A Guest Post

Brian is a boy. He is VERY curious. His role model is named George. Anything George can do, Brain can do better. Yesterday Brian, his mommy (with baby Elmo in utero), his daddy also known on Halloween 2010 as Daddy in Yellow Hat and Suit came to Nana and Pappy's for dinner. Nana rarely cooks anymore so this was a special treat. Brian decide to leave Nana and Pappy a special treat in return. Just like George , Brian loves CLOCKS! At 3:00 am this morning, Nana's alarm went off! Thank you Brian. W e love you, Nana and Pappy.

Close Ups

A few sweet close ups of our big boy!




Okay, so the last three are the same photo. But it's really stinkin' cute and I love playing with the black and white options on my editor!

Adios Tumbling!

We decided to say goodbye to tumbling for now. Brian was acting crazier at each class and we were tired of it. Sadly, at his last class yesterday, he was quite a bit better. But, we're comfortable with the decision. It's getting warmer and we will want to spend the time outside. We can always go back when we think he's ready.

Nana came along last night to help me keep my sanity. We got some great pictures! The class really was fun, and Brian learned quite a bit. Plus he enjoyed his time with Addison. They have an open gym kind of thing once a week, so we're going to try to hit that and see if he does better. I think if he doesn't have to sit and listen to instructions, and can just play on the equipment (which he now knows how to use), he might do better.

A Glimmer of Hope

Last night Brian started something that I am taking as a glimmer of hope that he will accept being a big brother in a few short months. Bibber bought him a boy baby doll for Christmas and last night he took an interest in it. He carried it around, put it's pacifier in it's mouth over and over, took it's hat off, put it back on and even tucked the doll into his bed, kissed it goodnight and turned out the lights. This morning it continued. We had to take the doll to school with us. So cute!
And here's that 16.5 week bump picture I promised last week. I don't see any difference between this and the previous picture. Except the Bengals pants!



Two weeks until we find out the gender of baby Elmo!!!

Helping Daddy!

As mentioned in a previous post, our house is going through some major changes in preparation for it going back on the market in a few weeks. Here's a cute shot I captured of Brian "helping" Shawn tape for painting.

A Quick Update

Just a few updates...

* Brian has finished his antibiotic and is still tugging at both ears. He's more like himself though. Things actually got worse before they got better. He had two MAJOR screaming tantrums mid week...grabbed his ears and fell to the floor. Poor little man. I called the ENT the next morning and the nurse said to start motrin 2-3 times a day. That gave him great relief. He started napping and eating again! But he's still tugging at those ears. I am going to call the ENT on Monday. I am thinking maybe 4 more weeks is a bit too long to wait to decide about tubes and adenoids.

*Had a visit with the OB on Friday. We got to hear baby Elmo's heart rate again. It was between 140 and 145. We find out the gender on March 1st!!! I am feeling movement when I am really still, but not all the time yet. I have gained about 7 pounds, which is pretty much on track. We took a 16.5 week belly pic, but it's still on my camera.

*Brian "spilled" a sprite on my laptop. The keyboard is shot. The new one will be here Monday. I am typing this on my mom's laptop. We are staying at my parents' house tonight because...

*Our wonderful friends and family (and my mom's wonderful friends) came over last night and today for a painting party. Our kitchen, hall, and master bedroom are now "neutral." Our house looks like we don't live there. All of my collectibles are boxed up, all pictures of Brian are down and the colors on the walls are totally not ones we would pick. BUT we are getting much closer to having the house ready to put back on the market. There are still some things on the list that were suggested by the realtor, but we're getting there!

And because of the painting party I am totally exhausted. Good night!

Good Byes Are Never Easy

Especially when you are pregnant! I have been crying off and on all morning. The family that I babysit for has decided their kids are too old to need me anymore. It didn't happen exactly that way. I asked. So it's my fault. And, really it's a good thing because on Monday I get to start watching Max after school. And Max needs me.

Recently I have been going over to where I sit to just sit most days. All of the kids are driving and they are overly involved in activities (as most high school kids are), so I barely even see them. I was feeling really guilty about this. I didn't want them to think they had to keep employing me out of obligation. Plus I knew that Max was there waiting in the background. And that he needed me.

I'm still really sad though. I taught the daughter (now a senior) 4th and 5th grade. I taught the boys 5th too. And I have worked for them after school since the boys were in 7th. So we have a long history. And I adore them. And so does Brian.

But everyone grows up. And all good things must come to and end. It doesn't make it hurt any less though. Especially when you are dealing with pregnancy hormones.

I have two days left. Two days to figure out how to say goodbye.

And yes, I realize how dramatic that sounds. I realize we will visit. But I will never be a part of their day to day life ever again. And that will be hard.