Random Thoughts

I don't normally follow men's ice skating, but I love the Olympics so I have followed it since the Olympics started. I think the Russian silver medal winner is being horribly unsportsman-like. I watched the short program. I didn't really pay that much attention (I was too busy being shocked by the costumes), but the Russian skater, the Chinese skater and Evan Lysacek all did very well. Their jumps were polished, their footwork looked difficult yet effortless, and their artistry was good. I paid more attention when I watched the free skate (aka long program) because I knew so much was on the line. The Chinese skater fell on one of his jumps, and his artistry was not as good as the Russian and Evan. Then Evan skated. His artistry was great (he is tall so his artistry really shows when it is done well or done with half effort), and he had a lot of difficult footwork. All of his jumps were landed perfectly. There was no wobbling, flailing body parts, etc. It was like the ice was rising up to meet him. He didn't do a quad jump. But he did a lot of triples and many of them were at the end of the program (showing more control, strength, and endurance - thus bonus points for jumps occurring after the 2:15 point in the program). The Russian did do a quad jump - but barely. All of his jumps were barely landed - doubles, triples, and the quad. He wobbled, waved his arms, nearly touched the ice, etc. just to stay on his feet in all but one double jump. AND, all his jumps occured at the beginning of the program (he had no jumps at all in the last full minute of the program), so they should have been a lot better. His artistry was half-efforted. I thought he looked like he was "phoning it in." His footwork was fine, but I didn't notice it to be outstanding. So basically, the Russian is a sore loser. He may have more ability than Evan (I don't know), but he does not have the same control and consistency as Evan. Ability doesn't win completions, performance do. Consistent and appropriate training make performances (practice makes perfect).

Which brings me to another point... what is the deal with the current culture that men dress so femininely. I don't think guys have to wear baggy or un-stylish clothing. I love the look of a smartly dressed guy. But, skinny jeans and sequins (the ice skating connection here), is just wrong. If you are a guy and want to wear a tight shirt or sweater, fine. But at least wear it with regular pants or a good pair of Levi's 501's. It is so weird to me to see couples walking around, and the guy's skinny jeans are showing off more figure than his nicely dressed girl friend.

I read on someone's blog that they missed being pregnant because everything tasted so good when they were pregnant. Well, I have not had that experience! Not with either pregnancy. I love sweets, for example. They do not taste all that good to me. Lactose free ice cream is still really good, but a lot of other sweets just taste sugary - like the other flavors that make it good (vanilla, cinnamon, etc.) aren't there. Spicy things are hotter to me when I am pregnant. Salads are flavorless. Vinegary things (other than pickles and olives) like balsamic vinaigrette's taste too strong. With my last pregnancy I craved avocados (a local restaurant had the best grilled chicken and avocado sandwich). I haven't really even had avocados with this pregnancy. I should get some. They are so healthy, and I bet they would taste great. The mild salsa at Hacienda (a little restaurant by my office) tastes great, though!

For Valentine's we got to use some gift cards and ate at J. Alexander's. It was delightful. Normally J. Alexander's is out of our budget, but we had quite a lot in gift cards (thanks Counter Dimensions) so we were able to order peel and eat shrimp for an appetizer and we both had steaks. My steak was perfect. And, the baked potato was excellent. I don't know how they did it but it was fluffy inside. I am so used to baked potatoes at restaurants being underdone. This one was perfect. I must figure out how they cook them.

I also got flowers for Valentine's this year. I haven't gotten flowers in a long time. Todd usually likes to spend the money we have budgeted on more gift rather than less gift and flowers. I certainly appreciate this sentiment (in fact I will rarely spend money on greeting cards for birthdays for this same reason), but there is something so feminine about receiving flowers or jewelry for Valentine's. It just makes you feel like the love of your spouses life.

We are trying to decide whether to put the new baby in the same room as Erik or put the new baby in the office. I don't mind putting both boys in one room, but we will lose the guest space (right now guests stay in Erik's room). However, we keep the office space (which will have to be redone because that room ends up being a dump for clutter and it makes me crazy). If we put the new baby in the office, Erik's room will be his room/guest space (Erik will sleep in the baby's room when there are guests)/ play room (this will get the toys out of the living room). I think we would put the desk in the living room (I have a beautiful antique desk that my parents gave us that needs to have the finish completed), but this will require some significant technology changes and figuring out what to do with all of our books and games (I am thinking of built in shelves in the dining room). The problem is we have a small house (which I am content with), but with a small house storage solutions and appropriate furniture become very important. Affording such storage and furniture is a bit of a problem for us. So we will see. I do have some cute ideas in mind for both situations, and I am looking forward to doing some big boy room stuff for Erik. The new baby's theme will be safari/monkey (it will be a much needed change for me from the trains/trucks of Erik and I really think Erik will like the monkey theme for his little bro since he is a huge Curious George fan).

I am working on a baby registry for the new baby right now. We basically registered at Target last night, but I already think there are some changes that I want to make to it. For starters, I put a double stroller on it (the kind where the baby goes in front and the older child can sit/stand on the back). Todd really thinks Erik has about out-grown the stroller (we currently have a nice single stroller). However, I always use the stroller when Todd is not with us. I know I can't carry two kids around stores on my own (I can't really carry Erik around stores now - he weighs around 30 lbs). So, I am leaning towards the stroller. However, I don't want to spend a bunch of money on a stroller that won't get used that long, and I already hate how much room the stroller takes up in the back of my vehicle. So, I am not sure what to do. I remember how Heather loved her double stroller when her kids were little; however, I know she hasn't used it that much with the last of her 4.

I had an interesting impromptu visit to the doctor the other day. I thought I was at the start of a bladder infection, and I called the doctor. They were not sure sure (I wasn't totally sure) so they wanted me to come in and check for signs of premature labor (I was pretty sure that wasn't the case - but either way I was hurting so I came right in). My labs showed that I didn't have a UTI, so they checked my cervix. That was just like it was supposed to be, but the doctor said the baby was sitting very low and she could feel his head or bottom sitting right on it. So, the pain was caused by the baby putting pressure on the ligaments at the base of my abdomen and my bladder. I went home and stayed in bed for a while. Fortunately he has moved some and the pain stopped. I may have to get one of those maternity support belts later on, but hopefully not (that seems like it would be hot to wear here in the South).

I am now 6 months pregnant and starting to feel pressure to get the house ready to have a new family member. I know most of May will be spent with end of the year work activities and generally feeling huge. So, I am hoping to do most of the work (including Spring cleaning) before then. We will see how it goes.

I am so looking forward to warmer weather.

I hope to post some pictures later in the week. We had snow last Friday. For the last 3 years in a row, we have gotten a picture of Erik and I standing in the snow together facing the same direction in our front yard. I think the pics are so cool.

Erik loved Valentine's day. He got to spend the night with Nana and Pawpaw so Todd and I got to go on a date. As far as Erik is concerned, he had more of a treat then we did. Nana and Pawpaw's house is one of his favorite places to be. He loves to read the big train picture book with Nana, play with Pawpaw and Uncle David, and Nana lets him drink the Clear America soda's that Wal-mart makes (Erik calls them strawberry Sprite's). Nana got him a Thomas the Train movie for Valentine's, and we got him a Matchbox police car and some chocolates for Valentine's. Erik declared, "I love Valentine's!"

Erik's birthday is coming up. I am not the picture of energy right now, so I would love to do a party some place that is not in our home. However, I called Pump it Up - their parties are $165 plus food, and Chick-fil-A is $150 including food, but no cake included. That is way out of our birthday price range. So, I think the party will be here, but I may call in favors from Aunt LeeLee and Nana to pull off the party.

My birthday is coming up on Tuesday. It doesn't even seem like it is going to be possible with so much going on. Work has missions conference, ladies' luncheon that day at work, my mom has jury duty, I have work, house work, so much going on. I imagine that the date will just fly right by me almost unnoticed. That is a bit sad to me. I have always been one of those people who want to have fun for a couple days around birthdays. I think it comes from growing up with a winter birthday. I always had to go to school on my birthday which basically means the day is a non event and then you would have your party on the weekend. So, my parents kind of made every day between the birthday and the party a little fun (maybe just watching an old movie but still fun). So, now I want to have fun all week long. I guess I am just a girl looking for a party. LOL!

I am starting to worry about going into labor. My labor was induced with Erik 6 days before his due date. Another doctor in the practice scheduled me for it; he didn't really think I would even make it to the date. I did (however, I came in with mild contractions that weren't hurting and dilated 4 centimeters, completely effaced - so I think the induction changed Erik's birth time by a matter of hours). Now, however, medical thought is that inducing before a due date is in general not a great practice, and my personal doctor is not that big in interventions unless there is a lot of indication (which is part of why I like her - agressive when needed but pretty laid back). They worry for me is that because I have painful gastrological flare ups- that involves muscle cramps/spasms - that I won't know I am in labor (rather than a flare up) until it is quite progressed. I delivered Erik very quickly (about 5 hours from start to finish with only pushing 3 or 4 times), and I worry that perhaps I won't make it to the hospital in time. This is probably a stupid fear, but it is bouncing around in my mind none the less.

I am also worried about the epidural this time, too. I am a fan of the epidural and plan to get it. However, St. Vincent's policy is to give patients who get any anesthesia dose of Raglan (a very strong anti acid). Anti acids constipate me a lot. Last time, I didn't go to the bathroom for 5 days after having Erik - this combined with an episiotomy - meant that the week after having Erik was pretty excruciating. When I had my throat surgery, they backed it down for me from Raglan to Pepcid, but I still had problems (and I was on a liquid diet). You see, anti acids are in general constipating, anesthesia is in general constipating, and the hormones involved in labor and delivery generally shut your digestive system down for a couple of days. At least, they know that I have IBS and chronic constipation so they can be mindful of it, but I don't want a huge problem. Hopefully I won't have to have an episitomy this time which will help.

Well, I think that is all for now. I hope to post pictures later.

Grace Made Evident

One of my friends from college has a photography business. I totally didn't know this until now when I saw that she is doing a print giveaway that ends today. I am so excited for her. The pictures are fabulous.

If you get a chance, check out her blog at: http://gracemadeevident.blogspot.com/.

If you see this today, sign up for the drawing (although I secretly hope you don't to increase my chances of winning... heehee...just kidding). The drawing link is: http://gracemadeevident.blogspot.com/2010/02/giveaway-win-one-of-my-prints.html

Very cool - check it out.

Potty Training Mayhem, Etc.

I am 22 weeks pregnant. 18 more weeks to go. Tired of having my stomach hurt. I have a pregnancy check up on Tuesday. I am looking forward to hearing the heartbeat again.

I am at this moment craving a Popsicle. That is kind of funny because I haven't crave sweets much, and the idea of eating a Popsicle when it is so cold outside seems weird.

OK here is the potty training deal. When Erik is at school he pretty much goes potty without accident. He even poops in the potty most of the time (not all the time - but most of the time). At home he will not go potty on his own. We have to tell him to go. He resists going and has accidents. He goes potty of his own initiative at restaurants, church, and other places. Just not at home.

This makes momma crazy. Today we let him wear big boy underwear at home in hopes that it would keep him from having an accident. All morning he did great. He never identified for himself when he needed to go potty. But, he stayed dry and went potty each time I prompted him without argument and too much playing (although one time he did come out of the bathroom with his Thomas the Tank Engine potty seat on his head - momma didn't find this funny). Then after lunch, I told him to go potty and try to pee pee and poop before nap time. He went in there again without much fight. He told me he went pee pee but didn't have to poop (he said this while making a pooping/pushing face). He flushed and came out of the bathroom.

Then we took like two minutes to watch the garbage truck (a highlight for every little boy), and the garbage man even honked the horn at Erik as he often does. We went to Erik's room to read stories for nap time. When we got in his room, I discovered Erik had pooped in his underwear.

Pregnant mothers, with a very active gag reflex, who just told their son to go poop, don't handle this situation well. I am one of those mothers. There was a spanking, I threw up, Erik cried. It was not the most pleasant scene.

I feel really divided on how to deal with the potty training stuff. I think he gets the sensation of having to go (especially pee - poop I am a little less sure of). I don't want to be an uptight mom who flips out every time their kid has an accident and causes them to develop a complex and chronic constipation and bladder infections because they are so afraid to go to the bathroom. But on the other hand, I want him to understand that while there are rewards for going potty, there are consequences for not going potty when you needed to. I hope he figures this out soon. I don't like the second guessing myself. I definitely don't like the gagging.