Thank You Project

Ever have one of those days where you get a million things done and feel like this? 

Well, today was that kind of a day for me.  I cleaned out the fridge.  And can I tell you how good that thing looks now.  All that expired food gone, labels all facing the same way, disinfected and smelling like lemons!!  Actually, it's a little "sleeping with the enemy" right now but it won't stay that way for long with all these boys.  And then it was off to Wegman's because when one cleans out the fridge you quickly realize you don't have any darn food.  I also washed and sanitized every sippy, bottle and pacifier in the house.  We just had a little run-in with the coxsakie virus x 2.  I used my microwave and these:

I should write to Medela and tell them how much I love their micro-clean steam bags.  Very inexpensive and you can use each one 20 times!  Lifesaver when you are pumping if you ask me and I will be in about 6 weeks or so.  After that I organized under the kitchen sink, stripped the beds, washed diapers, and did 2 loads of laundry.  Yup, you guessed it!  I'm nesting Big Time :)  I even had time to finish the nurse/aide thank-you project during afternoon nap. I got the idea off Pinterest (of course) and after a trip to Target, Hobby Lobby, Walmart (yuck) and Bath & Body Works I was ready to assemble.  Hobby Lobby just opened in Buffalo and they had cute chevron and polka dot paper which was $.44 a piece and the ribbon.  Target had the chap-stick, candy bars and gum.  I had to go to Walmart for the cello bags.  And B&BW for the hand sanitizer. 

I put them all in one of the kids Easter baskets from PBK and voila! 

 

    

 

I really want to say thank-you because everyone was so wonderful with the last baby and I appreciate all of their hard work.  The crabby ones may not get one! Just Kidding or am I?

At Peace with the c-section

I had a birth plan with my first pregnancy.  I can look back and laugh now at that birth plan because literally, every single thing I didn't want, I got.  Right down to being straight cath'd because I couldn't pee.  After 24+ hours of labor and drugs I made it to 10cm.  Happy, Happy Joy!  I was ready to do something! after just waiting around all night, anything! even push.  And push I did for 3 hours.  And nothing.  Baby was stuck and his heart rate was being affected.  We found out later the chord was wrapped around his neck twice.  So off we went to the OR once Steve put his "bunny suit" on the correct way with a little help from the Dr. and we got our baby.  Failure to descend I think they called it.  That first C-section Sucked.  Lots of pain and percocets which just left me feeling detached.  Those drugs made me feel like a spectator which isn't exactly how it is supposed to be.  So I wasn't super thrilled when I found out I had to have another c-section.  I had placenta previa with my second pregnancy probably because of the first c-section.  And that's where the bitterness came in.  Lots of thoughts like why can't I push out a baby? Everyone else does and I'm not a size 2 for crying out loud!  Damn boy hips, where did they get me?  I want to go home the day after and not have a sore stomach for weeks and weeks.  And then to read some sh%# on the internet about how C-sections are easy, people are choosing them, it's the easy way out, blah blah blah.  Well, I had to build a bridge and just get over it.  It isn't the ideal but it was my reality.  I didn't want to admit I even had placenta previa because it sounded way too high risk.  But I got over it.  In the end healthy mom and healthy baby is all that matters!  Now the Drs. thought my placenta did move enough for it be relatively safe but they wouldn't budge on me attempting a VBAC.  So the second C-section was scheduled.  I was pleasantly surprised that the second was a breeze compared to the first.  I only took motrin and was home on post-op day #2.  Now going into my 3rd C-section I consider myself a professional. 

So why am I considering a birth plan (again.)??  Part of me thinks I could jinx the whole darn thing if I go in there with anything that resembles a plan.  BUT, there were some things, specifically certain Dr. orders that really helped.  And I am concerned maybe he changed his ways (in the whole year since we did this) or he might forgot one of those little orders that made my life easier in those couple blurry painful days after baby.  So we will not call it a birth plan.  Just a little note maybe he could reference when he sits down to write those post-op orders.   (hint hint)  This is the part some of you may just start thinking I am bananas but without further adieu!

Here's what I am thinking:  I desperately want an abdominal binder again.  It made me feel like my insides weren't going to spill out.  And I really need 2 sizes because that first one didn't fit after 2 weeks.  A little medication for the gas pain because that crap hurts!  Teds, not scd's so my legs can breathe.  I would like them to HT my IV with good po.  As long as I am not puking I don't see the need to pump me full of fluids when I can drink my yummy hospital cranberry cocktail.  I want to shower in the morning and have my foley taken out.  No sense getting out of bed all night to pee.  But I do want to get out of bed that first day and sit in a chair.  And most importantly, tordal q 6 hours for the pain for the first 24 hours.  That stuff is amazing!!  No narcotics for me. OK I know that sounds like I want a lot.  And I am not sure if the Dr. really wants to look at my little reminder note.  There are just so many things out of your control that I want some say in what happens to me. 

I am working on a little thank you project for the nurses and aides that take care of me.  I stole the idea off pinterest.  And there may be some baby blue chevron in there becase I am obsessed with chevron!  More to come on the project later :)

Crying in Public

I will blame the hormones for this one.  But it happened, last Thursday.  You never know what your spouse tells people he works with about you.  Sometimes, the pessimist in me thinks it must be bad.  Especially when your husband works with a bunch of dudes.  In my mind I can see them all in their fluorescent neon shirts and hardhats whining about their "bitchy" wives and how they never get a good home-cooked dinner.  I know sometimes me and the girlfriends can get a little carried away talking about hubbies.  But boy was I wrong! 

So there I am working the vote and in walks this 40 something woman.  I ask her if she is CWA and what her name is.  She responds by asking me what my name is.  So I reply, Kate? thinking this isn't how this vote thing works.  She immediately says I know who you are, you are Stevie's wife.  Instantly in my mind I think Stevie?  No one calls the hubs Stevie.  She proceeds to tell me that she knows who I am, she loves Stevie, I am having his 3rd baby boy, etc.  She then tells me, and this is the part that got me, that Steve loves me very much and loves our family.  TEARS!  and not the cute kind.  She goes on and on about how much we mean to him, how he talks about us all the time, she knows what he got me for Christmas and she saw our wedding pictures.  Meatball showed off our wedding pics?  So me feeling all awkward for crying responds by saying how we think he's pretty great too and jokingly say I think we will keep him.  To which she responds how I better or they will come after me.  In my mind, "Excuse me?" 

All joking aside, I was so touched!  Any one that knows me, knows I had an awful husband in my previous life.  Granted, I picked him but I paid for that mistake dearly!  Sometimes, Hubby will point out how I am still jaded by the ex and I guess in some ways I am.  Not that Steve is perfect.  Him and I have had our share of ups and downs and tough times.  But after 7 years and almost 3 babies I am the happiest I have ever been.  And apparently, he is pretty happy too :)  Or so I heard from one of his coworkers. 

I realized in searching for a photo of just the 2 of us, we haven't taken a picture of just us since our wedding last year. Which is just plain unacceptable if you ask me! 

Where's my kiddos?

The kids are with my parents.  They have been since 12:30.  It is now 5:30 and I want them back!!   Why is it I don't know what to do with myself when I am not with them.  Meatball and I hit the outlet mall, had lunch at Honey's and even made a stop at Target.  And now I am home and am feeling quite lost without my munchkins.  I keep looking out the window, even as I type this blog.  Yesterday we played mini golf and went out for dinner so this weekend has been fun.  Now don't get me wrong, I did have a great afternoon with the hubs and a productive trip to the Kate Spade outlet.  I bought some cute earrings and a bangle.  Do you know how hard it is to find silver bangles? Pretty darn hard!

The boys got some new shirts and shorts.  And You betcha - I got them matching shirts.  Polo had a 50% off sale so I got shirts for the little one for $6!!  And Brady has been asking for white shorts like Daddy has. 

Mom got new jammies at Target and a plain white pillowcase for Brady to tie-dye next week at gymnastics.  He is super excited for that.  Oh and lunch was SO good.  We split some hot stuffed peppers and then I had white pizza.  And some Ben & Jerry's at the mall for dessert.  OK I am officially ready to see their little faces any moment now. 6:00 hurry up and get here!      

Letting Go

Or should I say preparing to.  I am already dreading the first day of school.  I know, its 2 months away.  And I know every parents cries and gets upset on their little ones first day.  So maybe my thoughts are normal.  Or maybe not? 

Here is all I can think about:  What if he gets on that bus and never looks back? Doesn't even wave to me? How will I know if he sat alone on the bus? What did he eat for lunch?  How much or did he throw it away? Is his desk a mess? Does he get in trouble in class?  Is he shy? Talkative? What if some big kid picks on him? How is his speech? Is he stuttering more or less? Should they not call on him?  Will they call me if he cries?  Does he have friends?  What if his crayons are broken? Or his markers are dried out?  Who will make sure he gets on the correct bus?  OMG what if he doesn't get off the bus?

He is SO little.  Sometimes I think too little to go off to school for the day.  At his kindergarten screening, some teacher whom he never met before came over, said Hi and whisked him away.  And he went, just like that.  And I admit I cried.  He looked so little walking down that hallway.  We both didn't know where he was going.  And the 45 minutes it was supposed to take turned into an hour and 15 minutes and I. was. freaking. out.  Then he came bounding out of the classroom with all these stickers on his shirt, a new pencil and a book and he was happy.  Me: a complete mess.  I have thought about homeschooling but Steve feels every child should go to school.  And in some ways I do too.  I liked school for the most part.  I always looked forward to the first day and shopping for new clothes and supplies.  It wasn't until High School that I began counting down the days till I got the heck away and went off to college.  But then I think if he was home, I would know he was safe.  Which is probably selfish of me.  I just don't know how to let go.  People say when I have the 3rd baby I will be happy to send him.  That doesn't make any sense to me.  How would having another make me miss him any less?

I am only looking forward to buying school supplies, putting "Brady" stickers on them and buying a cute backpack/lunchbag combo.  Not looking forward to him actually using these things.  The PBK catalog arrived and he wants Spider-Man.  Yup, not cute dinosaurs like his mom wants to get.  An ugly super-hero that shoots spider webs.  And you know my feelings on spiders.  (They must all die!)
Mom's choice:

Brady's choice:

He will get what he wants.  C'mon people I'm not that much of a control-freak. 

It's funny what you remember.  When I was little, my mom would only buy plain folders and notebooks.  I remember how badly I wanted some pink or purple writing paper but it never happened or an NKOTB folder.  SO, Brady's mom will buy him whatever folders he wants!  Wrestlers, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, whatever.  And I will also buy fun book covers.  I always had the brown paper bag covers that were never cool.  Maybe I am a little jealous of all these cool supplies.  Oh and seriously, isn't glue better with glitter in it?  I think so.

September 5th better not come in a hurry because I am NOT ready!

Getting Ready for #3

Meatball likes to joke and say we have kids every year now.  Actually, he says "my girl be havin mo' kids and mo' kids." Yup, he's mine, even the gangster part.  The truth is we did just have a baby last year, in May of 2012.  This one is coming in September 2013.  Moral of the story - Drs. can be wrong when they tell you it's going to be REALLY hard to get pregnant when your breastfeeding.  I got pregnant when Pierce was 7 months old full-time nursing.  Take that Dr. P!  Two months ahead of our schedule but God apparently had a different timetable.  And really what's 2 months?  SO is there really a point in putting the "stuff" away?  Swing, exercauser, jumper, etc.  I think not!  I can still manage to put Pierce in the jumper and exercauser for 5 minutes while I vacuum or put laundry away. After his initial protests, he is happy.  He started walking at 10 months so I need somewhere to put him or I would get nothing done.  If all else fails, there is always the crib.   Back to getting ready.  Digging out the nursing bras, the pump, buying super ginormous pads (tmi?), cute hospital gown, boppy, adding cloth diapers to my "stash" and buying cute shirts for the boys!!  OK The last one was my favorite. 

I found these on etsy and I just ordered them.  I can't wait to get the boys in them.  Funny Pierce will be a big brother at 16 months?  Crazy.  I ordered the red ones on the left.  And yes personalized just for my bestie who hates how I need everything personalized.  Thankfully, we purchased a big Yukon that has a 3rd row seat, Brady is going to be sitting in the waaaay back.  I still need to purchase a double stroller and retire the sit-n-stand.  And I am coveting the city mini side-by-side stroller.   

The stone color is actually last years model so sadly it is no longer available.  We saw a ton of these when we were in Disney and after reading the reviews I think we will be happy.  Red seems to be pretty popular, but a lot of the ones we saw were really faded.  My Italian husband thinks everything should be either black or white so I'm guessing he will vote for the black.  I just need to make sure it will fit in the truck with the seat in the 3rd row.  My truck has 6 bucket seats, 2 of which are downstairs.  When we get a little closer to Fall, I will have the hubs bring up the seat and put it in.  Then we can take a measurement. If it fits, it will be mine! Right after I take out a 2nd mortgage, Lol.  And of course the accessories are all separate, trays, bar, parent console.  I think every stroller should come with a freaking cupholder for the parent.  Don't they know caffeine is what we are running on when we start the day at 6:30 and we need a place for it!?!  The hubs will never understand why we are adding a 5th stroller to our collection.  But duh! we like totally need it. Besides someday I will have that kick-ass garage sale and make loads and loads of money back, right?  Yeah probably not, but that is what we are telling ourselves. 

Office Remodel

I have been nesting this entire pregnancy.  Things around the house bother me and then I have to change them.  I shared pics of the desk I refinished.  Well, I also did this giant cabinet thing we have in the office too.  My kids have a million board games and those boxes take up some serious space.  So we keep them all in this cabinet and the DVD's and xbox games too.  The colors of the office before were brown.  Brown furniture, brown curtains, bleh!  Too much brown.  The colors in the office now are black, silver, red and taupe.  I think the curtains kind of pull it all together.  I did manage to snap a pic of the cabinet in all it's oak glory but it was after hubs started taking the doors off.  Before:

 

I used the same kit as I did on the desk.  It just took a lot longer because this piece was SO big.  I gave up on the topcoat, so Steve finished it.  After:

My favorite part of the room is probably the pic of the boys.

 

Or the personalized mouse pad, courtesy of etsy.  You can't go wrong with a little chevron!



Curtains courtesy of JCPenney. 

 

Now Steve has seriously had it with all the projects BUT I really want to paint the dining room mint green.  It may take some convincing.  Actually, a lot of convincing.  Wish me luck!  

Happy Anniversary (sort of)

We had some big plans.  No, not really but we did have a reservation at Russell's Steak House.  It is our first anniversary.  What can I say, we did things a little backwards.  We got married after our 2nd was born.  Actually, like 8 weeks after he was born.  Now when you are pregnant it is all about the food!  And I was pretty excited for some filet and lobster mac n' cheese.  We were going to leave the kids with a sitter (not family) for the first time.  BUT a certain virus had other plans.    

It all started with some size 11 feet.  And you better not think those are mine!!  I wear a 6.5.  OK sometimes in heels a 7.  Brady literally had spent all of July 4th in the water.  His feet were beyond prunes.  And he had blisters from running in those wet shoes all day.  So when I noticed his feet were peeling I jut thought it was from the water.  The bottoms almost had a shiny appearance.  This nurse didn't think it was a big deal.  Last night we went up to Strikers.  It's a bowling alley that has a cruise night.  Brady likes to look at old cars and video games, typical boy.  We got home and he said his throat hurt.  I should have gotten out the flashlight right then and there.  I sort of thought maybe he just wanted to stay up late and cuddle with dad.  Well cut to 4am with him in our bed burning up.  And I mean burning up!  The temporal thermometer read 101.  If you don't have one of those with kiddos you better invest stat.  Worth every penny if you ask me.  Tylenol, wet cold compress, and 2 freezie pops later he seemed to be a little better.  He was done dealing with the nurse of the house too and wanted to go back upstairs and lay with dad.  He slept till 8:15.  He has NEVER slept that late ever.  When he got up he was down to 100.2.  And then he puked.  Sickness Spiral.  I wanted to rule out strep throat so I called the pediatrician.  Brady was a lump.  He didn't even ask for Phineus & Ferb DVD in the truck, he just sort of stared off.  And waiting for the Dr. he let me hold him, like a baby.  My heart was breaking.  Me with my big belly and not much of a lap these days held that big 41 lb. boy in my arms the whole time.  She looked at his feet and the sores in his throat and said it was coxsakie virus.  Brady was actually hoping for Strep because really who doesn't love the "pink stuff."  I was even kind of hoping for it because I knew a couple doses and he would be feeling better.  She did the strep culture anyway which Brady certainly did not appreciate.  And we were on our way home.  I cancelled the sitter and knew we were in for a long day.  At one point Brady's fever was 103.1.  This was the only time I got a little frantic.  I stay pretty calm and collected for the most part when the boys are sick.  There may be some truth to the whole "when your mom is a nurse, you get no sympathy" thing. Growing up I never did from my mom, who is a nurse too.  But I try and be sympathetic and caring because let's face it, you just want someone there when your head is in the toilet. Seeing such ill patients in a hospital setting puts things in perspective.  I think I am doing a good job with the boys when they are sick.  Actually, I am gonna have to ask the hubs and see what he thinks.    

The only thing that was funny the entire day was realizing how little boy takes after his dad when he gets sick.  At one point when Brady said he couldn't hold his freezie pop with his hands and Steve had to, I kind of chuckled.  Karma can be real funny.  Outback take-out was a far cry from Russell's but we made do.  We exchanged gifts and mom got a little Kate Spade.

(Thanks Tracey for texting Meatball!!)  Now on an 85 degree day, there is no where I would rather be than in my air-conditioned igloo.  I mean, I could have passed on the puke part but I was comfortable watching Home Alone 1 & 2.  Brady loves these movies so much, it was sort of Christmas In July.  Steve on the other hand was going stir crazy by 8:30 so I told him he should go out.  Take the Harley, he loves hot weather.  He had been a great dad all day and the boys were asleep anyway.  So I sent him out.  And I watched a chick flick and read US weekly with a Tums in my mouth for the pregnancy induced heartburn.  Thanks baby #3 :)

We aren't going to forget this Anniversary for a long time.   

Paring down the Beauty Routine

I'm brand loyal.  I find what I like and I stick with it.  And I have very sensitive skin.  But lately, I have had to make some changes.  The main reason is because I cannot just hop into a Sephora anymore whenever I run out of something important.  And let's be honest, Sephora isn't as much fun with a giant stroller and a child who keeps asking over and over again if he can eat in the food court.  SO, this mom has had to change a few things.  I find myself having to use more drugstore products.  After all, Target is way easier to "run into" than the mall.  The bonus to all of this is I get to save money.  Which never happens. Lol!  And swapping the old stand-bys for new has actually shown me you don't have to spend a ton to get a quality product.  Here are some of the changes I have made. 

For

For

  For                                  

Now don't get me wrong there are a few things that this girl is not going to skimp on.    Such as:

 

A Girl can't sacrifice everything!! 

 

A Perfect Day to Myself (yeah right)

A girl can dream right?  Now this will not happen for at least 18 years.  But, I thought it would be fun to look back in 18 years and see how I would have wanted to spend my day at 33.  I love my kiddos but I do have fond memories of lazy Saturdays spent all by myself about 5 years ago.  The perfect day would definitely have some requirements.  Now let's get on with this dream sequence!

I would wake up at 9am.  I'm not a sleep the day away kinda girl.  And that would be wasting this precious time to myself.  Of course fresh out of bed I would look adorable so there would be no need for makeup or hair or any other crap like that.  I would brush my teeth and take myself straight to the nearest Pancake House.  Once there, I would devour an entire Dutch Baby.  For people who aren't local, it's a baked pancake.  It comes with strawberries, strawberry compote, butter, powdered sugar and lemon juice.  You dump all that good stuff right in the middle and eat your face off.  I have finished off several in my lifetime.  Pregnancy in the beginning can make a girl pretty darn hungry!  It's OMG amazing.  And I could eat my food hot for once without cutting up little people's food or begging a certain 5 year old to eat.  From there I would go to the mall, shop by myself and try on clothes and walk around Sephora looking at makeup.  Ya know the things that don't happen when you have kids.  This reminds me to tell you about a product line called Soap & Glory.  It's a British company and I love all their products.  Eye cream, hand cream, body scrub, bronzer, etc. 

After I would come home around Noon and lay in the sun with my ipod.  This would go on for at least 2 hours till I was a bronze goddess.  Then I would come inside for a nice nap.  Get up and watch some original 90210 for several more hours.  And the really good episodes too!  Like the Spring Fling, Brenda's pregnancy scare, etc.  I would read a book by my favorite author Elin Hilderbrand.  She writes about love, friendship and food that takes place in Nantucket.  I have never been but after reading her books it sounds like a lovely place to go.  I would order pizza and wings for dinner (delivered) and have to end the night watching my favorite movies.  Can't Buy Me Love, Pretty Woman, or Sweet Home Alabama.  Oh and I almost forgot - their would be cupcakes!!  Maybe lunch or after dinner. My perfect day would include some cake.  OK and maybe some smooches from my kiddos. 

Delicious go-to dessert

I am the girl who always offers to bring something to the cook-out or picnic.  Mainly, because it is the polite thing to do.  But also because it will guarantee me something to eat that I like.  My taste in food is very similar to my 5 year olds.  Meaning chicken nuggets, macaroni n cheese, pizza and hot dogs are what I typically eat.  In the Summer, if I have to bring a dessert I have a stand-by recipe I want to share.  My family calls it Éclair cake and it is good stuff! People love it and it is so easy.  Nothing fancy here and the kids will eat it too.  (not Brady because he hates chocolate).  Here it is:

2 boxes instant French Vanilla Pudding
1 tub cool whip (9oz)
3 cups cold milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 box graham crackers
Big tub of store bought chocolate frosting

In a large mixing bowl,  prepare pudding with only 3 cups of cold milk.  (not the 4 cups the package tells you).  Fold in a tub of thawed cool whip and vanilla.  In a 9x13 pan, layer the bottom with graham crackers.  Next comes a layer of pudding mixture.  More Graham crackers, more pudding mixture and finally top with graham crackers.  Frost top layer of graham crackers with your chocolate frosting.  Put the whole thing in the fridge overnight to chill.  It gets all yummy and soft.  Serve cold. 
Here's some pics of me and my little helper making it for a family picnic tomorrow. 

I had to make a construction reference to get him interested.  Here's our "floor."

I don't know what happened to my assistant's shirt.  If you have boys, you understand!

Finished product.  I am feeling very patriotic this year for the 4th.  Hence the blue stars on my to-go container.  I don't know why but I asked Steve if we can all wear red, white and blue tomorrow.  He gave me the "that's cheesy" look.  We'll see what happens!  Hope you enjoy!!!

Who remembers this?

Spaghetti in a box.  I was born in 1979 and grew up on this stuff.  I have looked and looked and I finally found out I can get myself a whole box from Amazon.com.  Now if you have had it you know how good it is.  Thick noodles and "tangy" sauce.  OMG I loved it!!  I didn't eat meat growing up and my family would always have meat sauce.  So, this fit right into my menu.  Now for the rest of you folks that have never had it.  I know what you are thinking.  Is spaghetti in a box really necessary?  You can get a whole box of noodles and a jar of sauce.  My answer is Yes. It is necessary because it is SO good.  All you need is margarine, tomato paste and water.  Sounds pretty gourmet.  I can even remember the red and white tub of Promise margarine my family always had.  And the disappointment when my mom was out of the little jars of tomato paste.  Nowadays, I need the real deal though. Butter that is,(salted) so I will probably use that when I get my shipment in.   It even comes with a little packet of "parmesan" cheese.  Maybe it's the bun in the oven but I am a little excited to say the least!!