I hit the 20 week mark on Monday, which puts me half way through this pregnancy already! I want to hit the breaks, so opposite from my first pregnancy. With Kaleb I couldn't wait to get to my due date. This time around I'm feeling like time is going way too fast. Not that I'm not excited to meet this little one, but I really enjoy being pregnant. Honestly. Sure there are downsides to it, challenges and irritations with all the changes going on in my body. But I am completely in love with the little kicks and flutters going on in there, and I can't believe I'm already half way done!
I had my 5 month check up this morning and that is the one where I get the referral to schedule my ultrasound, the big one, the "find out what you are growing" one. I'm traveling for work next week, and then Kyle is traveling for work the week after that. So, I'd resigned myself, braced and prepared myself, that we were going to have to wait at least another 2 and a half weeks to get to find out. But, I got lucky and they had an opening for tomorrow!! Tomorrow morning at 10:45 we are set up for the big ultrasound. I'd done such a great job preparing to wait, it is hard now to believe that by this time tomorrow I'll be (hopefully, if baby cooperates) searching girl names or boy names.
Of course there is the big question "What do you hope?" or "Do you have any intuitive leanings?" I've given them thought and continue to come to the same conclusions. On the "hope" front, I don't have a preference this time around. I mean it. I am big enough to admit that with my first I was really hoping for a boy. I had been dreaming of a little boy and I went into the ultrasound hoping we'd hear "it's a boy!" So, that worked out really well :) This time, I'm truly happy either way. I would love to have a girl, a daughter to raise and do fun things like shop for prom dresses and/or do awesome science fair projects with that beat the pants off all the other kids in her class. Raising a daughter would be an amazing experience and I'll be thrilled to find out tomorrow that I will get to see what it is like. I would also love to have a boy. Watching Kaleb grow up with a brother, having two sons, getting to see the differences between both of my sons. All of that would be so cool. Maybe one son is the artist and musician while the other is the academic star, or perhaps an athlete? Or maybe both sons are musically inclined and someday The Remsburg Brothers give Avett a run for their money :)
On the intuitive leanings front, I've had one dream so far featuring my baby. In that dream I was holding and caring for a baby girl, and it was a very vivid dream about this baby girl. With Kaleb, I only ever dreamed about a little boy. We'll learn soon if I'm 2 for 2 on the gender prediction dreams or not.
The good news is, boy or girl will be amazing news. The other side of that is that, regardless of what we learn tomorrow, I imagine I'll have some sadness over the other. I'm really excited about either possibility, about both possibilities, but I only get one.
On another pregnancy note, when I stepped on the scale today, 20 weeks into pregnancy, half way done already, that lovely little scale reported that I've only gained 5.4 pounds so far. That was a good moment for me. Not because I have a warped view of pregnancy weight gain, but because I was so indulgent with my first pregnancy that I still have plenty of that baby weight to go around! The doctor is happy with the health, growth, and development of the baby and didn't have any concerns. I'm happy that I am doing a waaay better job being responsible this time around than last :)
There's my update for now, I'm excited to have some big news to share tomorrow!
About Me
- Miss Madly
- My husband, Kyle, and I are the proud and busy parents of two little boys, Kaleb and Jacob. Kaleb joined our family in December 2009 and we welcomed Jacob in April 2012. We both work full time outside the home, I am in the field of Learning and Development. I have a passion for studying the brain and how we learn, which translates beautifully to watching my boys grow up and discover their worlds. I'm also into learning about nutrition, herbalism, food-as-medicine, natural alternatives, and homeopahtic remedies. I hope to provide an uncut view of what life is really like as a working mom, minus the instagram filters and facebook bragging...I'll save that for facebook ;)
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Thanksgiving in Charleston, SC
We just returned from a wonderful family vacation to Charleston, SC to visit Kari, JB, and the sweet little Avery Ann. We were joined by Alysa and Anders, so it was a great time of seeing Kyle's siblings and their families! I will attempt here to capture the highlights of the trip, although understand that no blog post is going to adequately capture the experience. Another note, Kari, JB and Avery technically live in Mount Pleasant, SC, which is within Charleston County.
We arrived on Sunday, 11/20, in the early afternoon. Our plane left GR at 8:00 AM so it was an early start to the day for us, but it was great to be there in time for Kaleb's normal nap schedule. JB had been traveling for work the week before, so we actually met up with him in the Detroit airport and we were all on the same flight to SC where Kari and Avery were waiting to pick us up. After Kaleb's nap we went out to Shem Creek Park and walked to the end of the boardwalk, where we got to see a gorgeous sunset. That night we had dinner at a local spot right near Shem Creek. Kari says in the summer time it is "poppin'" (her term, which the guys jumped all over teasing her for) and I could see why. We got to sit out on a deck right on the water, and the food and drink menu seemed perfect for after a day of adventure in the SC sun!
On Monday morning, Kari took us to Palmetto Island County Park which was quite possibly the coolest park I have ever been to (sorry, Seidman, but this place had palm trees and playgrounds!). The playground areas were massive and Kaleb went crazy climbing and sliding until he was completely exhausted. The boardwalks and walking paths were beautiful. We climbed up a 50-foot observation tower to enjoy a great view, Kaleb loved climbing all those stairs and also had a blast playing in the really long tunnel slide. We stopped by the water for a picnic lunch that Kari had packed us, and then she took Kaleb down by the water to cool off his feet while I got to hang out with Avery. Then it was back to the house for nap, and after nap Alysa and Anders arrived from Maine so we spent the evening catching up with them. Kari served a yummy home cooked dinner of enchiladas with fresh tomato and avocado.
Tuesday, the temps were in the upper 70's and we took full advantage by heading to the beach in Isle of Palms. It was pretty sweet to be at the beach the same week as Thanksgiving! Kaleb was in heaven playing in the sand and water, Avery was happy and grinning away in her stroller, and the adults thoroughly enjoyed a beautiful morning walk and play on the beach! We had lunch in town and then headed back home. Kyle went on a work meeting with JB at 3:00, and the rest of us went and walked the Historic Charleston City Market, which is 4 blocks of open air buildings filled with vendors selling everything from homemade sweetgrass baskets (which Charleston is well known for) to paintings and spices and scarves and jewelry. It's probably just as well that I had forgotten to get cash before we went, since I would have impulse shopped a ton! We did pick up a sack of stone ground grits to make for dinner. Kyle and JB met us after their work meeting and we all took a walk along the waterfront, then had dinner out (on the waterfront again, we really took advantage of that!), then made our way back home.
Wednesday morning was filled with a walking tour of historic Charleston, guided by our gracious hostesses, Kari and Avery. We walked along the waterfront of Charleston Harbor, toured Battery Park, and walked through the residential area where we saw a lot of really cool historic homes. After lunch at home and a nap for Kaleb, we were beach bound again! Kaleb worked with Kyle, Anders, and JB to build his first official sandcastle. When we asked him what it was he told us it was a Pancake Dinosaur with Syrup on Top. Quite the imagination! That night we had a homecooked southern specialty dinner. Alysa made creamy grits and collard greens and Kari sauteed some fresh shrimp. We got to eat together on the screened porch. After dinner was put away, we got to work on prepping dishes for Thanksgiving dinner the next day. It was fun to spend time with family in the kitchen!
Thursday was the big feast day. We attempted a return trip to Palmetto Island County Park, only to find it closed for the holiday. Since we had promised Kaleb fun on the slides, Kari and JB re-routed us to another park with slides that Kaleb found more than adequate :) Upon return home, it was time for Kyle, Anders, and JB to begin assembling the deep fryer purchased for the turkey while the rest of us worked on pulling together the sides and appetizers. Dinner came together beautifully, the turkey was deep fried without incident, and all the food was delicious! We were joined by JB's mom and grandma for dinner and it was a great time of good food and good company.
On Friday morning, we saw Alysa and Anders off on their journey back home to Maine. Then we went to Patriot's Point where we walked the docks of the marina and saw lots and lots of boats, a big hit for Kaleb! Our flight home departed at 5:00 so we got Kaleb down for his nap, packed everything up, then tried to go get sushi for Kyle. No luck on the sushi, everything was closed for the holidays. However, we went to a different restaurant for lunch and then got to the airport in plenty of time for our flight.
As we sat in the plane waiting for take-off we were informed that there was a mechanical issue with the radio communicating with the tower, and we had to wait for it to be fixed. The wait meant we would miss our connecting flight in Detroit. So, we got a bonus night of vacation. Kari came back to the airport to pick us up, we rented a movie, and had a quite night in. Our flight was re-booked for this morning (Saturday) at 9:00 AM. Kari brought us back to the airport and this time we traveled incident free all the way home to Grand Rapids.
The trip was everything we hoped it would be and then some. Kari was an astounding hostess, she even had chocolates on our pillows when we arrived, area brochures on our dresser, and a hand painted card (by Kari) welcoming Kaleb! We got to experience all kinds of beautiful and exciting things around Charleston, and got to do so with family which is priceless. Kaleb did great on his first plane ride, with only a 5 minute mini-meltdown on the way there when he wanted to get down and play. We got to meet and spend quality time with the lovely Avery, and at such a fun age (4 months) she was full of smiles and sunshine. It is clear that she is a secure, loved, happy, and extremely well cared for little girl.
Now we get to look forward to Kari, JB, and Avery traveling up here for Christmas. It made saying "bye" a lot easier knowing it was only for a month!
We arrived on Sunday, 11/20, in the early afternoon. Our plane left GR at 8:00 AM so it was an early start to the day for us, but it was great to be there in time for Kaleb's normal nap schedule. JB had been traveling for work the week before, so we actually met up with him in the Detroit airport and we were all on the same flight to SC where Kari and Avery were waiting to pick us up. After Kaleb's nap we went out to Shem Creek Park and walked to the end of the boardwalk, where we got to see a gorgeous sunset. That night we had dinner at a local spot right near Shem Creek. Kari says in the summer time it is "poppin'" (her term, which the guys jumped all over teasing her for) and I could see why. We got to sit out on a deck right on the water, and the food and drink menu seemed perfect for after a day of adventure in the SC sun!
On Monday morning, Kari took us to Palmetto Island County Park which was quite possibly the coolest park I have ever been to (sorry, Seidman, but this place had palm trees and playgrounds!). The playground areas were massive and Kaleb went crazy climbing and sliding until he was completely exhausted. The boardwalks and walking paths were beautiful. We climbed up a 50-foot observation tower to enjoy a great view, Kaleb loved climbing all those stairs and also had a blast playing in the really long tunnel slide. We stopped by the water for a picnic lunch that Kari had packed us, and then she took Kaleb down by the water to cool off his feet while I got to hang out with Avery. Then it was back to the house for nap, and after nap Alysa and Anders arrived from Maine so we spent the evening catching up with them. Kari served a yummy home cooked dinner of enchiladas with fresh tomato and avocado.
Tuesday, the temps were in the upper 70's and we took full advantage by heading to the beach in Isle of Palms. It was pretty sweet to be at the beach the same week as Thanksgiving! Kaleb was in heaven playing in the sand and water, Avery was happy and grinning away in her stroller, and the adults thoroughly enjoyed a beautiful morning walk and play on the beach! We had lunch in town and then headed back home. Kyle went on a work meeting with JB at 3:00, and the rest of us went and walked the Historic Charleston City Market, which is 4 blocks of open air buildings filled with vendors selling everything from homemade sweetgrass baskets (which Charleston is well known for) to paintings and spices and scarves and jewelry. It's probably just as well that I had forgotten to get cash before we went, since I would have impulse shopped a ton! We did pick up a sack of stone ground grits to make for dinner. Kyle and JB met us after their work meeting and we all took a walk along the waterfront, then had dinner out (on the waterfront again, we really took advantage of that!), then made our way back home.
Wednesday morning was filled with a walking tour of historic Charleston, guided by our gracious hostesses, Kari and Avery. We walked along the waterfront of Charleston Harbor, toured Battery Park, and walked through the residential area where we saw a lot of really cool historic homes. After lunch at home and a nap for Kaleb, we were beach bound again! Kaleb worked with Kyle, Anders, and JB to build his first official sandcastle. When we asked him what it was he told us it was a Pancake Dinosaur with Syrup on Top. Quite the imagination! That night we had a homecooked southern specialty dinner. Alysa made creamy grits and collard greens and Kari sauteed some fresh shrimp. We got to eat together on the screened porch. After dinner was put away, we got to work on prepping dishes for Thanksgiving dinner the next day. It was fun to spend time with family in the kitchen!
Thursday was the big feast day. We attempted a return trip to Palmetto Island County Park, only to find it closed for the holiday. Since we had promised Kaleb fun on the slides, Kari and JB re-routed us to another park with slides that Kaleb found more than adequate :) Upon return home, it was time for Kyle, Anders, and JB to begin assembling the deep fryer purchased for the turkey while the rest of us worked on pulling together the sides and appetizers. Dinner came together beautifully, the turkey was deep fried without incident, and all the food was delicious! We were joined by JB's mom and grandma for dinner and it was a great time of good food and good company.
On Friday morning, we saw Alysa and Anders off on their journey back home to Maine. Then we went to Patriot's Point where we walked the docks of the marina and saw lots and lots of boats, a big hit for Kaleb! Our flight home departed at 5:00 so we got Kaleb down for his nap, packed everything up, then tried to go get sushi for Kyle. No luck on the sushi, everything was closed for the holidays. However, we went to a different restaurant for lunch and then got to the airport in plenty of time for our flight.
As we sat in the plane waiting for take-off we were informed that there was a mechanical issue with the radio communicating with the tower, and we had to wait for it to be fixed. The wait meant we would miss our connecting flight in Detroit. So, we got a bonus night of vacation. Kari came back to the airport to pick us up, we rented a movie, and had a quite night in. Our flight was re-booked for this morning (Saturday) at 9:00 AM. Kari brought us back to the airport and this time we traveled incident free all the way home to Grand Rapids.
The trip was everything we hoped it would be and then some. Kari was an astounding hostess, she even had chocolates on our pillows when we arrived, area brochures on our dresser, and a hand painted card (by Kari) welcoming Kaleb! We got to experience all kinds of beautiful and exciting things around Charleston, and got to do so with family which is priceless. Kaleb did great on his first plane ride, with only a 5 minute mini-meltdown on the way there when he wanted to get down and play. We got to meet and spend quality time with the lovely Avery, and at such a fun age (4 months) she was full of smiles and sunshine. It is clear that she is a secure, loved, happy, and extremely well cared for little girl.
Now we get to look forward to Kari, JB, and Avery traveling up here for Christmas. It made saying "bye" a lot easier knowing it was only for a month!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Counting Blessings
Sometimes you get hit with a wave of thankfulness, a full on realization of just how blessed you are. I live my life with a commitment to be mindful of all I have been blessed with, but there are those moments where it just takes my breath away. As Kyle and I were driving from dinner last night to go pick up our beautiful son and bring him home, I experienced one of these moments.
Last night, Kyle and I took Kaleb to the Remsburg's where he would spend some time so we could go out for dinner to celebrate my dad's birthday. My son has the privilege of being adored by both sets of his grandparents, and we are blessed to have them all close. Geographically, they are all within a 20 minute drive, this is an amazing blessing and one that I never want to take for granted. They are also close in the emotional sense of the term. Our parents are all interested in our lives, are all in regular contact with us, and are thrilled for any opportunity to spend time with us and with our child. I am so thankful that my children will grow up having strong bonds to their grandparents!
Kyle and I got to dress up and go out for dinner with my family last night to celebrate my dad's birthday. All my siblings and their spouses where there. I'm blessed to have such a close family, again geographically and emotionally. While we've all had our own battles and struggles in life, we are ultimately healthy and happy and I am so thankful to get to see each of my siblings happy and blessed.
I'm thankful for the blessing of gainful employment for both me and my spouse, so that our family can enjoy things like birthday celebration dinners. That we have a warm and safe home to come back to after we go out. I am thankful for the safe and reliable vehicle in which we drove to pick up our son and bring him home in last night. I am blessed to have been able to do some research on the best toys for my son for Christmas and birthday this year and to be in a financial position where I can put gifts under the Christmas tree.
I count it a true blessing that I have never yet had to face the stress of not being able to put nutritious food on our family table. This is something I will never take for granted, and I say a prayer of thanks every time I am in the checkout at the grocery store with my cart full of food for my family.
I have my family, the most blessed part of my life. I have a healthy and happy son. That statement alone is one to stop and savor. We have been blessed with a healthy pregnancy, another little life growing safely inside me. My son has a father who loves him, who is involved in his care and upbringing. I am blessed to have my husband beside me as we raise our family, as my best friend and as my partner in building this amazing life.
These are the things I think about in my quiet moments. I never want to lose sight of just how many blessings I have in my life. The day to day can be so tiring, and can leave negative thoughts swirling. But these things I've shared today, for me these are what it is truly all about.
Last night, Kyle and I took Kaleb to the Remsburg's where he would spend some time so we could go out for dinner to celebrate my dad's birthday. My son has the privilege of being adored by both sets of his grandparents, and we are blessed to have them all close. Geographically, they are all within a 20 minute drive, this is an amazing blessing and one that I never want to take for granted. They are also close in the emotional sense of the term. Our parents are all interested in our lives, are all in regular contact with us, and are thrilled for any opportunity to spend time with us and with our child. I am so thankful that my children will grow up having strong bonds to their grandparents!
Kyle and I got to dress up and go out for dinner with my family last night to celebrate my dad's birthday. All my siblings and their spouses where there. I'm blessed to have such a close family, again geographically and emotionally. While we've all had our own battles and struggles in life, we are ultimately healthy and happy and I am so thankful to get to see each of my siblings happy and blessed.
I'm thankful for the blessing of gainful employment for both me and my spouse, so that our family can enjoy things like birthday celebration dinners. That we have a warm and safe home to come back to after we go out. I am thankful for the safe and reliable vehicle in which we drove to pick up our son and bring him home in last night. I am blessed to have been able to do some research on the best toys for my son for Christmas and birthday this year and to be in a financial position where I can put gifts under the Christmas tree.
I count it a true blessing that I have never yet had to face the stress of not being able to put nutritious food on our family table. This is something I will never take for granted, and I say a prayer of thanks every time I am in the checkout at the grocery store with my cart full of food for my family.
I have my family, the most blessed part of my life. I have a healthy and happy son. That statement alone is one to stop and savor. We have been blessed with a healthy pregnancy, another little life growing safely inside me. My son has a father who loves him, who is involved in his care and upbringing. I am blessed to have my husband beside me as we raise our family, as my best friend and as my partner in building this amazing life.
These are the things I think about in my quiet moments. I never want to lose sight of just how many blessings I have in my life. The day to day can be so tiring, and can leave negative thoughts swirling. But these things I've shared today, for me these are what it is truly all about.
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