Merry Christmas all

I just love Christmas! It takes forever to get here and then it is gone in a flash! I wanted to share some of my favorite memories of this Christmas. It is going to be picture heavy, but I have so much to share and remember.


First of all I was so excited when we opened up the box mom sent us this year for Christmas. Mia got this wonderful Ragedy Ann Doll, and I still need to take a picture of Gavin with his Raggedy Andy. He loves it!!!!
Aren't my babies just adorable! They look like angels when they sleep.

Donovan was thrilled when he opened up his remote control car. The smile didn't lst very long. He was rather upset because Santa didn't bring anything he wrote down on his list. Appenrently he wrote a letter to Santa at his mother's house and she didn't tell us. He got a few things after christmas from his list, but they were from us, not Santa. I think he is also on the verge of figuring out who Santa is. He seemed to hint at it a couple times, and he was rather down about it when he figured out that we do a lot of things. It is just hard to hide everything, I forgot to put away the tape and Scott said something about buying stocking stuffers. Donovan was like "I knew it was you"

Gavin loves hats! He also liked his phone. I remember having one of these when I was a kid. It is nice to know the classics stick around!

Gavin loved helping decorate the tree. And undecorating the tree! And decorating the tree again!

Here is a classic Donovan face! He gave this face when he saw his batman car. He really likes it.

This is Christmas morning before we picked up Donovan. Aren't they adorable.

Christmas Eve! I should have done this Christmas Day after they opened up their Christmas PJ's and had all three of them. Hind Sight!!!

Amelia's first experience with cerial. She wasn't sure what she thought of it at first, then she just gobbled it. She loves cerial with green beans. She isn't a fan of bananas though!

Here is the only picture I have of all of them!

Good news bad news!

I've got good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?

Bad new! Okay!!! Well, I failed the flipping Spanish Praxis for the fourth time. The hardest part is knowing that I did worse, and that it was the same test I took the previous time. You would have thought I would do better, not worse! Once I told the superintendent she basically told me that she would not be offering me a new contract at the end of the school year. Great! Now I get to start looking for a new job.

Good news! I started my masters program. I am doing an online program from Grand Canyon University. I am doing my masters on Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Reading. I got my grade from my first paper. I got 100% and i was sooo excited.

Well, tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I am going to finish wrapping gifts. Oh, last night I was wrapping gifts in between studying. Gavin decided to help me (yeah, I know, he should have been asleep so he didn't see Santa at work!!). He would take the newly wrapped gift and place it under the tree. I think he did a better job then if I had done it!

No more Grandmom

Mom left to go back to Washington on Tuesday morning. The night before Emily finished painting Mia's room. It is a lovely shade of purple and blue/green. Now all it needs is a chair railing thingy around the room in a dark mahogany to match her furniture. The table in the kitchen reminds me of the kitchen I grew up with, a table top over cabinets. Just smaller. It is awesome, if a bit high. We'll need to get bar stools. We had to tear dwon the paneling in the boys room and in doing so it revealed a bigger problem. We need to do some insulating (it is the COLDEST room in the house) and then we are going to reside the walls and paint. Hopefully that will get done before the boys graduate from college. Mia's room was a much simpler fix!!! The siding on the house has a start. Scott has about 100 days to get it finished. I hope he gets it done. Especially since he has volunteered our house for Christmas this year with his family. I look forward to showing it off, but only if the house is ready. I hope we haven't bitten off more than we can chew (yeah right, I know we did).

Gavin misses his Grandmom and Emma something fearce. He walks around asking for them. It's sad! Mia sleeps with me more nights than not. It is just easier to nurse her and fall asleep then get out of bed and blah blah blah. Donovan had his first report card. He is struggling and we are going to have him tested for adhd. Hopefully that helps.

Lots of fun

It has been a crazy couple of weeks. Mom made it into town last Tuesday and immediately came down with pneumonia. She spent 3 days in the hospital. We've dubbed the hospital "the sheritan". It was SWEET!!!! Mom got A+ care. She is out and if Scott can get organized enough to get things done we will have our kitchen cabnets started.

It has been lovely having my sister Emily in town. She calls Amelia Emma (which was to be her nickname until Gavin began calling her Mia). It is cute! Gavin loves his Grandmom and his Aunt Emma. Oh, and lets not forget the doggy zoe!

Mia's smile

First and for most, Mia is smiling. I gotta share. She started smiling about two weeks ago. She has this sweet little that just makes my heart grin. When she grins like this she often coo's. Gavin never coo'd so the first time she did it completely surprised me. Every once in a while when she is completley content and her big brothers are smiling at her she starts to REALLY smile. She als smiles like this when I tickle her chin or pat her tummy. Gavin also likes it when I pat her tummy because he just dies gigglinGavin absoluetly loves his little sister. He wants to hold her every chance he can get. Although he does love her he has his jealous moments. If Scott or I are holding Mia he also wants to be held. That is okay, I love holding both my babies.





School is going well. I am enjoying teaching this year. I have a great group of kids. We are settling into our new home. My in-laws are here helping fix the windows and roof. My mom and sister Emily will be here next week to help with painting and siding. Soon we will have a beautiful home.

Has it already been a month?

I look at my newborn daughter and I am in utter awe. I can't believe that Amelia is a month old. Amazement fills me when I realize that I have successfully nursed her and that she is growing. It is weird knowing that Gavin at this point was failure to thrive and I had to suppliment, yet here I am feeding on demand and not worrying about making a bottle at 3am. However, next week I go back to work. I need to rent a pump and I am terrified that my supply will go down! I know I'll be fine.

Okay, so her one month appointment was today. She weighed in at 8 pounds 12 ounces, 20 1/2 inches tall. She has gained a pound in the last 3 weeks, right on schedule! woohoo mommies milk!!!! Here are some pics of her and Gavin taken today. He sure does love his little sister!!!!

Cloth Diapers

A bit before Mia was born I remember reading my sister Stacie's blog about cloth diapers. It got me thinking about my childhood. I remember vividly the bucket of diapers in the bathroom. My mother washed the diapers and folded them. The nostalgia of those memories filled me with a desire to go back to my childhood when Gavin was born. I HATED the bucket of bleach water in the bathroom. I HATED folding the diapers because I couldn't figure out how to do them. The pins had me on pins and needles. I know I stuck him at least once.

Interestingly enough, things are different with Mia. Stacie's blog got me thinking once again about trying. After speaking with my mother I learned that you don't need a bucket of bleach water in the bathroom. At least not while you are breastfeeding. Apparently breastfed babies poop just washes out in the wash. No need for bleach, which is harsh on tender bums.

Each time I put a cloth diaper on Mia I smile. It feels good not to be filling up my trash can with dirty diapers. Besides that the dog doesn't get into the trash and spread it through the entire house. Folding the pre-folded diapers (a life saver, no longer do I need a masters degree in diaper folding) gives me a sense of peace and calm. These cool little snappies that kind of grasp the cloth instead of pinning the baby soothes my soul. I just love cloth diapers.

Now if I can just get Scott feeling comfortable in putting the diapers on Mia. We got a goodly amount of disposable diapers from my baby shower. I am sure until they have been used Scott will continue to avoid the cloth ones. It is truly funny that a man that can figure out the intricacies of mechanics and electrical gadgets can't figure out to put a diaper on an 8 pound little girl!

Cribs and cradles

I remember as a little little girl of about 3 looking at my new sister Joan in a cradle. The next thing I'm not sure if it is a memory of my mind or a memory learned from hearing it over and over. Stacie picked Joan up out of the crib by her neck and brought her to our mom.

Well, tonight I was cleaning a sippy cup for Gavin in preperation of our night time routine. I had put Mia in her crib to keep her safe from her older brother. He either sits on her, hits her, or wants to hold her. Because of this I try to keep her out of his reach. She had been quietly taking her binky, but she started to cry. I saw Gavin leave the kitchen. I finished getting his sippy cup ready. When I walked into the bedroom I gasped. Gavin had climbed into the crib (he had NEVER up until THIS moment done so before. I didn't know he could do it!!!!) and was holding his sister in his clumsy 2 year old way. It was adorable, but made my heart stop. I guess Gavin and Mia won't be sharing a room. He just won't leave her be. Now we have to figure out how to keep Gavin safe from climbing up Donovan's bed and falling and breaking his neck!

Announcing Amelia Larkann Elias

On Tuesday, just as scheduled, Grandpa Dick got a wonderful birthday gift at 8:10 am. Mia came in weighing a total of 8 pounds 3 ounces. She was 19 and 3/4 inches tall. Mia did wonderful, however momma struggled a bit. They game me the spinal tap and laid me down. The nurse immediately put me back up and said that I needed to be up because they gave me a "goodly amount for my weight". I could hear the anesthesiologist talking and apparently I didn't do very well. My blood pressure dropped low and my blood oxygen level was in the 80's. I had so hoped to breastfeed Mia immediately but it took over an hour to stabilize me. I finally was stable and began the process of bonding. I love my daughter! Donovan constantly wants to hold her, than again so does Gavin. The first time Gavin saw her he said "baby" and slapped her. Since then he has done very well and loves to give his sister kisses. He did freak out the first time he saw Mia breastfeed. He now comes up and says "boobies" each time with a bit of concern on his face. We are home and doing well, other than the bouts of tears. I get frustrated rather easily, but I know it is going to get better.

Well, here are some pictures that were proffessionally taken at the hospital hope you enjoy.

Watching the clock

It is now all a matter of time. In a little more than an hour Scott is going to take Donovan (who is rather insistent on meeting grandma at the airport) to pick up my mom and Kathy. I so want to go but there isn't enough room in the car. Scott is just going curbside so it isn't like we would wait for them to come off the plane anyways.

For the past 4 weeks Mia has been vertex (head down). On Thursday she decided that she wasn't going to give her momma any chance of even the idea of a vbac and is now breech. She is such a little stinker! She feels heavier, I feel so much pressure it isn't even funny. There is this part of me that wants to feel what real labor is like. I want my water to break and I want to feel contractions. It doesn't look like she is going to oblige! Oh, well. It's not like I really want to be in any more pain than I have been for the last couple of days anyway!

I had my first pregnancy related dream last night. I dreamed that Mia was here. I dreamed that she had beautiful red hair the color of her aunt Emily (oh how I hope so!) and that I had no problems with my milk supply and she latched on immediately. She was feisty though and I had to wrap her up pretty good to keep her hands from pushing on me (Gavin would do that). I then dreamed that the nurses forgot to put in the IV's in me properly and let me walk around right after surgery (like I would be able to do that anyways). They also forgot to weigh and measure Mia after she was born. It's kind of funny. My dream reassured me of my fears in regards to breastfeeding, but heightened my fears about the nurses at the hospital I will deliver at. Scott was there for a week and didn't have a very good experience. I guess I really am worried about it!!!!

I can't believe that I only have two more days left before I get to hold her. Last night was a nightmare trying to sleep I was so excited because Mom is going to be here. Add that to the discomfort of being 39 weeks pregnant!!!!! I know tonight will be interesting to sleep through but Monday I think will be almost impossible. Scott is working Monday night, but planning on coming home early (probably around 2am). I'm sure that I will have a hard time falling asleep and then when he gets home I will become wide awake again. I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am so I know that I will be up at around 4am to take a shower and make sure that my suitcase is ready. It is right now, but I know myself and I'll repack it again and again in the next two days. Oh the anxiety and excitement coursing through me right now. Heck I keep pausing as I type to look up at the clock. It has been 8:59 for the LONGEST time! I guess the old saying a watched kettle never boils can go for a watched clock never progresses in time!!!!!

Finally some good 3d pics of Mia

Today I had my growth ultrasound at the Perinatal Center. Scott and Gavin came with me (Donovan was with his mom). Gavin was super busy then entire time I did my NST (non-stress test). The only time he sat still was when the nurse gave him a blue-rasberry snow cone (I wish I could have one. They look SOOOOOOOOOO good.) Amelia also wouldn't stay still. I was having contractions, but the monitor was too high to catch it. The nurse moved both the heartbeat and contraction monitors. She wiggled, squirmed, and moved away from the monitors. It was just as adorable as her brother visiting the other women in the monitoring room!

Finally it was my turn for the growth u/s. I love seeing her. She ended up measuring approx. 8 lbs 3 ozs which is the 88th percentile of fetus' her gestational age. I figure that when she arrives she will be in between 8-9.5 lbs. My belly sure is big enough, and still growing! The best part was when the tech tried to get a 3d picture of Mia's face. In the past the techs didn't try very hard. This time Mia had her hands in front of her face. We jiggled her around and finally got some good pictures of her. The first one she still had her hand covering much of her face, however it is a great picture of her chubs. I just love the double and possibly tripple chin she has. She is going to be my little gordita!

The second picture made me get all weepy. Every single u/s in the past I've always left thinking that she looked a little weird. Each time the tech would say something like "You'd look funny too squished up against the placenta." I always wanted a clearer look at her, even if it was a profile. Today I got my wish. I was just amazed at how her lips look so perfect and that she has my chin, Just like her brother does. Scott pouted when I said that and tryed to make his chin look similar. It was hilarious. It was amazing how Gavin just sat transfixed by the pictures on the screen. He kept saying "baby" over and over again. The tech left to talk w/the doctor and I just couldn't stop looking at the screen. I know that I will spend hours just looking at her when she gets here. Just as I did when Gavin was a newborn. (Heck, even today I go into the boys bedroom at night just to look at Gavin and Donovan in their sleep. They are at their most angelic!). I just can't wait until the 28th.

Just one quick note about Gavin! He is such a shoeaholic. He just loves to wear shoes. Well, tonight I was putting him to bed and I took his shoes off. Oh, what a mistake. He just cried! Finally I got him calmed down and put him to bed. A few minutes later he was just weeping. You could hear him repeating "shoes" over and over again. I walked into his room and he was tring to climb his dresser to get his shoes. I got them down for him and he just giggled as I put them on his feet. He climbed into bed, covered himself with his blankets and giggled again. Just made me smile soooo much.

graduation, swimming, and the fourth of july

Each of these deserves its own blog, but oh well.

On May 21, 2009 Donovan graduated from kindergarten. His daddy was able to attend (I wish I could have). He was a bit sad, not quite ready to graduate - I think a picture is worth a thousand words.

Gavin went with Scott of course. He worships his older brother, as you can see from the picture. Not only that but he just adores wearing hats (although only briefly. I just wish Scott got a good picture of Donovan as well.

One of the first purchases we made this summer was that of a small pool to keep the kids cool. Funny thing is that we only have used it twice because soon after we got a membership to the community pool, so we spend most of our time there. Donovan loved the pool.

Gavin liked the pool, but he prefers to be swaddled up in a blanket or play in the dogs cage. I just love these pics of Gavin. They are just toooo cute!!! But then I am surely biased! You may be asking yourself - My goodness look at that bruise on Gavin's forhead!!! Yeah, he fell while I was at the hospital when I was having contractions several weeks ago. The bruise is finally fading away, but there are these times when he wrinkles his forhead and it looks like he has a dent! It makes me feel horrible!

Fourth of July has always been a special holiday for me. I am grateful to live in the United States, and am proud to be an American. Each year I am reminded of why we celebrate the 4th of July. On the Second of July the continental congress met and decided to write a declaration of independence. It took 2 more days for it to be written. Thomas Jefferson wrote later that the signing of the declaration of independence would be heralded through parades, firework displays, picnics, ect! How interesting that over 200 years later we are still celebrating it. This year we had planned on driving to Washington, Missouri to participate in a "Tea Party" activity, however it was HOT, I'm 9 months pregnant, and it was raining. We decided to stay at home, since our neighbors across the street spent an inordinate amount of money on pretty explosives!!!! We went out at about 8pm. Gavin would walk a bit away from me and as soon as a firework was set off he would run back to me and say "Hot, hot". It was adorable. He was fascinated by the snakes, and we got him to try the sparklers. His favorite part was to put the sparkler next to another surface and see the glow it created. He is our thinker, that is for sure. Donovan had such a blast that he didn't want to come in. We let him stay outside for an extra hour after we went inside. Our neighbor was out there and she kept an eye on him for us. Besides that he would pop his head in every once in a while and say "did you see that?" He was adorable. He didn't want fireworks day to end, and three days later is still lamenting the end of the fourth of july. He wants to know how many days until the next fourth of july!!!!

34 week belly pic!

Look at that cute little (okay, it's kinda big!!!!) belly. It is so round and cute! I feel like I have a beach ball in shirt. I carried alot lower with Gavin and I think I just looked fat! The best part is that this time around strangers are actually asking when I am due. That didn't happen with Gavin!

Bring on the contractions!!!

Scott came home on Saturday without a pic line, without steroids for his itching, and w/o anibiotics. Only with pain meds!!! He is glad to be home but in a lot of pain. He sees the surgeon next week to see if he will have to have anything removed. So far things look promising.

I had another visit to the doctor. My amniotic fluid is a bit on the high side, not sure what that means but they are keeping an extra eye on it. She sounds great, but I am contracting regularly. When I mentioned this to my doctor she said "Bring on the contractions. She'll be fine." I'm not sure what that was supposed to mean, but Scott feels like Mia will be here between July 5-16th. I wouldn't be surprised, although I really would like her to stay put as long as possible. I do have to say that I HATE the pains that come with pregnancy. I feel huge, and I hurt 24/7.

Good Job Momma!!!!

Yesterday I had another growth ultrasound to see how big Mia has gotten. My last one at 30 weeks she was at 5 pounds and the 93rd percentile for her weight. This time at 33 weeks she now weighs 6lbs and is 82nd percentile. Her head is HUGE though, 94th percentile. We got to see her face, Scott got to come down from his hospital room. I've worried that she was deformed because she always looked funny. This time you could see a perfectly round cute face, and lots and lots of hair floating! I just hope she has red hair!!!! The doctor was pleased that I got her weight to slow down and said "Good job, momma!" It made me happy. My next and final growth ultrasound will be in 4 weeks, 2 weeks before she is due to come!

Updates on scott! He doesn't have MERSA, nor did he have cellulitus (a form of staph) under the skin. He just have a severe reaction to spider venom. He then got a rash from head to toe from the antibiotics. They started him on a steroid to relieve him from the itch which caused him to get nauseous. Because of all that he had to stay one more night. They plan on putting a pic I.V. on him tomorrow and send him home with an I.V. so he can continue to get the meds he needs. He plans on being at work on Monday, and taking a day off next week to have the surgeon look at him to see if he needs surgery to have the dead skin removed and skin grafts. We are praying that won't be necessary.

Not for the feint of heart! Scotts Spider Bite

Scott woke up Saturday when he felt a little pinch on his arm. He went back to sleep thinking nothing of it. Woke up two hours later, and asked if it looked like a bite mark. I said it might. He went upstairs and immediately came down and said "Gen, look at me, I'm red all over and I itch like crazy" He quickly got himself dressed and went to Urgent care. The doctor heard his story, took a look and said "that isn't a spider bite, I get those. It is a histimine flare up!" He gave him a steroid shot and some meds to take to stop the histimines. Scott took the meds, the rash on his arm grew. Fast forward to 1:30 Am Monday. He wakes me up and says "Gen, I don't feel right. I'm going to the ER." Two hours later I get a call from him. As soon as a nurse looked at me she called the doctor in right away. The doctor is admitting me to the hospital. I will be here for at least the next 24 hours." At 7:30 he calls back. "I will be here until the end of the week." The next day the doctor finally admits that he has a spider bite, but it could be compounded with a staph infection. We are still waiting on the test results. I was at the hospital last night, the red part of his rash was growing but the center was still white. He sent me a picture today, and I'm SCARED!!!!! Look at what it looks like! It reminds me of pictures I have seen on brown recluse spider bites! I just hope it doesn't get to the point where he needs skin grafts! If you don't want to see the picture of what his bite looks like don't look past the space!!! It isn't too yucky, but it isn't pretty!

Bit of a scare.

A normally 45 minute appt lasted nearly 4 hours!!! I went in on Thursday for my twice weekly Non stress test. While listening to the beautiful heart rate of my daughter and feeling her kick I noticed the number for the contraction side of the monitor stay at about 5 for about 5 minutes or so and then rise to 30. I thougt that was curious, then looked at the swooping pattern on the paper. I thought to myself, "Am I having contractions?" I paid attention the next time I noticed the numbers going up and noticed that my asthma was kicking into high gear (I was wondering why I would have a tightness in my chest about every 5 minutes or so) and I felt a very slight cramp. I'm used to the cramps, considering they've happened all throughout my pregnancies. The nurse came in and you could see she was concerned. They sent me to Labor and Delivery for more monitoring. They gave me water and a shot of some medicine to stop the contrax. They also checked me internally. I am long, closed, and thick. Which was a relief. They then came back in after talking to my doc and said your good to go home. No explanations, no reasons why I was contracting nothing. I asked "Did the contractions stop?" Yes. "Is there any special instructions?" No, not really. Okay!!!!!! Now that I think about it I am a little frustrated!!! I did like the hospital doctor though. He was an older Englishman. He kept calling me little one! Which was funny since I'm about 227 pounds!!!!

Exhausting, but heavenly day!

I had my 32 week appointment today, as well as the fist of my non stress tests and modified biophysical scans. The tech said there was quite a bit of fluid and my placenta looked beautiful, which really relieved some of my concerns since that was an issue with Gavin. She is bum first and facing into my spine so I didn't get a good profile shot. I did however see a chin, and chunky cheeks (no surprise there). She was super active during the nst and I ended up being late to my regular doc appt. The good news about the non stress test and biophysical scan is that I get to see and hear her 2x a week now!!!

I delivered Gavin at a different hospital w/a different OB. When I was pregnant w/Gavin we toured the center, which is at a different hospital then Mia will be delivered at. I was extremely upset when they told me that for nurses convienience that they would take the baby away from me, wash him, weigh him, measure him and then give him to me (about 30 mins directly after giving birth) I told them that I wanted to bond with my baby first. They told me that this was procedure. This would have been if I had delivered vaginally. It was MUCH WORSE when I gave birth to Gavin. Scott and I had discussed that if anything went wrong with him that he would stay with the baby. I didn't realize that would mean me alone in a corner until I could feel my feet move! I couldn't have any visiters, NOTHING!!! I felt sooooooo alone, especially since I didn't know what was going on with my baby. It was an hour before I was wheeled out of there, and they were packing my son into an incubator and rushing him via helicopter to another hospital. I got to touch his head and that was it before they took him away. (I know I've probably shared this before. Sorry for those that are reading it again) I HATED my birthing experience! It was HORRIBLE!!

Today my OB told me that I would walk from my recovery room (which would be the room I would stay in for the entire stay except for delivery) to the or. I would get my spinal block and then Scott could come into the room. As soon as they are done stitching me up that will immediately push me to my recovery room, and I can be holding Mia (once I'm stiched up) while we are being pushed to the other room. Once we get there my mom can be in the room (in case something is wrong with Mia and they have to take her to the nursery and Scott stays with her - at least this time I won't be alone). I get to IMMEDIATELY start breastfeeding they won't even give her her first bath yet!! I will get her for about an hour (unless she needs to be taken in early because of blood sugar issues) and then Scott gets to take her to the nursery for all the mearuring, weighing, first bath and such! I will have my mom right there (and if not my mom than a dear friend from school who is like a surragate mom to me). I'm so excited! This is how I wanted things to go with gavin.

Later, after naps Scott and I took the boys to the local swimming pool. Scott surprised me with family passes to the Civic Center in the town next to us. It has an indoor and outdoor pool. We took the boys. When Gavin saw the pool he seemed excited, but as soon as we walked in the door he completly freaked out! Scott and I spent the 2 hours there holding him as he clung to our necks. The HEAVEN part was being able to walk at a normal pace and not feeling the back pain I've been in for months. I LOVED IT!!!! I however HATED coming out of the pool. I couldn't believe how gravity just pulls down on you. Mia felt 10 times heavier!!! We go back tomorrow!!! The good part is that after she is born I can go to the gym and work off some of my weight!!!

Look at those jowls!!!

I've already mentioned in my previous post that last week I had an ultrasound and Mia is weighing in at 5lbs. Well, I got a 3d pic of her, I don't think my docs 3d pics are very good next to some I see elsewhere. Anyways, here is the u/s pic of her. The line across her eyes is her arm. You can see that she has a big nose! Just like her momma and daddy. Her chin is almost nonexistent, but I think that is because her cheeks are just HUGE!!!!

first week off from school

I can't believe it has been a week since I gave my last final! There are two traveling teachers that work at the High School. I, of course, am one of them! The other is this really sweet woman that teaches Personal Finance. There was a Language Arts teacher (which is one of the subjects I happen to teach) that they did not rehire and her classroom is now sitting vacant. It has tons of Language Arts books in it and it is on the same floor and general area as the rest of the Language Arts AND foreign Languages sits. It made sense to me, and my department chair that I would get the room. However the school makes decisions about classrooms depending on the needs of the students, so I did not get that classroom. I love the finance teacher, but I also know that she has a deep rooted history with the district and I was not surprised at all when she told me she got the room. I'm fine with it. I loved sharing my room with Mauri, and I wouldn't mind sharing with her again. My main concern is traveling six weeks after major abdominal surgery!!!! My principal told me that they are working on getting another classroom set up for teaching and if that happens than both of us traveling teachers can retire our carts!!! I hope I get my own room. It is difficult having to share a room, even with someone that you admire and love! Can you imagine with someone that can't stand the site of you?

Anywho! It has been a good week. Found out that at 30 weeks Mia already weighs 5 pounds. My diabetic doctors are really concerned. They told me all the worst case scenarios, the only one I walked away with was "stillborn". I left their office and went to my regular OB. She calmed me down and said, that does happen but not as often. I was imagining a 20 pound baby, but she reassured me that Mia would be a hefty 9-10 lb baby. No newborn clothes for her! Thank goodness I only have 2 NB outfits!!!!

At church on Sunday as soon as the music started Gavin grabbed a hymn book and sang along at the top of his lungs. After the first song he said "More, more" and got frustrated that they didn't sing some more. The second song he clapped after the song ended (As he finished another soulful performance at the top of his lungs). After he once again joined in for the final song he loudly proclaimed "AMEN!" I just couldn't stop smiling.

Today I was getting the boys ready for bed as Scott was leaving for work. Gavin got away from me stark naked (Except for his socks and shoes). I struggled to get up from the couch - (jeez, I don't remember being this round and huge with Gavin) and went in search of him. Scott and I found him at the same time. He was sitting on his potty chair (which he has ignored for the past couple of months) and was reading a book. I wish I had taken a picture. Scott said "Hmmm, he takes after his mother!" I have books in both bathrooms!

Donovan really made me smile today. He held my hand as we were walking into Arby's and he said "I will get you safely to the door. Don't worry ma'am, you won't fall!" He can be such a sweet boy. I've really seen a softening in our relationship this summer that hasn't been there in the past. I've always felt he would be fine if I just disappeared from his life. He loves his dad and mom, and he just always treats me with lack of interest. He has his parents, I'm just an extra thingy! Since taking my anxiety meds I find myself less "paranoid", calmer, and I'm letting Scott do more of the disciplining. I still do some, but I don't have to be the bad guy all the time. I think I am coming to see that that has been the problem. I've been the bad guy, and now I am a calmer person.

Well, the dryer is about to signal its end. I'll be able to switch out the laundry and head for bed!

Perfect Gift

At school they only give babyshowers for first time moms. I understand that that is the tradition, it still makes me feel a little left out. I'm getting over it. Mainly because several of the teachers have brought me something. I got a really beautiful 12 month outfit in blue and green (def. feminine though) and 2 bibs from one of my fellow Spanish teachers. She is an awesome lady. Makes the best boklava that I can't eat or it makes my blood sugars fly through the roof. Another teacher who is due a week before I have my C-section scheduled gave me a tigger toy blankie (hard to describe), a rattle of sourts, and a cute bib that says "I'm the little sister" They are all things I wanted from my registry. First time I ever got something from my registry. That was cool!!! Today I was surprised and tickled pink. at walmart there is this adorable red white and blue flowery dress that I fell in love with the first time I saw it. I keep asking Scott if we can get it. It isn't that expensive, but he kept saying "Nah" Well, you guessed it, I got it today from a fellow teacher. She was not in cohoots with Scott, she just thought it was cute. She also got a cute skirt and shirt set that is obviously for the 4th of july, but I think is adorable and any time able! I plan on stocking up on stuff if there is anything left after the fourth when everything drops to like a 1.00 each.

Speaking of cool deals! At easter there were these cute dresses for $16.00 each. I kept waiting for them to drop in price. They went down to 10, then 7, and finally at $3.00 I got three of them. I'll have to take some ics of the things we have for her!

Today Donovan graduated from Kindergarten and is now ready to enter the first grade. I'm so proud of him. Last week he told his dad he didn't want to graduate. "But Daddy, I don't even know how to read yet!" Each night we have him before we go to bed I read the boys at least one book (Gavin loves his book time!). Donovan always wants to read it himself. He starts off doing really well, but then he gets frustrated, loses his focus, and I notice he only looks at the first couple of letters and then guesses the rest. He then starts to get more frustrated and say "I can't" which in the past really frustrated me. I'm getting better. He got through half of a book tonight and then we had a complete shut down. I wish his mother read with him more! That is something we will be working on very much over the summer. Learning sight words, and reading! I think I'm going to get him some first grade books, maybe even just kindergarten books to work on. That and go to the library at least once a week.

Finally downloaded some pictures.

My mother made the boys the cutest matching outfits last March. At the end of the summer I cried as I put Gavin's little fishy outfit away, thinking he only got a few months good use out of it. Donovan continued to wear it to church, which is odd because he has outgrown every single other shirt he owns! I pulled Gavins out of storage as I was going through his baby things to decide what I would be willing to put Mia in (mostly sleepers and such). I knew that she would look cute in this particular outfit. I decided to see how much Gavin had grown in the year. Appernetly not much because it fits him perfectly, as you can see. Don't you just love their smiles!!!!

First I'll show pics of myself (I meant for them to be last but couldn't figure out how to do it without giving myself a headache. The picture of me in the purple (okay, its just a belly shot, but you can deal right?) is about 6 weeks ago when I was 24 weeks pregnant. I had a bit of a belly bump starting to show. Today, at almost 30 weeks one of my students said "You look like you are a bout to pop." Thanks, I can't wait to see how much bigger I get. I was about this large when Gavin was born! I decided I wanted to get another belly pic and compare bumps 6 weeks apart. It is amazing how your belly can grow!!!

About 2 weeks ago we took a family trip 10 miles from our house to a lovely spot called Grants Farm. Ulysses S. Grant once owned the land and actually made a log cabin to live in, which still sits there today. Back in the early 1900's the Busch family purchased the land and lived there away from the city. In the 50's they opened it up to the public. There is even a free beer garden (I'm sure as a way to sell more beer). Now that Anheiser-busch has been sold most of its parks are either closing or changing. We wanted to make sure we took the boys (not for the free beer, don't worry) to see the animals. Since Donovan's allergies are horrendous this year and I will be an uncomfortable 8 months pregnant when they settle down we couldn't risk the zoo. The boys had a blast in the goat pen. Donovan loved feeding the goats milk. Gavin liked it at first, then became overwhelmed as the goats began to get agressive and knock him down, and chew on his cute little nemo outfit (once worn by Donovan at 12 months - Yes, my gavin still fits in 12 month two piece summer outfits. NICE!!!!)

Blacke Eye!

Last Sunday after church I laid down to take a nap. Scott decided to see if Gavin would go for a nap with momma. Gavin has this thing about hitting parts of you with his head, and then giggling about it. Yep, you guessed it. Right in the cheek bone. OH MY GOODNESS!!! He hit me so hard that I could FEEL my teeth rattle. Anyways, only redness appeared for about 4 days, then all of a sudden I get this wicked looking black eye. I had hoped that my glasses would cover it up, but apperently not. That afternoon when I got home Scott goes "What happened to your eye?" I said "You know what happened!" He goes "I didn't give it to you." I rolled my eyes, where he came up with that comment I have no idea. I then told him it was from Gavin hitting me the other day. His final comment "Wow, it took this long to show up?" My thoughts exactly!!!!!

Did I forget to mention I signed my Contract for next year? I am soooo excited. I just hope I get a classroom next year so I don't have to deal with the pains of sharing (except for my friend Mauri, I love sharing with her and if I get my own class next year will miss her dearly).

Some people!!!

I've been dealing with a difficult teacher all year long. Within the first month of school she made it perfectly clear I was not to touch her stapler, dry erase markers, paper, NOTHING. Well, I also don't have a desk to use in her room (since she often is in there during my class, it is her prep hour) The only place that I could use was a table set at the front of the class which she puts a whole bunch of art supplies on. I have two other students that sit at that table WITH me, so you can imagine how tight it was with all her crap! I started taking her things off the table and moving them to another table that doesn't get used. I forgot to put them back. The next day there was a sign that said "Don't remove materials from this desk" taped there. It stayed there for MONTHS. I continued to move her stuff, but made sure I put the stuff back at the end. I NEEDED THE FREAKING SPACE!!!!!

Okay, she's not said anything to me about it for almost 7 months. There are two freaking weeks left in school. She is doing more art projects with her students and she had a little thing of bead type things on the desk. I had a student help me clear the desk off and you guessed it. The beads fell on the floor. Itty bitty beads of multiple colors. I freaked inside, had my first anxiety attack since being on meds for anxiety. I gave three students extra credit for picking up those little buggers AND putting them back in color coordinated boxes. When they were placed on her desk it didn't appear that a single bead was lost. The boys did a GREAT job.

At the end of the hour I apologized to her for the mishap (my mistake for trying to be a nice person). Her response. "I spend good money on those for my class and that is why I don't like having my material removed from that desk." I looked at her and said "I need the space for me and my students". Her response "I have students there myself and I do just fine.' I responded "I'm glad you are able to do that, but I can't. It is one of my idiosyncrasies." What I should have said is "I don't have ANY space in your class and this is my way of making a small portion of it mine for the 90 minutes I am there." She is just mean and petty and another teacher has another word for her (which I admit I often call her in my head and when I am really mad out loud - I know bad bad Gen!!!!!)

I'm SOOOOO glad school is out in two weeks, and hopefully I won't have to deal with sharing a room with her next year.

Getting the giggles

Several things have given me the giggles lately. About 3 years ago Donovan got a cabbage patch doll from a sister in our old ward. I wanted him to have a doll, but Scott wasn't keen on the idea. Scott had nothing to worry about. His son wanted NOTHING to do with it. HOWEVER!!!!! Gavin has fallen in love with it. He hugs it, pats it on the back, gives it kisses, and the cutest thing of all - and thus the giggles - yesterday he took the doll and made it walk. He stood it up on the floor and moved its legs in a walking fashion. I know he is going to be such a good helper when Mia gets here!

Second thing gave me a huge case of the giggles today in school. I had class today and as I was passing out papers one of my students looked at my ever burgeoning belly. She looks at me sheepishly and asks. "If I poke you in the tummy will you giggle." I look at her a little weirdly, I'm sure, and respond "Probably." She gets this Cheshire look on her face pokes me in the belly with her index finger and says "poke". Of course I giggle, a little out of embarrassment. I didn't think she would actually do it. She then giggles herself. "I love it when pregnant women giggle when I poke them in the belly." It made me smile!!!!

two black eyes

Last night was junior/senior prom for the high school. The teachers were invited to go and I decided that it would be a good night out for Scott and I. We got a babysitter for the boys and headed to the banquet center. It was nice to see the kids all dressed up. I shouldn't have been surprised at the fact that only one girl wore something that wasn't sleeveless, and that one girl wore a jacket to cover the sleeveless portion. It was interesting to see the young ladies trying to walk in the dresses. The majority of them walked with a selfconscious gate, shoulders stooped. Most of the girls tryed to walk in stilettos and a few tripped. There were a couple of girls that swaggered with self confidence.

We stayed for dinner, and headed out. I had thought to dance, but I was hurting. Being almost 7 months pregnant doesn't make dancing easy anyways. Dinner was okay, the food was decent except for the uncooked potatoes.

When we got to the sitters we walked in and were met with Donovan and two black eyes. He was SOOOOOOO swollen it wasn't funny. Apparently he spent quite a bit of time outside (it was near 85) and when he came in they just swelled. They gave him benedryl and when we got home he got a dosage of zyrtec. We took him to urgen care this morning instead of church (Great, our bishop is going to make ANOTHER comment about how our family seems to be sick alot lately. No duh sherlock, what with me being pregnant, Donovan and I in schools that have rampant sickenesses passing through - heck we've been told this is one of the worst seasons for the flu and allergies. Of course we're sick. We at least try to make it to sacrament meeting!!!!). The doctor gave us allergy eye drops, cingulair, and recommended we get him tested for all allergies. We will follow up with Mystie and if she doesn't then that will be one of the first things he does with us for summer vacation starting in June. Interesting how alot of the major appointments often get made during summer vacation.

Transition Nightmare central

Gavin will be two and a half when Mia gets here. Up until last night he had been sleeping in the crib. Yesterday my Scott got the toddler bed that we bought 4 years ago for Donovan, when we finally transitioned him from the play-n-pac. Scott set it up, and Gavin appeared to be excited. Until it was bedtime. He REALLY liked the new freedom he found, and all of a sudden he has figured out how to open up his door. When I finally left him alone he SCREAMED. It was soooo hard for me. I've never been fond of CIO (it breaks my heart) but I had to last night. I would periodically check on him and finally he was out like a light, on the floor in a pile of blankets (both of my boys are blanket hogs. They have to sleep with at LEAST 3 each night, even in the middle of the summer). I picked him up and put him back in bed. This morning he got out of bed around 9ish (I was already at work), opened his bedroom door, opened the door that leads to the basement and the master bedroom. He went down the stairs dragging a million toys with him. Scott woke up in pain from rolling over on a car and Gavin giggling next to him in bed.

Naptime - He WOULD NOT sleep in the toddler bed, so he ended up back in the crib. I wonder how long it will take him to take a nap in the toddler bed. He isn't like Donovan where I could just rub his back or forhead. He HATES to be touched once he's been put down.

We picked up Donovan for the weekend. He saw his old toddler bed and (mind you he is a big six year old now that has been in a twin bed for over two years now) and threw a temper tantrum. "THat's my bed, I want to sleep in it, not Gavin." OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!

Bedtime - I get the boys ready for bed. Gavin is excited again about his big boy bed, but will only stay in it for two seconds. Donovan wants to lie down with his brother and I figured "why not" maybe Gavin would settle down. Donovan gets in and says "This bed is too small for me." I'm like DUH!!!! at least we won't have any more jealousy issues from that front. Gavin didn't want his brother in bed with him, so he bit him on the leg. I sent big brother to his own twin bed and left Gavin in his room again. Once again he cryed. I went to check on him once and he calmed down, however it has been over an hour and I can still hear him. It is almost 11pm and I WANT TO GO TO SLEEP!!!!!!

Sigh, transitions are GREAT!!!!! I'm glad I started now, Gavin is a really jealous toddler, I can only imagine how things are going to be when Mia gets here. Donovan has his jealous moments too! FUN STUFF up ahead!!!

To the corner and back

Yesterday I needed to take the dog on a walk to get both Gavin and Thumper out of the house to let Scott sleep. The plan was to take a quick 10 minute walk to the corner and pack. As we left our driveway Gavin began to splash in the puddles (we live at the bottom of a hill that always has water run off). Gavin then got down on his hands and knees and began to lap up the water, just as the dog does. GROSSSSSSSSS!!!!

I got him away from the water as quickly as possible. We headed down the street and one of our neighbors had their windows open and blasting blue grass music. Gavin ran for the house and got really excited. The CD was obviously a live recording and Gavin clapped along with the ending of the song. We continued on our walk, only to have Gavin run back to the house when the next song began. We did this for a good 15 minutes. He would run back to the house, do a cute little jig, clap, I would lead him away and when a new song would begin this process started all over again.

Finally he got bored with it and I showed him the seed pods on the road. I lifted one up and it blew in the wind as a helicopter would. Gavin giggled and asked for more. I repeated this several times and then the rest of our walk he would pick up a seed pod, throw it in the air and watch it twirl down.

Our quick little 10 minute walk ended up lasting a good hour. My back has killed since then, but it was well worth watching Gavin. (even the slirping up the road water)

Me and my shadow

Last Saturday Scott and I took the boys to a wedding reception. It was a luau. They even had a real live pig that was cooked in a pit. It was a cool experience and the boys seemed to enjoy themselves.

As we left it was beautiful and sunny out. Gavin began to chase his shadow. It was SO darned cute. He then tryed to run away from his shadow, but when it wouldn't stop following him Gavin got completely weirded out. He zigged this way, then that. He finally stomped his little feet and started to cry because his shadow scared him. Scott picked him up and he calmed down, but for the rest of my life I will remember Gavin trying to get his shadow to stop following him, and how scared he got! I know I shouldn't think it is funny. I guess you should have been there.

I failed

On March 14th we drove 2 hours to Columbia for me to take the Spanish Praxis test so that I could get my certification taken care of. I left the test feeling nervous but confident that I did better. I DID do BETTER, but not good enough. I went from 140 to a 147. I need 158 to get the certificate! Well, I get to send in the scores to my superintendent. I know there is a language arts position open and I will put in for a transfer to that position. The next test date is April 24th, but I've got too much on my plate right now. I know I won't pass it then. I plan on taking it in June, but it is too late then.

I guess we wait and see now.

weekend adventures

Last weekend our family recieved a real treat! Gavin got to see John-John (my dad) for the first time and Donovan got to see him again. Dad stayed at the Air Force Base in Illinois so instead of having him drive an hour south we thought it would be more fun to meet him at a one of our favorite malls. Donovan calls it the Rocket Ship Mall, because the play area has a huge play area with a slide in the shape of a rocket ship. We met my dad there at one. The kids played while my dad and I had some time to sit and chat. It was nice. I haven't seen dad in almost 4 years. He bought lunch for us, which was greatly appreciated and we then took the kids to Cabelas to look at the fish and the stuffed animals (and I mean REAL stuffed animals). Scott pushed dad in a wheel chair so he could get around and be with us. We went by motherhood maternity. I only have one pair of pants that fit now. Weird as it may seem but all of my pants have started to fall off of me. I was sad to see how expensive the clothes were. I figure I can survive wearing the same black slacks and black dress for work for the next 2 months. My kids won't notice, will they?????? Anyway, back to the visit. On our way back to the play area we went by cinnibon. My dad bought cinnabon for the family. I was going to decline, until I heard the words "It's conference Weekend. We always have cinnamon rolls for conference." It's funny how a tradition as simple as cinnamon rolls twice a year can become a part of someones life, even if they aren't married to the instigator of the tradition (haven't been for 20+ years). It made me nostalgic, and I admit I had a cinnabon. Interestingly enough my blood sugars didn't skyrocket like I thought they would. I guess my meds are doing their job!!!! Dad finally had to leave. He experienced tooth pain and headed out to the VA hospital, so he could get some relief before his long trip back to Utah. It was a sweet visit. I know I enjoyed it, and the kids had fun.

Today after school starts spring break. I am so ready. However I think I will be busy all weekend (we have Thursday, Friday and Monday off) I have tons of school work to catch up on, and my house needs some major overhauling! Sigh!!!! The best part of the weekend will be on Monday when I go for my monthly sonogram! I get to see Mia again. She is moving more frequently. It is nice to feel her bumping around in the belly!!!

Apples and Pizza

Gavin's vocabulary seems to be blossoming. He got blocks for his birthday. We keep them in a cooler (it is the right size and we don't use it often anyways). When he wants to play he goes and grabs the cooler and repeats "blocks" over and over again. When we go to the store (usually Walmart) he immediately starts to chant "walk". The other day I wanted to eat a tomato. I grabbed one from the fridge and he wanted mommies "apple". He ate the ENTIRE thing. Today when the fridge was open he pointed to the tomatoes and asked for an "apple" and today when we were in the produce section of the store he asked for "apple" and "pizza" Apple for tomatoe and pizza for banana. Well, I guess for banana he more says "beeza" because he does like pizza and will ask it by name and the two are rather distinguished.

Tuesday was my 35th birthday. Scott and Gavin made me a lovely card, and Gavin had fun coloring it. Donovan called and sang happy birthday. It was so sweet. My sisters Joan and Kathy called and so did my mom. Life is good.

Labor and Delivery Scare

Saturday we had spent the day out. I had slight cramps all day, but didn't put anything together until around 9pm when I kept having severe cramps. I got home and called my oncall doctor. She told me to go to Labor and Delivery. Scott rushed me there, thank goodness it is only 5 minutes away. I was there for almost 3 hours and learned that I was dehydrated, I didn't yet have a UTI but it was possible that one was brewing so they gave me a script for antibiotics, told me that my cervix was soft, which isn't a good thing- it is supposed to stay firm until the end of the pregnancy. They then sent me home. I woke up Sunday with a migraine, took Monday off from work because it hurt so bad. I hope that this is the last time I am in L&D until at least the end of July when Mia is actually due.

Today I got my birthday gift from my mom. There were a few cute little onsies for Mia and a gift card, since she couldn't take me out to dinner. I bought a new bra! How fun. I would have bought some maternity clothes, but I just couldn't find anything in my size! I hate that stores think that pregnant ladies are always skinny. I don't want to buy online because my body is shaped so funny and I have to make sure it looks right, then again maybe it is just a control issue.

Well, I think Gavin finally fell asleep. I need to eat something quickly and head for bed.

Mimicry

Today at school I had a meeting where we discussed 12 brain principles. One of the things that I got from it was the reinforcement that children are a product of their environment. You can tell so much about a child's parents by watching their behavior, since they learn everything through mimicry. A perfect example of this is Donovan. Every time we get home from going out one of the first things that Scott does is he sheds his clothes. Donovan will wait until he sees what daddy does and then follow suit. If Daddy only takes off his shoes than Donovan will walk around barefoot. If Daddy is down to his underwear than Donovan too is down to his tidy-whiteys! Gavin is also a wonderful mimic. The only way that we have a peaceful transition when Scott goes off to work is if Gavin and I see him off. There is a bit of a ritual that we MUST go through. Gavin sits on Daddy's lap as Daddy pulls out of the driveway (slowly does he go, I wouldn't let Gavin be in any danger!!). As soon as he gets to the edge of the driveway Gavin says "bye-bye" to mommy and gets very angry when I open the door and take him away from his father. soon this fit ends as Daddy waves good-bye and blows kisses. Today Scott was waiting for me to get home so that we could "hand off" Gavin (I keep wanting to say the baby, I need to change that thought process). He had to work early, as mentioned earlier I worked a little late! Gavin was in the front seat "Driving" the car. He kept trying to change gears, steer the wheel and repeated "beeb beeb" over and over again. The funniest part was seeing him reach for the seat belt and drape it over his lap. I love that he wants to wear a seat belt, it is a great lesson in mimicry!!!!

Apparently Gavin did not get a nap today. It is almost 7pm and I can see the truth in that. He keeps doing the oddest things, screaming for no reason. I know I should keep him up so that he sleeps in a little for Scott, but I think that when Gavin grabs a blanket and says Night-Night (which he does when he is tired) I will start our nighttime routine.

Talking about blankets. Both of my boys are obsessed with blankets. In the middle of the summer from the time Donovan was around 2 years old he would go around the house and collect every blanket in the house. He would then get into bed and insist that we cover him with each of them. To this day he still has to be covered with blankets. He has several that are really important. A doggy blanket my mother made him when he was a baby, his fathers Chiefs Football blanket, the Ducky blanket he got last year from my mom, and the Nemo quilt I made for him this past Christmas! Gavin seems to be mimicking his brother. He quite often has to have a blanket. If we are in the car and Donovan has a blanket and he doesn't (which happens too often) than Gavin will throw a temper fit. He will often troll the house looking for quilts and blankets. At night he too covers up with as many blankets as I allow. I normally limit it to about 2-3. The other day I came home from work and he was still taking a nap. He had been covered with about 6-8 blankets. Too cute!!!

last little update. I had my latest ultrasound on Friday. I am indeed having an Amelia Larkann. I am excited to have 2 boys and a little girl. She is adorable, even though she only weighs a pound. She kept kicking and punching the ultrasound thingy. She at one point pushed off my bladder (no wonder I have to use the restroom every 30 minutes!) and jumped. You could see her little legs in action. On Tuesday I had my Ob appointment. We talked about my migraines, and about setting a date for the birth. I am scheduled for July 28, which also happens to be my stepfathers birthday. I couldn't accommodate his wish to name her Amelia Richard, so I decided to give him a granddaughter on his birthday. My doctor did mention that it is a high probability that I will go earlier - since women w/diabetes have issues with pre-eclampsia, placenta deterioration, and other medical issues. I just hope that she isn't a preemie like her brother!

Well, Gavin is now asleep at 7:30 pm and I am thinking about retiring early! I am soooo tired!!!

So Many Blessings

Gavin has seen several blessings preformed in the last couple of months. I probably ask for one every other week so that I can deal with the emotions of raging hormones! The funniest thing happened today. I'm sitting on the couch studying for the Praxis (this will allow me to work at Pacific again next year) and he crawls up behind me. He places his sweet little hands on my head and says "E-why-as (his version of Elias) a bunch of words I didn't understand, then amen" my son gave me a blessing! Isn't that the cutest thing. He then proceeded to pull my hair! Okay, now that I have shared back to studying aztecan culture. Who woulda thunk that Toltec, Mayanb, Aztecan civilization would be so fundamental in me keeping my job~!

Stroke of Genious

We've been thinking about the arrival of our little girl (if in two weeks she is still a girl - since it was so early). Gavin is so funny about certain things. If Donovan is sitting in Daddy's lap he will go over to Donovan and pinch him. If I am leaning on Scott or vice-versa he pushes us. He is incredibly territorial and I believe jealous. I remember the hard time Donovan had with giving up his crib when we brought it home, and he was four and had a bit of an understanding of what was going on. I'm pretty sure Gavin will not understand, so we have 5 months before the baby gets here to start thinking of these things. I would love to be able to get another crib for her, and let Gavin grow with the crib. It is one of those cribs that turns to a toddler bed, then a full size later on. However if the boys end up sharing a room than we have a problem with space. Donovan has this beautiful bed that is about shoulder high, a twin size bed would fit beautifully underneath it. Gavin's crib would not, and the space is just not conducive to two beds, and if we move who knows how much space we will have at that point! Heck, if we move back to the house than all three kiddos would be in one room and then we would really have a space issue!!!!!

So I had a stroke of genius today as we were at Costco buying yogurt. A twin bed for Gavin. We could buy a twin bed for around $200 with our tax money (if we get anything). Rails can be purchased really cheap and the bed would fit perfectly under Donovan's bed. Eventually we would buy a frame that would match D's but for the interim a metal frame will suffice. We could move Gavin over to that room and as he got used to it I or Scott could lie with him for a bit to get used to the idea of such a big bed. We could have one of those safety nets for him. Ain't I just brilliant!!!!!

Okay, we put Gavin down almost 2 hours ago. He had no nap at all today and he is in his crib right now switching between talking to himself and crabbing at us. Sigh, I hate when he gets too tired, it's almost like being too tired is pure caffeine in his system! Right now he is calling out "Oh Gosh, Oh Gosh, Oh Gosh!"

Oh Gosh

Gavin just gets cuter with age. He has a couple of phrases that he uses on a regular basis. "Help me" is adorable. Tonight I was putting his pj's on and I'm trying to help encourage him to dress himself. He got his hands stuck and kept saying "Help me". He constantly says "Okay" which is hilarious because he uses it in the same context as I do, just as a comment - he isn't agreeing to anything. It is just something that I say at times and for various reasons. It is hilarious that he uses it just like I do. Another phrase he says constantly is "Oh, Gosh." He loves to talk on the phone and tonight he was talking to Aunt Joan. All he added to the conversation was "milk", "book", and "Oh, Gosh". My favorite thing he says is whenever I try to get him to say his name he tells me "No, Elias" He has his last name down pat. I have a student that prefers to go by his last name, I wonder if Gavin will be the same. Maybe he wants us to call him by his first name - William. I always liked the name Will and Liam. Don't think it is going to happen. I think the favorite thing he says is "blanket" he LOVES blankets, which is weird because so does his brother. It can be the middle of the heat of the summer and Donovan will be covered with 10 quilts. Gavin is the same way. Each night before Gavin goes down in his crib he says "Book". we read a book. He then says "Blanket" he grabs every single blanket he can find in his room and we cuddle for a few minutes. I then lay him in his crib and he snuggles his blankets and asks for "bear" (a beautiful brown bear his Grandma Elias made for him for Christmas). He cuddles them all and says "night-night". I can't wait to see what else he will start to say. Kids do say the darnedest and cutest things.