All about the Baby. . .2 Chances to Win!

I've been a bad blogging mama. . .It must be true, by the time you get to your third child, there's less pictures, less documentation, less everything, is that right?

The Scare. . .
It's been weeks since I did a post all for the baby. . .Let's see, there was the night I was listening the baby's heartbeat with a medical grade Doppler and the heart beat was irregular. It was all over the place. I listened at 3 different times of the evening and it just wasn't normal. That of course lead me to call the Advice Nurse who had me come to Labor and Delivery to be checked. That was scary. They asked, "If your baby were to be born, is it okay to release the information?" Ummmmm. . .I was thinking to myself, we can't have a baby today, it's way too early. What I heard was right. It was an arrhythmia. I think I panicked because my mom had a heart murmur, and it was thought at one point I had developed atrial fib, so, of course my worry-wart side came out and there I was in the ER on a weekday at 11PM. Gown, medical bracelet and all. And I got my hand slapped for using the Doppler. I had never heard Peyton's hear beat irregularly, but apparently it can be normal, or it could have been due to a viral infection. We'll continue monitoring and pray for a regular heart beat by her birth!

Name Update
We're still undecided on names, but I will say one of our top picks was submitted by a reader! Stay tuned, and feel free to keep on sending in more ideas!

ETSY FINDS!
I've been trying to resist shopping, but it's so hard. I caved. I'm an ETSY fan, so I set out to find the perfect little accessories. . .Do you like what I had made for baby princess??? The matching sister clips were a surprise from Lisa!

 

Lisa from Kissable Kreations is amazingly talented!! AND, she's offering 2 chances to win.

Chance 1: Add her button to your blog (see my sidebar for code) and leave a comment on my blog.

Chance 2: Check out her site and leave a comment about your favorite Kissable Kreation on my blog.

PRIZE: Your favorite FLOWER CLIP or FLOWER HEADBAND for FREE! It can be any flower, even the ones you see on other items. If the headband you love is part of a set, no problem - she'll still ship it to you for free! Drawing will be on June 10th!

And if you don't win, she'll still offer you 10% off your purchase and free shipping for orders over $30. Be sure to leave "blessedwithsweetpeas" at checkout to receive the discount!

THE TEA SALE OF A LIFETIME!
I love Tea Collection! Vibrant colors, Asian flare, and they wash and wear remarkably well. (I hang dry.) Well, I walked into a boutique store that I had received a gift certificate to from my shower and decided I better just pick something out. I had hoped to find some newborn Tea items. It was my lucky day! The collection below was 40% off plus buy any 4 items and get the 5th free! WOO HOO TEA! Bought the dress in a bigger size for warmer weather. Can't wait to see the baby in these teeny tiny clothes. And better yet, we can buy matching sister sets for Gracyn and her moy-moy!

 

Friends are SWEET
Thank you Miss Milana and Family! Look what the mail brought recently?! Milana's mama should be packing and and painting, but instead she sent me CHOCOLATE, outfits for the baby, stickers and a book for the sibs, and a great musical/vibration gizmo to attach to the crib. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! p.s. Sara/Sofa - the candy was edible after all!! We just let it solidify to it's original state. Good as new! SAFE TRAVELS - now go bring that little monkey home already!

 

Belly Update
Belly is growing, baby is kicking. She's very low and and very active at night. I told Peyton his baby sister likes to do somersaults in my tummy so he goes telling everyone, "my baby can do somersaults!" I'm now exactly 9 toilet paper squares in girth. Why in toilet paper squares, not inches? Well, because if you really want to know how fat I've gotten you'll do the math, and frankly, the toilet paper is much easier to find in this house than a measuring tape. Peyton reminds me every day that I'm getting "like that fat" as he holds his hands out to measure my belly. I'll have to ask him to take a picture of my "fat".

Funny tidbit from Peyton. . .

Well, he finally got mad enough at his sister to say, "Gracyn, you're going to have to go back to Taiwan."

I gasped and laughed all at the same time. My response to Peyton, "Peyt, that's not nice, how would you like it if someone said that to you?"

Peyton: "But I didn't come from Taiwan, I came from your tummy."

Me: "Well, then how 'bout if someone said, you need to go back into Mommy's tummy?"

Later that evening, Peyton was having "quiet time" on the wall, and Gracyn joins him for the heck of it. He says to her while shaking his head, "Gracyn you're going to have to go back into Mommy's tummy." It made me laugh so I let him off the wall before his four minutes were up.

Oh dear, what I have done?!

Guess who we met?!

 

Big Kids Cruisin' in Style

 

BOYS are CRAZY. . .see Jake's stunt? He can fly with Peyton's foot on the gas!

 

Beautiful Children of Staci

 

Jake is one playful little guy with a big personality. He loves to run, jump, can ride a 2-wheeler at ease, and well, is probably giving his Mama Staci premature gray hair! He doesn't mind posing for the camera, and loves his Milk Tea! Staci and her family are adjusting beautifully. Of course there are the trials and tribulations of any transition period, but all things considered, Jake is doing marvelous! When he calls out for Daddy, his little accent is so cute. . .almost sounds like he's from Texas!

Thank you Staci for being a wonderful friend and for opening your home to us. We look forward to many more play dates! HELMETS (for boys), SUNGLASSES, and MILK TEA REQUIRED.

Happy Mother's Day

As a mother myself, but with a mother who is no longer here on earth to celebrate with, mother's day is always bittersweet. Whether your male or female, married or single, with or without children, I don't think Mother's Day ever goes unnoticed by anyone. The one thing we all have in common is we have birth mothers. Some of us have may not have anyone to celebrate with and some may have several mother-figures to celebrate with, from Moms to Step-Moms, Foster Moms, Godmothers, Grandmothers, Aunts, and maybe even just female figures in your life who have been like a Mom. Whatever your situation may be, I pray today, that you all have peace in your hearts and that this is day you can smile upon.

My mom died just 2 months before Mother's Day in 2003. That was one Mother's Day that I couldn't find peace. Today I brought her a bouquet of flowers, the same one that Peyton gave to me, a balloon from Peyton for his "Poo-Poo in Heaven" and wished my own mom a Happy Mother's Day while sitting on a bench at her grave site. The photo below is in our living room and my bedroom. My very favorite photo of my mommy pushing me on a swing. Purely candid shot in black and white. I'll cherish it forever.

 

By Mother's Day 2004 I was an expectant mother. I am blessed that I really only had to experience one Mother's Day in a confused and painful state. I am so blessed to have my two children, and one on the way. To those waiting to become Mommies, or those waiting for another child, whether by womb or by adoption, the wait, the tears, the pain is all worth it! This past week, my first-born brought me such special treasures. Two flowers and a leaf. In reality, a weed, a rose petal, and a leaf, but you know what, he melted my heart when he brought them in for me hidden behind his back. Peyton, Mommy loves you so much - thank you for always making me laugh!

 

I spent my first Mother's Day with Gracyn taking her to urgent care. After spending sleepless night coughing my head off. Lovely. But, if you see the card I got from my dear hubby, he was spot on. And the beautiful cross I received, a gentle reminder that He is control, and He has blessed me with the joy of being a mother, whether I get to be pampered, or I'm pampering poopy butts. (Well, okay, DH actually has been doing most of the poopy diapering. I confess.) Gracyn, Mommy is so glad that you're home this year to celebrate with. It doesn't matter that we ended up home sick. What matters is that you're here with me, forever. Love you girlfriend.

 

And in my womb grows my second daughter. A child I can feel, and who's heartbeat I can hear, but a face I have yet to see. Baby girl, as you continue to grow within me, I grow to love you and I long to hold you in my arms.

I am so blessed to the mom to two with one on the way. Happy Mother's Day to all the Mamas in the world!

As I write this post I can hear Peyton saying, I'm making a card for Mama. "Happy Valentine's Day!" he yells. As DH reminds him it's Mother's Day. He's at my lap now, with a "special treat" he says. And not far behind is Gracyn with a similar card, no words, but she motions that she made it for me. . .what a perfect way to end the evening. Sweet dreams.

Happy Birthmother's Day. . .

When I look at your daughter, I think of you.
I may never know your name, I may never meet you, but I know you.

When I hold your daughter in my arms, and gaze into her eyes,
I know that I will tell her only the truth, and never any lies.

When I see your daughter smile I wonder if it's like yours or if it's her very own.
I know when you parted ways, He was with her and she was never alone.

When I watch your daughter cry with inconsolable grief,
Thinking of all she's been through in her life, it's completely beyond belief.

When I comb your daughter's hair, so black, so shiny and fine,
I know it's nothing she gained from me for it's nothing like mine.

When I hold your daughter's hand and we walk through the mall,
I reap the rewards of her looking like an absolute doll.

When I hold your daughter's face between the palms of my hands,
I know she'll always be the product of two families, two moms, two far away lands.

When I hug and kiss your daughter on Mother's Day, she'll hug and kiss me too,
I know I'm the lucky one, for it is me she knows as Mama, but know I think of you.

Happy Mother's Day to you, from your daughter's Mom.

DAD, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!

Peyton and Gracyn have been sick off and on since Easter. This week was a doozie. Double ear infection for Peyton, who HATES PINK medicine (antibiotic). 104 Temp. Gracyn got "THE" flu. . .the one where she vomits in her car seat twice! And then all over the kitchen floor, of course it's coming out of her nose too. And then you progress to double diaper (Size 3 Pampers, covered with a Size 4 Huggies) and don't forget the plastic shield for triple coverage. DH calls the plastic bum wrap a "rain coat" - Well, I confess, I screwed up and we had two of those "up the back" all over the bed and booster seat, two baths within 30 minutes episodes before I remembered what I did 2 years ago with Peyt.

 

Of course Peyt gives me his cold, so I have a cough which is irritating and I'm groggy because Peyt can't sleep and I'm up with him 5 times a night. But during the day, when he's not crying over meds, or crying (not kidding) over wanting PIZZA for lunch, he decides pretending he's a horse or a dog or something is entertaining.

 

And well, Gong-Gong, our hero has been home with me the last 2 days helping me watch the SICK patients. He takes Gracyn, hoping to keep pregger Mama from getting the flu and I just monitor Peyt. My dad has had the hard job. He's changed her diapers while near-gagging on piles of newspaper. YES, he lays out newspaper everywhere! Gracyn knows the drill and will go to the recycle bin to pull out yesterday's news.

Maybe I should do more than "monitor", huh? Here is is doing double doot-doot (paci) action with a horse puppet. . .Hmmmm. . .

 

So, as you can imagine, Gong-Gong is a little tired. DAD, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! He's delirious too. He dropped the bucket of flour on the floor and tells me to get the camera because it looks like a line of coke. He knows I blog. We're both laughing hysterically when he rolls up some of that extra newspaper and pretends to snort it. You know, after being home with these 2 kids for the past 3 days can drive you to do CRAZY things. It was a good laugh - we both needed it. And for the record neither one of us even consume alcohol, so this was purely for entertainment, in the purest sense.

 

WOW, I must be tired. . .I went to spell check and had SEVERAL errors. Yikes. There's a slient "e" after sinc, and nither has an "e" in it. . .and well, I need to go to bed. (On the couch, AGAIN.) Maybe for Mother's Day I'll get healthy kids AND my bed back.

The darndest things kids say. . .

Round 1
Peyton saw the purse that I recently bought for Gracyn. Just a cheap vinyl thing from Marshall's. He insisted that we go buy him one. Okay, fine. You want a purse? Do you see Dad or Gong-Gong with one? You still want one? Let's go. We'll get you a purse.

We shop around, find nothing. I was of course going to steer him towards a more masculine looking bag of sorts. He settled for nothing. As we made our way out, mind you he's now told me that he has to "go poop" - (geez, and I thought shopping only did that to Dads) we're making a mad dash out of the store. We. . .okay, I am not going to use the restroom at Marshall's.

As we make our way down an aisle, there are two ladies in front of us. Mr. Shy says, "excuse us" clearly and loudly, so they kindly move out of our way and we proceed. And then our conversation goes like this. (Picture me pushing a 40 pounder in a mini-cart as FAST as I can.)
P: "they're booties are too big."
Me: "shh, no, we don't say that Peyton."
P: "they're butts are too big???" posed as a question.
Me: "No, we don't say that either, you might hurt their feelings"
P: "they're bodies are too big????" again as a question, because he's searching for the "right" way to say this.

WHEW - they didn't overhear us, we made it out of store and thank goodness Grandma lives 3 minutes away from Marshall's and lets us use her toilet!

Round 2
Ever seen the "World's Fattest Man" on TV? Well, Peyton has seen the commercials for it, and when he's eating too fast, not chewing his food, or wanting to ride his motorized vehicles rather than his bicycle, I've sort of, well, used the Fattest Man to my advantage, telling Peyton that the Fattest Man got fat because he "ate too fast", for example. . .you get my drift. I'm not ashamed to talk about "fat" and to talk about what's healthy. I realized Peyton was starting to think his 90th percentile belly was funny and cute, which it is, but it's not healthy either.

Miss Gracyn has quite the breakfast appetite. I kid you not, she can eat 3 sausages, a piece of toast, some fried rice, a nibble of hash browns, you name it, she wants it and she'll eat it. And yes, the above is all in one meal. This morning she wanted MORE food and I jokingly told her, you're going to get fat silly girl!

Peyton busts out with the following: "Fattest Man didn't chew, didn't exerchige (exercise), ate too much mac n cheese, rode his atv. . ." He shakes his head with his eyes closed. . . "Fattest Man, Fattest Girl. . .that's going to be terrible!"

Oh Pey-Pey, you are too funny my sweet chunky monkey. And for the record, Gracyn actually does have a little belly now. Watch out Peyt! This is what your sister does before you wake up in the morning. . .After a piece of peanut butter toast she asked for the Gerber Stars. Of course I was cleaning up around the house, and then caught her stuffing an entire handful of stars into her mouth. By the time I got my camera, she had them in her mouth - notice the chipmunk cheeks??? She ate the rest of the can! Smiled about it, and went for the second can. . .oh dear. . .

 

Results are in! We're having a baby. . .

According the polls, 12 to 8 in favor of a little sister.

Funny story before you start. . .a Pee story.
I was supposed to show up with a full bladder having emptied it 2 hours prior and having consumed 32 oz after that, but one hour before. I cheated. I peed later, I started drinking after, I only drank 20 oz, then I cheated again and went pee AGAIN before I left my office AND before registered. While waiting I still had to tell a complete stranger there is no way I could do this. She told me to release some but not all. Not a good feeling. Then I told another stranger, and a male at that, that I had to GO. The other male stranger overhearing this rushes to get my tech. ME, I disappear and go to the bathroom. To heck with this, this is crazy. As I walk out of the hall restroom, there's my tech. Busted - I'm afraid I'll be scolded. As I walk into the room with her, she points to the restroom and tells me I can empty my bladder, and that I'll be fine. THANK YOU Radiology Tech, THANK YOU. I went through all of that for NOTHING?!


If you can read sonogram pictures, the first one is the one that was all-telling. "Three Dots"??

 

 

Cute little toes. . .

 

 

And if you're like me and can't read sonograms, watch below as Big Brother Peyton reveals the news. . .



So, now the name game begins. I've never had a more difficult time choosing a name. Please SPAM me names. We were originally going for 6 letters, ending in "N". Hence, Peyton, Gracyn, Morgan. . .Peyton was almost a Dillon, or a Tatum. We've since considered Hudson, Jaxson, Carsyn, Harlan, we've broken the 6 letter rule and ventured into Jamisyn (for a girl). Darryl brought up Ava, and well, now that we know we're having a girl, this gives you a feel for the types of names we like. Generally, non-gender specific. I love Maggie, Tessa, and Isla, no go with DH. He says Isla is too close to Ay-Ya (sounds like EYE-YA, translation for "OMGoodness" in Chinese slang.)

Forget the rules, just give me names. 3 letters, 12 letters, 1 syllable, 3 syllables. Flood me with names! I promise I'll send you a prize if you name my baby! Include middle names too. Update: I actually wrote this before I knew for sure what the results would be. Proof to myself that my instincts are spot on! While driving to dinner, the license plate frame on the car in front of us had "Daddy to ____ & ____" and I saw a name that I have always loved and had forgotten about. We're feeling pretty good about this one, but would still love to hear more suggestions.

And since Sarah is offering candy bribes, here's a couple of belly pics. . .I feel much bigger than I look in these photos. Perhaps it's the angle or the mirror.

 

 

Peyton's "reveal" above was pre-recorded. I had him do one for a baby "brudder" and one for a "sister" - He revealed the news to himself by playing the video. His response was hysterical. Here's a replay (please excuse the mess in the background, but it WAS one of THOSE moments, just watch:

Oh buddy, I'm so sorry. But you are so funny and you'll always be my baby boy. My ONLY baby boy. Thanks for the laugh sweet pea!

Are you ready to be a big sister Gracyn??? You're a big girl now if you can dip Oreos in a cup of milk!! Happy 8 months baby girl. I can't believe how time flies.

 

 

Please pray for a comfortable remainder of my pregnancy. All through the HEAT of summer! Please pray I don't get PUPPS (BAD RASH) like I did with Peyt, although I already have signs of it. Please pray for a healthy baby girl who's already made it half way through her journey to joining our family! We are so blessed and so thrilled to be having another daughter!