The Big D Turned 3

The Big D turned 3 in May. We had a small-ish birthday party by the lake and playground. We reserved the part of the gazebo closest to the playground. Nothing ever turns out like I envision in my mind, but overall it was fun.

I felt the genius of the plan was the kids being able to play outside and adults getting a chance to visit. My house isn't really big enough when both our families come. What I didn't think through was it was still hard to see the kids and the 15 trips to gather them up for eating, dessert, presents...everything. We had actually lost the majority of the party goers by the time we got the birthday boy situated to open presents.  However surrounded by friends and family always makes for a good time.

Baby Girl was passed around and cuddled and largely napped. The Hubby made some wonderful sloppy joes (don't let him fool you, he really can cook). The kids had fun so that is the point. The Big D love-love-loved his cake. I had an Aunt bring the grocery store a picture of Rubble from a Paw Patrol and asked them to put it on half a sheet cake.

However all the memories we made that day weren't so great. After opening presents the birthday boy fell backwards off the picnic table and landed head first onto the concrete. I got him calmed down and he was acting sleepy. I wish I would have been thinking more clearly, but I thought he was cuddly after being hurt and 3 hrs overdue for a nap. The Hubby did look at his eyes to check for concussion but it was really bright and he didn't want to open his eyes. We decided to take a drive around to look at some of the crops before going home. All three kids were asleep within minutes. We got home and the Hubby wanted to check the Big D's eyes again because he was still concerned about a concussion. I'm so dense I still thought he was just tired.  The Big D wasn't talking normal, wouldn't open his eyes, and started puking. All of the sudden I was more aware of what was really happening, he was dizzy and disorientated. He couldn't see straight which is why he kept his eyes closed. He was lethargic not sleepy. So I changed his clothes and took him to the car to go to the ER. He puked again. I went in and grabbed a towel. While we were there he seemed dizzy and just cried or curled up to sleep. Then I couldn't get him to wake up. The physician on call got him to and recommended a CT scan, was preparing me for the possibility of going to Billings for 24 hr observation. I called the Hubby and told him to get a bag ready.

My Mother-in-law was kind enough to rush in and stay with our other kids and the Hubby came to the ER to wait with us. Fortunately the Big D had a dramatic turn around. While I went with him for the CT Scan he started talking and opened his eyes, he was acting awake. By the time we got back to the room Daddy was there waiting and the Big D was acting like a 3 year old. Hiding under the bed and playing peek-a-boo with Daddy, climbing on him and chattering. Honestly it was like a light switch. The on all physician waited on the results and everything looked good, that coupled with his behavior change we were released to go home. He stopped finally stopped puking around 6pm. I woke him up every time is was up for a feeding with baby girl, and the Hubby had alarms set so he got up and checked on him in between.

The Big D's personality changed a bit, but overall he has snapped back. The Hubby noticed he isn't talking as clear as he was before, but he is still talking well for his age. He now covers his ears and doesn't like loud noises which didn't use to bother him. His appetite changed, he is no longer a bottomless pit and eats extremely slow (which isn't a bad habit). He also went through a period were he acted afraid to be around other kids other than his big brother. He hid in our house if the neighbor kids were out playing. Became really shy suddenly (which might be a phase rather than bump on the head related). The end of July and this month he has been asking to play with the neighbor kids and is seeming more like his old self. There are little things that seem off, but it could be normal changes. We talked with his Doctor at his 3 year old appointment and she said he is on track, but to call with any concerns. She also said it can take a little guy a long time to fully recover. So we are grateful for how well he is doing.

It has been 3 months since his concussion, and he still manages to hit hit his on something daily. I feel like wrapping him in bubble wrap, but the Hubby says I'm a worrier and he is a normal little boy. Maybe we could compromise and I could get him a helmet?

*sidenote: when we get our computer fixed I will add pictures to my catchup posts*

Random Thoughts at Bedtime

Tonight I am sitting on the couch watching my almost 5 month old daughter fight sleep in her swing. What I want to be doing is holding my cuddle bug tight in the rocking chair. Gently rocking until we are both ready for bed.

However I find myself on her bad side.

1. I'm not dad. Therefore I am unable to give the proper pre-bedtime snuggles.
2. I ate onions today. Her royal highness has had it with reminding me onions don't agree with her tummy.
3. I am missing three tiny fist sized chucks of hair, am sporting a lot of drool on my shoulder, and I couldn't solve her dilemma of not knowing weather she wanted soothed and held or not. I decided to give the swing a try.
4. Word must have gotten back about me boasting of her sleeping habits.

Her big brown eyes are droopy, she closes them longer and longer each time. Still opening them to peek around. We have moved past red faced screaming. Thank you Gripe Water...and Jesus.

The Hubby is gone for his two weeks of Annual Training for Guards...in the middle of harvest. I haven't heard from him in the last three days, but I heard plenty on his opinion of the timing before he left. There are several articles and news clips about the project. Fixing roads at Makoshika State Park by Glendive. I will have to add the links when I find them again.

The boys have spent the last few days outside more than in playing with neighbors. Our driveway at one point had 7-9 kiddos with bikes, trikes, wagons, sidewalk chalk, and opinions on what to play. I went ahead and moved the car out of the driveway. At one point I was informed there was an explosion in the oilfield and fire fighters were required. Somehow that morphed into transformers and the girls asking if they could play something more gentle.

I rearranged the living room and got caught up on some late Spring Cleaning. Two more closets and the dreaded kitchen left. A friend and I are having a garage sale next week. I'm trying to take the opportunity to clear out some clutter. I wonder if the Hubby actually minds that I rearrange things every-time he is gone for an extended period? Do you think he would actually notice anything missing?

Little girl is now sleeping. I'm not sure I'm brave enough to move her to the crib just yet. 3 sleeping kiddos in one room, how delicious is that? Only when they are actually sleeping, it's more of a 3-ring circus at nap time.

So this is 30.

On Color

I have a confession to make.  I am not a big fan of the color pink.  I don't know if I liked it when I was younger, but by middle school I had already developed a hatred for the color.  It was also the color that I always seemed to receive as gifts.  Like the more I didn't like it, the more people associated it with me?  Not sure.

Fast forward about 3 years ago when I was expecting baby #2.  The ultrasound tech told us she was 95% sure it was a girl and never told people unless she knew for sure.  She even said she thought she saw earlier in the ultrasound but wanted to make sure.  All of the sudden much of my disdain for the color pink became disappearing.  I actually like the pink and choclate brown scheme.  (Although the crib bedding I was planning did not include the color).  Bouncing Baby Boy surprised the heck out of us in the delivery room and I never gave much thought to pink hues again.

Well, recently baby #3 joined our family.  While I was expecting I didn't know if our bambino would be a boy or girl.  I prefered the surprise like we did our first pregnancy and didn't have much faith or confidence in ultrasound techs after the second.  However when looking at baby clothes (girl clothes are always more fun and so much cuter) I didn't warm up to pink like I did a few years earlier.  In fact I found myself loving mint green and blues, yellows, reds, and even purples.  After ending up with a Saint Patricks day baby I really liked the mint green color even more.  (That and my favorite color is almost every shade of green).

Did you know it is somewhat of a challenge to find baby girl clothes without pink?  Which as a sidenote C-Bear rocks.


If You Say It Aloud...It's Not True

Me: (greeting the Hubby who was coming into the house) Be quiet all 3 kids are sleeping at the same time!

Sounds coming from boys' room

Me: Well 2 out of 3 are sleeping

Giggling sounds

Me:  At least one of the children is sleeping

squeaking sounds from bassinet

Me: I thought they were napping....there was a period of time it was quiet and I wasn't ready for it to end.

Why Hello - Its Been Awhile

It has been quite awhile since I have posted.  However, a lot has happened.  Due to realizing I liked my less crowded living-room without the computer set up in our living-room (when it left the house to get fixed we took everything down) we no longer had a setup conducive to my blogging.  However, I have missed it and apparently my family has too.

But back to the changes. If you know me in real life and keep up with me via facebook then the news isn't that big.

#1) I quit my job to stay home with my kiddos the end of February. 

#2 - We have a new baby!  On St. Patrick's Day we welcomed our first baby girl to our brood.  I am no longer so outnumbered by males in my house. (Another big part of why #1 came to be) 

#3) Well tons of other little stories that haven't been recorded.  I will probably write up some posts on various things so they don't get forgotten.

Now to my main reason for this post.  I got the preview of my newborn pictures today! I love them.

What's the Secret?

Eight months ago I made a pretty dramatic career change. I went from a fulltime job to a stay at home wife and mom. The change within a couple weeks before welcoming home a new baby.

I felt a bit overwhelmed, excited, nervous, happy and afraid.  Part of me had thoughts like, this is going to be great!

• I will have a schedule and be able to keep up on the house by doing a room a day and a load or two of laundry.  Freeing up lots of time to cook, visit, and not be catching up on two weeks worth of laundry, bedding, and outdoor gear on a Saturday.
• I will have patience and want to do all sorts of activities with the kiddos because I won't be tired from work when I get home.  There will be more to family life than drop off/pickup kids from daycare, make supper, give baths, send too bed.
• We can help the Hubby on the farm more. I can go on parts runs and be more involved with the outdoor lifestyle we want for our family.

Then part of me thought....hold on princess. It will take a magical transformation for you to be scheduled, organized, and willing to take on extra. Do you even remember what it was like living with a newborn?  Getting up every 2 hrs to nurse? The baby is due in the middle of calving, which is shortly followed by planting season...which if anything like the past year carries right in into branding and harvest and the shipping and planting winter wheat. 

If you were feeling overwhelmed with 2 kids what makes you think you will inherit the patience of Mother Theresa after giving birth to the 3rd? Has anyone ever mentioned how patient and calm you are under all circumstances? No...hmmm....and you are expecting this to change how?

Well prayer, wishful thinking....hoping the boys are getting old enough for partial days with dad. Getting together with other friends with kids the same age....finishing the gates on the fence so I can kick them outside?

Ok mostly pie in the sky dreams and prayers for the unattainable hallmark movie of a vision in my head.   Oh and lots and lots of coffee....and openness to advice from seasoned moms.

My transition happened the end of February and is now November. 

I don't have a schedule, my baby is crawling but not sleeping. My oldest has preschool 3 times a week for a few hours and we go to church on Sunday.  That is as much of a schedule as I have. 

Do you have any advice for me?

Do you have a schedule to keep somewhat on top of things?

Daily/Weekly routines?

Happy Halloween-y

Halloween 2013

The Big D ended up being more of an engineer than the tank engine.  Unlike the Postal Service, both rain and wind can and did stop him....from wanting to wear a cardboard sandwich board costume.  we made it for pictures at the newspaper and two houses...then were officially done with Thomas the Train.

Luckily, we still had the engineer hat and coveralls underneath so he still counted as dressed up.  Best part - both of his costumes were free.  My nephew wore this costume for Halloween 4 years ago. So my sister spent all the time finding the engineer outfit (which  she probably already had because the Conman is a huge Train lover)

The PreSchooler loved, loved, loved his Halloween costume.  Which shouldn't be a surprise since he has been saying "I really wish I could dress up like Wall-E" for over a year...well before Halloween last year anyway.  Which lead to requests for Halloween 2 years running.  As easy as it was to pull together (last minute of course, as that is how I roll) I am now dealing with guilt for not making it for dress up earlier.  Both boys have logged tons of time in that box.

Last minute progress.  I wrapped up the costume around 3am on the 31st.

The boys and I went trick or treating with a good friend of mine and her oldest son (Ninja Turtle).  So whilst the dads drank beer, ate pizza and handed out candy out our house, the moms braved the elements for sake of sugar.  It turned into such a windy and cold night...and beings as I was pregnant tired lady - we weren't all night diehards.  But the kiddos had fun and I loved watching them try on each others costumes back at the house all while running around in a sugar daze with pizza sauce all over their faces.

Having investors at work didn't stop me from dressing up.  I wasn't brave enough for the toga, but I went as Medusa...which my children have never heard of and now my children chase me around trying to put Mommy's snakes back in my hair.