down, there he was right by the couch, off the blanket, chewing on my flip-flop. Really?? Of all things to chew on!! So the other day Calleigh had to go to the bathroom, so I jumped up and didn't put my shoes on. When we came back, Austin had once again rolled off the blanket and had my flip-flop!

This time, he was sleeping. Of course he left evidence of chewing it--slobber on the edges. Guess my shoes are quite a security blanket for him! LOL  



What Happened Last Week

Well last week was a busy week. Not really sure why it seemed busier than others, but it did. Monday, my mom went to STL with me to get Austin's medicine refill. We stopped in Fairview on the way home and did a little shopping. I really needed new shoes, so we looked at a few places. Shoe Carnival was the first place we looked. Calleigh was enjoying looking at herself in the mirrors and running down the aisles. That was fun until she found the pole......I hope this isn't a bad sign for the future!! My pole dancing daughter. Oh dear!!

What can I say. Gotta have something to do while you're waiting I guess!! Wednesday, we went to the Missouri Botanical Garden. We went to meet with Melissa--one of Austin's nurses from the NICU. She won't be able to make it to his birthday party so she wanted to meet us and give him his present early. She brought her two kids and Calleigh had a ball playing with them! I hadn't been there since I was younger. It was a pretty neat place. We spent alot of time in the children's garden playing in the water! Calleigh was soaked from head to toe and loved every minute of it. Not to mention, I think we paid $13 total to get in. So not too expensive either. Melissa and her kids got Austin a build-a-bear that sings a song about how he loves his nurse & his nurse loves him. Its so adorable!!

Yeah I know. He looks really thrilled!! I think he was asleep when we got there! So we spend the whole day there. I wish Derek could have been with us though. He would have loved it as well. Guess that's something we can put on our list to do for the days we have nothing to do! Thursday was just a normal Thursday. Austin had physical therapy. She is really happy with the way he is doing. He's working hard, but he's still behind. That is to be expected though. I think they give them until they turn 2 to catch up. But I think that for everything he's been through, he's doing fantastic!!  Calleigh decided to be a rockstar too. She loves her new glasses that Papa gave her at the parade--can't you tell?? LOL

I honestly have no idea what we did Friday. I'm thinking nothing--which was perfectly fine with me! We watched a couple movies Friday night. Then watched a couple more Saturday night. And one last night too. WOW--we are getting so old and boring. We obviously have no life!! Yesterday was a great day though!! Went to church in the morning. Then I got to pick Derek up from his dad's. I'm so glad he is home! As much as he drives me insane, I sure miss him when he's gone! And I got my van back FINALLY. After almost 5 weeks of borrowing mom's van, I actually get to drive my own. It felt very strange. I couldn't seem to get comfortable. Guess that's a sign they had it way too long!

And this is how we ended the excitement of our busy week--PRUNES!!! Yummy!! Hope everybody had a great week as well!! Onto a new week that is hopefully great too!! I think we are going to the store today--ugh. Going to the store with 3 kids is definitely NOT my idea of fun!! But, gotta do it anyways! Oh, and in case you didn't figure it out, I figured out how to put pics on here--watch out!! LOL

Home Alone

Well here it is Saturday night and it's just me and the kiddos. Well, Calleigh and Austin anyways. Derek is at his dads again until the 15th. The two weeks when he's gone are the longest two weeks ever. I hate it!! Calleigh and Austin are keeping me fairly entertained. Calleigh is doing her usual--smothering Austin because she just can't get close enough! One of these days he will get her for everything she does to him. Mike went to Galconda tonight because he's fishing there tomorrow morning in some tournament. They decided to stay the night instead of getting up and leaving at 3 in the morning. Makes sense to me.
Well I hope everybody had a good 4th. We had a pretty good day. Got up early and got ready for the parade. Mike and I both ran the 3k (which is the start of the parade). It was the first run for both of us. It was SO HOT. And the whole parade route is in the sun. No wind movement what-so-ever! I thought I was going to die! But, I'm still here!! So, my first goal was to run the whole time. Goal #1--accomplished!! My second goal was to beat Mike!! Goal #2--fail. BOO!! That's alright. I finished. I ran the whole time. And I wasn't last in my age group. I was 12, but not last! I think I did pretty good for it being my first race. EVER. I think I'm going to reward myself with new running shoes! I could seriously use some anyways! I'm running in super old shoes with holes on both sides of both feet!!
Even though I know I need to keep running to get better and faster, I have not been faithful about it since Wednesday. I keep talking myself out of it because it is so hot. Or I'm tired. Or I have something else I would rather do. Any excuse I can think of!! So I talked myself out of it again this morning, but the new running fool inside of me made me get out and do it! So I ran this morning. It was super hot once again, but I manageed. And I felt soooo much better after I did it!! I'm actually going to try to start running more often than 3 days a week. My next step is to use the 'Ease in 10k' app. That should be interestering. I need to actually run a 5k first!!
Well no plans for tomorrow really. Church in the morning and I'm playing the piano since the regular painist will be gone. Then probably lunch at my parents house. Maybe a run later in the afternoon/evening....maybe. I believe the brownies in the kitchen are calling my name, so hope everyone has a good night and a wonderful, blessed Sunday!!

No Turning Back Now

So today was a typical Thursday. Austin had physical therapy this morning and she is still pleased with how well he is doing. He is not completely at his developmental level for his age, but that is to be expected since he was so early. It was pretty hot outside today. I stepped outside the front door this afternoon--well not really, more like opened the door and stuck my head out--and it was pretty hot. I do not like the heat at all. Nor do I like the cold. I guess I'm just pretty hard to please.
So today I did it. I signed up for the 3k Firecracker run in Steeleville on the 4th. I'm pretty nervous. It will be the first run ever. I just hope I don't trip and fall while I'm running!! I'm can be pretty graceful sometimes. I think this will be a good icebreaker in my running. My goal is to run the whole time and I know I can do it!! So I'm signed up now, so looks like I won't be talking myself out of it. Especially since we had to pay--and I HATE to waste money. Hopefully I have some cheerleaders on the sides of the road to give me a pep-up when I feel like I'm about to die!!
Well it's almost 10:30pm and I'm blogging really late tonight. I have to stay up though because I'm going running with a friend after she gets off work at 11. Crazy, I know--imagine that!! So goodnight all and sleep well!!

Oops...

Well, here I said I was gonna try to keep up and I haven't even posted anything for 13 days! Oops!! So we will try again. We just got back home Monday night from visiting Melissa & Shawn (again). Yes, the second time in 6 weeks we have been to Iowa! But, if you think about it, it's only 3 times in 16 months. That makes it sound a little better. I would go every weekend if I could! This time though, we weren't alone. My mom and dad went along which made it even more fun!! Austin was a horrible, horrible car rider this time--there and back. Calleigh and Derek were pretty good though. We left on Thursday to head to thier house. We didn't even leave my house until 5:30pm. So....we didn't end up in Melissa's driveway until 1am. We actually made pretty good time on the way there. Now, on the way home, that's a whole different story. We left about 1:45pm and didn't get to my house until 11pm. Yeah.....over 9 hrs. We made 7 stops--4 for Calleigh to pee. I had her potty seat inbetween the front & middle of the van, so we just pulled over & set her down, and threw it in the weeds.  She got upset when we threw it out because it's supposed to go in the toilet!! Only my child!! So, needless to say, between the potty stops, and Austin crying, our trip home was definitely long!! But, it was all worth it and we had a great trip! It was great getting to see Melissa again (even after only a few weeks). We had lots of good food to eat and played some games. Derek beat us all at monopoly the night before we left and he also beat Shawn at some xbox game they were playing. We all had a good time. Too bad we had to come home. Hopefully, it won't be long until we get to see them again!! I sure hate that they are so far away. So today, I have lots of laundry to do--ugh.
I have also kept up with my running program. I repeated weeks 4, 5, and am now repeating week 6. Week 6 is pretty tough, but I did it once, so I can do it again!! I'm debating whether or not to run the 3k before the Steeleville parade. It's going to be super hot, but I think it would be a good ice breaker in my running. Like I said, I'm DEBATING......I don't have much longer to decide though!  I'm nervous and scared all at the same time! Well, guess I better be off to wash some clothes. Hope you have a good Wednesday!!

Just Another Thursday

Well, today is just like any other Thursday, except I'm actually going to blog today!! I have forsaken you!! Not like anybody actually reads it anyways, but sometimes it's just nice to type away! I'm so glad it's Thursday, because that means that tomorrow is Friday. And Friday means that Derek comes home from his dad's house. YAY!! It's been 2 LONG weeks & I miss the kid like crazy!! Austin usually has PT on Thursday mornings, but she isn't coming until this afternoon today (in like 15 mins)--NICE! After that, I'm gonna wait for Mike to get home so I can do my dreaded 9 minute run today-ugh! It's gonna kill me, but I can do it! Tomorrow & Saturday we are having a yard sale at moms, so gonna have to rise & shine early.

My sister is in South Dakota with their church mission trip this week, so I have nobody to talk to on the phone. It's making my days really, really long!! I have been calling her & leaving her voicemails though. It's just not really the same. The only time the voicemail talks back to me is if she is cutting me off because my message is too long! She is coming back Saturday though so I can't wait to get to talk to her again!!! I know she is having a good time though.

Let's see....what has happened lately. Well 2 weeks ago, Calleigh celebrated her 3rd birthday! I cannot believe my baby girl is 3 already!! Tuesday, she had her 3 year old check up & they said she was great! That's what I like to hear. So we were on our way home from Red Bud, just coming by DQ & McD and SMACK!!!! Yep....some kid ran right into the van. He was leaving McD and didn't even bother to look and see if anybody was coming. You know like a mom with 2 of her kids in the car!! The kids and I are all ok. Didn't even phase either one of them. But guess what....no insurance. Are you kidding me?!?! So the insurance company has decided it can be fixed, but guess who has to pay the $500 deductible......you guessed it..US. For something that was totally not even my fault. It's very frustrating to me how people can be so irresponsible. No insurance, really? I guess you missed that part of Rules of the Road or Driver's Ed!! So I am once again borrowing my parents vehicle. Its a Buick Century. I feel like I'm literally sitting on the road. I can't even see the road!! And I feel like an old person driving it! LOL

Well, that's our day & the last 3 weeks in a nutshell. I PROMISE I will get better about posting these blogs!! I will try anyways! Have a happy Friday and a great weekend!!

Home Sweet Home

We had been in Iowa for a week visiting Melissa and Shawn and just got home last night around 7:30. What a week!! We had a GREAT time. She didn't know we were coming, so she was super surprised and I loved it!! We by no means had a relaxing week, but we had such a great time. I didn't want to leave, although the kids and I did miss Mike. I can only imagine how quiet their house is now with us gone. LOL They were probably ready for us to leave! We did all sorts of stuff. They have a merry-go-round and some swings in the yard, so its like a built in playground. Calleigh loved playing on the "round and round" and the "wings" all week. We played outside, went to church (LOTS), watched movies, and just hung out. Derek had so much fun playing the xbox with Uncle Shawn. They were on it everytime you turned around. I'm just so glad the kids had fun. I had a great time too visiting. I just wish we could have stayed a little longer. We made great time there & back though. Took us 7hrs and 45mins there. We made it home in 30 less minutes. Now let me tell you, it wasn't the greatest drive! Austin and Calleigh were at some point ready to just get out. Austin would be screaming his head off and Calleigh would be saying "I can't get out. HELP!!" But, we made it and we had a great time!! I'm just thankful they put up with us all week!! We missed them as soon as we backed out of the driveway. Tears and all.....but we will be visiting again!
So of course when we get home, we have no food, a semi-messy house and so much that needs done. Do the duties of a mom and housewife ever end?! Apparently not. On a good note, Calleigh has peed in the potty twice this morning already. YAY Calleigh. I brought her potty seat back up from the basement to try again. I'm at my wits end with this potty training deal. I think she is jealous that I change Austin's diapers, so she wants diapers too. Oh what fun! Well, off to the dentist we go with all 3 kiddos. Should be an exciting trip. Have a great day!

Exciting Weekend

What a weekend it has been so far! I took Derek to Six Flags yesterday. We had a great time. Derek LOVED it!! Spending the day with him was lots of fun. We rode all the roller coasters except for Mr. Freeze. We stood in line for about 30 minutes and got to the top (where in 4 coasters it would have been our turn), then they announced they were shutting down the ride due to the impending weather coming in. Are you serious?? After waiting for over 30 minutes?? But when we got outside, it was lightning. So, I guess all in all it was a good thing. I really don't want to be 100 feet in the air on a roller coaster and get struck by lightning. Of course I don't want to get struck by lightning anywhere else either!! So after that, we finally left the park. Then we stopped in Chesterfield and paid a quick visit with a "secret couple" that we were super excited to see!! By the time we got back to mom and dad's it was almost 11:30. Such a long day!!
So today was another big day. Austin went to church for the first time. He did great!! Fought sleep as usual, but he did good! Today in church there was the installation of a new member. ME!!! That's right, I'm the newest member of the Cutler Reformed Presbyterian Church. I gave my testimony to the session at the end of March, but had to wait because Austin couldn't be around so many people during flu/RSV season. That season is "basically" over now. There are still a few cases of it going around during the summer, but it's over for the most part.  I'm so excited to be part of the church family again!! And I'm even more excited to be able to go to church on Sunday mornings again!!
So, I may once again not be blogging for a few days. My computer is going to get looked at AGAIN!! I think it would be much easier to just get a new one. But I really don't want to spend the money for one! If it would give me another year or so that would be great! Well, I hope everybody (my 3 followers--hahaha) had a great weekend like I did!!

Friday, Friday.....

Well, once again it's a late night!! The kids are all finally asleep & in bed. Well, except for Derek who is crashed on the love seat. Today was an exciting day for me. I finished week one of the Ease into 5k workout that I've started. I know, I know.....it's only 3 day's a week. But hey, I did all 3 days and I'm super proud of myself. Starting the first day was the hardest part!! Not sure I'm ready for the change up in week 2, but I'm gonna do it! I went to some yard sales today with my cousin Mechelle (and of course Calleigh, Austin, and Mackenzie). We found some good deals mostly for the girls, but that's normal. Unfortunately I didn't find a double jogging stroller.....still looking for that one. It was very nice to just get out of the house and do something that didn't involve going to the doctor. That was my excitement for today! So this mama is gonna hit the hay cause we have a big day tomorrow planned!!

May 2

So today was day 2 of my running workout. I once again got up at 5:15 (UGH) and did my running. My run time was almost a minute better than my first day. I'm definitely glad for off days and letting my legs rest. I'm sure they will get used to it in time though. I have had such a long day. After I got back from running this morning, I showered, got Derek up for school, and started laundry. YUCK. I hate laundry. I have washed (and folded) 5 loads of clothes. Load 6 is in the dryer and it will be staying there until tomorrow! I think I still have about 3 left too! Did I mention how much I despise doing laundry? Tomorrow morning the physical therapist comes to see Austin. She is going to be very mad at me for not doing his "exercises" everyday. I really don't have an excuse. I just really hate being on the floor. LOL   Calleigh is still wide awake and it's 10PM. I'm totally beat. I hope she crashes soon so I can do the same!! NIGHT!!

Tuesday, Tuesday

Well, I did it. I got up at 5:15 on yesterday morning and did my first run. It was a workout, that's for sure! But I felt great after I did it! I did 1.91 miles. I was super tired the rest of the day from getting up so early though. I'm supposed to do it again tomorrow, but Mike may be going to the gym in the morning. If he does, I will have to wait until evening to do it. But I WILL do it tomorrow! My legs hurt pretty bad this morning when I got out of bed. Austin had his 9 month check up today and he weighed 17lb 5oz. He's such a chunk!! The doctor said he looks great and he doesn't have to go back until 12 months. YAY!!! I'm looking for a double jogging stroller, so if anybody knows where I can find a decent used one for sale, let me know. Thanks!! I'm gonna finish watching The Biggest Loser finale now! :)
My sister in law hit a HUGE accomplishment in her weight loss journal today also! I'm super proud of her for doing such a wonderful job and sticking with it! WAY TO GO!! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!! Love you bunches!!
We have alot of people we know who are losing weight. Mike also is doing the ease into 5k workout. We have both lost weight, but aren't finished yet. My cousin and her husband are doing  AWESOME job also. I'm so proud of both of them also!! KEEP IT UP GUYS!! We are all inspirations to each other in some sort of way! Love you both & miss you!!

What A Bad Start

Well, I really was going to try to keep up with this!! I finally got my computer back, and then the charger completely broke. SO.....I was out for another 7 days with no charger!! So, alot has happened in the last 9 days!! Derek had his last track meet and they finished the season good. He really liked track and plans on doing it next year. It's such good exercise too! I think the terrible two's have finally hit Calleigh. I was hoping that they maybe skipped over her, but I guess I can't be that lucky!! She has an attitude out of this world!! (I really have no idea where she gets it from). We had a big day Tuesday for Austin. We got to take off his apnea monitor. YAY!!! It was sooooo exciting. That was the first day of his life that he wasn't attached to anything at all. I can pick him up now and just carry him around the house. It's so great!! His chest is also very happy to get rid of it. It was starting to really break out from the leads and the tegaderm. On Saturday, Mike and I had our 5 year anniversary. It's hard to believe we've been married for 5 years already. We have been through alot, and our marriage is better than it has ever been. I love him more & more everyday!! Mom and dad kept the kids all night and we went out to eat and stayed up in St. Louis. It was very nice to get out and have some time just to ourselves!! Tomorrow I am starting an exercise workout with an app on my phone. It's ease into a 5K. I have a friend who is going to also do it and my cousin is doing it now. I'm not sure when I will be able to do it, but tomorrow is supposed to be my first day of running. That should be a sight to see!! LOL
Well, I will keep blogging this week as long as I don't have anymore computer problems!! It's old and I need a new one, but just don't want to spend the money on one. I will let you know how tomorrow goes!! Hope everybody had a good weekend!!

Friday!!!

Well, it's finally Friday. Today was such a nasty day outside. Rainy and cold. Just nasty. Mike has a fishing tournament tomorrow at Rend Lake so he headed there after work to stay the night. So tonight it's just me and the kids. Derek already finished all his homework, so that's a nice start to the weekend! I wanted something super easy for supper, so we all had omelettes. We are planning on going shopping tomorrow, so I'm really excited to get out of the house! Derek needs some new shoes and there's a few things I want to check out. Austin is doing super good with the room temp milk so that will make things a whole lot easier. I did my zumba for the xbox today. I'm glad the windows and doors were closed because I probably looked like a fool!! They show you how to do the steps, but it's still not super easy. It would probably be easier to do if I knew how to zumba before I got the game.

Nothing too Exciting

Well, it's almost 10 o'clock and I'm just now getting around to blogging. We are still in the trial process I guess. So yesterday was the track meet day--what a day!! We were in Chester for 5 hours for Derek to do one event. It was the 3rd run. We were there forever. My mom had to leave early, so that just left me with Calleigh and Austin--talk about fun!! It honestly wasn't too bad though. Today was an uneventful day-which is just how I like it. Mike is over here attempting to feed Austin and getting very aggravated. He really just doesn't get how to do it. He also doesn't understand that PRACTICING is how to figure it out!! This momma needs a break!! It would be nice to not have to do just one feeding a day.  But, that will probably never happen!! Guess I should enjoy it because eventually he will be scarfing the food down himself. I'm getting the evil eye now so guess I better go feed Austin. Then it's good night for us all!! I will try to be a little earlier tomorrow...

Just the Beginning

So, I'm new to this whole blogging thing. I'm not even really sure it's something I will enjoy doing or not.  I'm very good at starting things, and not continuing them, so we will see what happens....guess there is only one way to find out. Might as well start now while Calleigh is climbing all over Austin. That is her favorite thing to do. She CANNOT keep her hands off of him. Soon, he will be down there playing with her and Derek though. Derek is so excited for school to get out. I think there is only 18 days or something like that. We have big plans this summer to go visit Aunt Melissa for almost a week. She knows we are coming, but she doesn't know when. We are just going to surprise her!! Uncle Shawn knows, but he's super good at keeping secrets!! I must be crazy to drive 7 hours by myself with just 3 kids!! HA!!! Well, today is day 3 of not warming up Austin's milk. He is so super picky when it comes to taking his bottle. He wanted it super, super warm.  It would have to warm for about 15 minutes before he would even drink it. Then halfway through, we had to warm it again!! It is very hard to do when we are on the go. I bought one of those car bottle warmer things, but didn't really care for it. If he will just drink it room temp, that will make it much easier!! So far, he has been doing very well with it. Monday (the first day), he didn't hardly eat anything at all. Just cried & cried when I tried to feed him. But yesterday and today has been so much better! We are going to venture out again today. That's always interesting! Derek has a track meet in Chester at noon we are going to. Austin is completely off his oxygen now, but he still has an apnea monitor. It's alot of work getting Austin and Calleigh ready to go and out the door!! Hopefully next Tuesday will be the last day of the apnea monitor. Austin will finally be able to be able to be toted around with no tubes or wires. It will be the first time since he was born. We have been so blessed at how things with Austin have turned out. God was definitely watching over him and us!! We will so many stories to tell him when he grows up! Well if we are going to be anywhere close to being on time, I better start getting these 2 kiddos ready to go!!