Photo Post

Lily and Randy at the Boulder Creek Festival last Sunday.



First jumping castle experience, not too excited about it.


Chowing down on watermelon.


Checking out a new playground.


When a tiny pebble gets in her shoe she won't move until we remove it.

You win some you lose some

Our favorite TV shows have come to their season finales. I voted for (before hearing my mother in law's request--we were totally on the same page) Apolo and Julianne to win Dancing with the Stars. I didn't consistently watch the show but I saw them perform a few times and loved them. I always loved watching Apolo during the Olympics. And they won, so I won. But...I also voted for Blake to win American Idol. And I lost this one. I hope he goes on to have an amazing career because he will always have a fan in me. I tried to be like Blake and was beat boxing for Lily. She told me to stop.


Today is my sister in law, Joy's, birthday. We are both the only girls amongst our brothers and the middle child. Because neither of us have a sister we formed a strong bond right away...almost 13 years ago. I remember meeting her for the first time. I was at Randy's parents house during the day after we just starting dating, maybe 1 or 2 weeks. Joy came in with her son, Payton, who was just a few months old. She was beautiful, young, carefree, and laughed at everything. If you don't know Joy she is the type of person that makes you feel welcome IMMEDIATELY. Her personality is amazing and she is full of energy. She has raised 3 amazing kids and has over came many obstacles many people her age haven't even faced. Happy Birthday Joy!!

Our weekend plans are pretty boring--which is PERFECT! Tonight we are taking Joy to dinner for her birthday. Tomorrow we might check out the Boulder Creek Festival and run a couple errands. Sunday will be chore day and hopefully we can make some head room on the spare room. Monday will be a relaxing day for Lily and I but I think Randy will be working. Maybe we will go to the zoo with our snazzy zoo pass. It's fun not having set plans and flying by the seat of our pants.

Bubble & Bath Time

Our little man can't talk yet (or cry for that fact) but he communicated that I was over doing it. On Saturday I skipped breakfast in order to get to my niece's basketball game on time. Immediately after her game Lily and I drove to Boulder for Randy's frisbee games. As we were sitting in the hot sun it hit me. I wasn't feeling very good. Not good at all. I didn't drink as much water as I should have for 2 stupid reasons...I already pee a lot and peeing in public places with a toddler isn't easy. Yes, I already mentioned this was stupid. Luckily I had packed our lunch and filled up with some food immediately. It didn't help much. Lily and I left and went straight home where she was a saint and took a nap. I was drained. Thankfully I recovered by Sunday and had no residual effects. I'm thankful that my pregnant body was able to communicate that I was over doing my activity and under doing my nutrition. I'm thankful that my mind listened. It won't happen again.

As I was in the Target check out lane a headline grabbed my attention. Every parent's nightmare...a little girl was kidnapped. Unfortunately kidnappings happen too frequently and that now scares the daylights out of me more so than ever before. I bought the magazine and looked at the family's website. Unfortunately they haven't found her yet. I have an overwhelming desire to help this family but how? I kept thinking I should put her link on my blog to get her name and picture out there. I wasn't sure how much that would help and almost didn't link to their site until I thought about my own family. I would want anyone and everyone to do as much as they could so here is the site...

I was directed to a website (for fun only) to get an idea what to expect about my labor. Check it out...

Your labor prediction quiz results are below.....

"I know you were hoping we weren't going to say this, but don't expect this baby to come early. Your baby is nice and comfy tucked away in your womb and has no interest in joining the rest of the world. We predict your baby will be born after its due date. Your baby will most likely be born in the morning. Justmommies predicts that your baby will weigh approximately 7.7 pounds and that your labor will be about 7 hours long."

Of course I'm not surprised this website thinks my baby will be late. I pretty much think the same thing because Lily was late. I will prepare my hospital bag before the due date just in case. It's all so unknown and I have to give up any expectation of control. It's not happening. I am happily surprised to hear the weight prediction. I was a little over 8 pounds and Lily was shy of 8 pounds. My OB has already said boys tend to be bigger than girls and our boy is measuring ahead of the game already. I'm hoping he isn't over 9 pounds but by the time we know how much he weighs the damage will already be done (so to speak). If I found out he weighed 9 pounds or greater before I delivered then I'd be sweating bullets.

Speaking of the little guy he was very active during my day long meeting today. It's hard to focus on people talking when my belly is twitching and moving all around. Thankfully he stayed quiet during my presentation. Probably because I talked about my job responsibilities and it bored him to sleep. My job isn't boring to me but when I briefly describe my job to other people (who ask about it) I have to keep it short and sweet. Otherwise people start to look away or excuse themselves for another drink. I don't have the same basketball size abdominal oozing wound stories I once had. That story was a dandy and I'm stopping myself from describing the ooze. Although if anyone asks I'll share.

Our Morning

This morning I was able to spend time with Lily before jetting her off to daycare and myself off to work. She was in a talkative and fun mood. I made a hot breakfast and she even let me put piggie tails in her hair. You can't tell from the picture but she's wearing a pink and white IA Hawkeye shirt and shorts. She's too cute.

Enjoying every moment

People frequently say that kids grow up too quicky or they regret not enjoying their children more. I am taking this advice to heart. Everyday matters. Every smile matters. That is my goal...to make my children smile. I just want them to know they are loved and feel it everyday.

Our latest evening activity is exploring new play grounds. Randy is still busy writing his thesis and this keeps him from our evening routine and will for the next few months. After I pick up Lily from daycare we find a new play ground in our area. We have been to 4 different play grounds in the past 4 explorations. It's very important to find a play ground that is appropriate for Lily's age. A few play grounds don't have bars her level to assist with walking, or the stairs are too big that she can't crawl up herself, or the slides are built for older kids. One play ground had a bridge to cross and the first few times she held onto my hand while crossing. She would reach up for my finger before stepping on the bridge. Then she starting getting gutsy and decided to use the bar instead of my finger. She seemed very proud of herself.

Lily is starting to put multiple words together. She will ask "where is it?" or "where did it go?" Today she was looking at a flap book and she would ask "where is the baby?" while holding her palms up to exaggerate the question. Once she finds the missing object she will respond with "there it is."

Last Sunday (Mother's Day) Lily and I went to the zoo. Randy had 2 frisbee games so he couldn't come along. We left early morning to try to beat the rush and the heat. Lily loved it. She loved seeing the animals and would wave good bye to each one as we moved onto the next area. She walked on her own for a while but would request to get back into the stroller when her little legs tired out. We ate lunch in a shady spot while some squirrels chased each other and birds chirped. She was a very happy child that day. The whole day. She was constantly smiling and offered up many hugs and kisses. She took a great afternoon nap. I relaxed and Randy napped too. After she woke up we shared a fruit smoothie and hung out on the front step. For dinner we ordered a pizza. The entire day was awesome. I hope I always remember how wonderful it felt.

Dude...

did anyone notice I posted every day this week? Hopefully Randy did. :)

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope every kind of mom has a wonderful weekend. I know Mother's Day is only Sunday but why not count the whole weekend. Randy counts the entire month before his birthday as his "birthday month." I don't think a weekend is too much to ask.


Also, congrats to my little cousin who is not so little anymore cuz he's graduating from high school. Congratulations Cody!!! Wish we could be there. I would give a speech at your graduation party and tell everyone how I taught you to say "neener, neener, neener" as your first words. That was cool.



Shout out to Gram...it's her birthday today even though she says it's not. I mean "Happy Friday Gram for no reason at all."

Our new swing set

Thanks to Staci and family for our new backyard addition. It adds life to the rather dull back yard and Lily loves it. Luckily Randy put it up in just the right spot...where Lily can't see it easily from any window. This wasn't planned but ended up working quite well. Otherwise we wouldn't leave our backyard. Ever.

New JM approved treatment for headaches

Playing with your children!

As I was leaving work yesterday I noticed my neck was all tense and the feeling extended into the back of my head, causing a pounding headache. On the drive to daycare I kept imaging Randy left his thesis work early and was waiting at home to take over Lily duties so I could sleep. As I left daycare with Lily in a mad rush to avoid being manhandled by multiple little hands that were touching my belly and grabbing Lily's legs my headache only increased in intensity. Five minutes later I opened the garage door and made the instant realization Randy's car was not there. Dinner time has been a bit challenging lately causing a headache on its own. I decided to forgo a quick Lily snack in hopes to get her really hungry for dinner and she would miraculously eat whatever I put on her highchair tray. So instead of a snack we played outside. First we visited with our neighbors who's daughter inherited Lily's dairy ridden baby food. Then we played on our front lawn, picking grass and picking dandelions. Then we decided to step it up a notch and joined the dogs in the back yard to play on Lily's new playground. She enjoyed walking up the slide (with mama's help of course) only to get 1/2 way before collapsing and sliding down on her belly. We wandered the yard and checked in on our flowers. Grandma McE. taught her to pick flowers to put in her hair. Yes, this is really cute and sweet but I don't have many flowers left. Then she decided to swing. She hasn't been too interested in the swing and usually wants down before I think she could thoroughly enjoy it. But last night she loved it. Mostly cuz her mama was silly and wouldn't get out of the way, causing Lily to bump into her. Of course those belly laughs keep me repeating this over and over. After wandering the yard a bit more I asked Lily if she wanted to go inside and eat dinner. Her response??? Yes, with a head nod. Wow, I grabbed that opportunity and we proceeded inside. I fed her corn and chicken & noddles and her reaction? She ate the entire plate. About this time I realized my headache was gone. GONE. I didn't take Tylenol, I didn't lay down. I felt great and we ended up having a wonderful night.

Our typical night routine includes a quick peek at Lily before we head to bed, usually 3-4 hours after she falls asleep. Last night as we walked in her room she immediately sat up and wanted held. I love those moments. I held onto her as she sat on my baby belly, arms wrapped around me, head on my shoulder. It's the best feeling in the world.

I'm writing about WHAT?!?!?!?

Last night’s conversation:

Randy: “You haven’t been blogging much lately.”

Jenni: “I know, I’m still in a blog fog.”

Randy: “Maybe I should withhold sex to get you to blog.”

Jenni: “Do I need to wear a sign that says ‘Will blog for sex’?”

Randy: “Maybe it will get you to blog more.”

Jenni: “Yeah, I’m sure the family would love to hear this conversation about sex.”

Randy: “Newsflash, we have 2 kids, we have sex.”

So there you have it. A story about sex. Sorry family.

Lily's first addiction

Lily loves cheese. She would eat it all day if we allowed her to. A typical night time routine includes her asking for the fridge to be opened and then she will pull out the bottom drawer, grabbing a cheese slice and asking nicely for us to open it. She loves the stuff. But…she has a dairy allergy so she is eating soy cheese slices. Once Randy went to the store and the usual brand was not there so he bought another brand, Vegan slices, I believe was the name. She took one bite and refused the rest. He tried it too and said it was gross. Randy just purchased $27 worth of Lily approved soy cheese. Over the weekend it could be estimated that she ate $13.50 worth of cheese. She’s addicted.

Let’s clear things up

There are many questions and statements you do not make to a pregnant lady. I’m taking this time to educate the general public on the best way to approach conversation with a female and her baby belly.

Feel free to say:

When are you due? Oh, (insert month), that will be a great month to deliver.

Is this your first? Simple question, no harm done. Congratulations!

You look amazing.

Your outfit is very nice.

Do you know the baby’s gender? Oh, a boy/girl will be lovely.


Do NOT say:

You will be miserable being pregnant in the summer.

Are you sure you’re not having twins?

When are you due? Oooohhhh, I thought it was much sooner.

You’re going to have a big baby.

Doesn’t your due date feel like it’s soooo far away?

Are you just soooooo miserable?

This is pretty simple right? I know people don’t mean any harm and usually don’t think about what they say to a pregnant lady but come on. There are certain things you just don’t say. Never. Ever.

I am thrilled to be pregnant. I am thrilled to deliver in August. I grew up in SD and have been exposed to hot, HOT summers once or twice. I have air conditioning. Sure I probably will get hot but oh well. I am excited to have a newborn when the weather is still nice. I will be able to go for walks and my maternity leave will go into fall. I love fall and will love to be home during the day to open the windows and feel the crisp CO air. Sure I have pains or cramps or general feelings of fatigue but oh well, I’m growing a tiny human. I am okay with those feelings. I don’t consider pregnancy a miserable state. I LOVE IT. Please stop thinking all pregnant women are miserable and can’t wait for their due date. I’m very excited to meet out little guy but I want him to stay put…he needs to bake longer and that gives me time to prepare mentally and physically. I look forward to spending most of summer with just Lily. It’s my time to focus on her before the start of siblings enters her life.

Please don’t say silly comments, thinking you’re funny or just trying to make conversation that results in hurt feelings. I try and laugh about people’s comments but usually I would love to slap them upside the head. Especially women…that have been pregnant. I don’t care how old your kids are you should know better. Be nice.