KerryAndGabe.com

Something that made me happy this week: Going on a walk this evening before dinner with my family.

Something I’m thinking: I’m thinking about buying a double stroller. We could have both pushed strollers tonight, and that would have been fine. I’m sure there will be times where one of us will need to stroll both kids, and Maddie is still a bit too young to walk everywhere. I actually walked this evening’s walk with Cullen in the Sleep Wrap. It wasn’t too bad, but I don’t think I could walk around all day at a zoo or park like that.

Something I’m hoping: I’m hoping that Cullen doesn’t get sick again. His temperature is a little elevated this evening (though not a fever at this point), and he’s not quite himself.

Something happening around the house: Ugh. We’re experiencing some “fun” home ownership issues. I guess our house is starting to act its age. The water heater broke yesterday. Gabe walked out with Maddie to go grab some lunch, and he discovered that the garage was full of steaming hot water. Not good. Fortunately, we found someone to come out almost right away and they fixed it yesterday. We have been enjoying our hot water today. We also bought a new kitchen sink and faucet today and plan on having the same guys install it. Our kitchen faucet and sink are falling apart and got worse this morning with the messed up water pressure due to air in the pipes. We are thinking about getting lighting installed in our library, something that we have wanted to do since we moved into the house. What kind of library doesn’t have suitable lighting? We are debating replacing the remainder of our brass light fixtures. I’m not sure we’re ready to do all of that.

Something I’m reading: I finished Flyte! Our book club is sorting out our picks for the next 6 months, so I might have to start reading some of those if I’m ever going to finish any of them.

Something tasty I ate this week: I made my own pizza for the first time! I didn’t make Cindy’s pizza, but she inspired me to give homemade pizza a try. Yum! I will have to make Cindy’s someday. It looks very good.

Something Maddie did this week (24 months old): Poor girl got strep throat for the first time. She seems to be getting all the same kind of illnesses that I had frequently as a child. Maddie felt pretty bad, resulting in some sweet cuddles with her Daddy. I think she’s feeling more like herself now. Not feeling well did contribute to some extra toddler tantrums. She is certainly embracing being a two year old. She continues to say funny things. She often requests socks saying, “her feet are cold” (whether or not that is actually true). This week, she came up with a new one. She said, “Daddy, I need my shoes. My socks are cold.” I love the toddler logic!

Something Cullen did this week (6 weeks old): He rolled over from his front to his back this week, though clearly not intentional. He has done this a few times previously on the bed, which I thought was a little sloped so it didn’t “count.” This time he rolled over on the floor. It certainly wasn’t intentional, but he was happier afterward. Cullen smiles a little each day. He still has a little acne and a lot of cradle cap. He’s holding his head up extremely well. We estimate he’s between 11.5 and 12 pounds.

Something I struggled with this week: Broken water heater, sick child, recovering my iTunes library (the only copy of it was on our iPods and a broken hard drive), dealing with toddler tantrums, realizing that my maternity leave is half over, realizing that Cullen is no longer a newborn, accidentally not refrigerating Maddie’s antibiotic necessitating a new prescription (which is not covered by insurance, by the way), chronic lack of sleep.

Something I’m doing towards my goals: I’ve been actively gathering suggestions and sending out emails for our book club. This falls under my goal of staying active in at least one book club. I’ve also done a little bit towards my MS fundraising goals and plan to focus some more efforts in that direction soon. I went back and created my 2005 photobook, so I guess that can potentially count as “create yearly photobooks for my family” since some of it has both Gabe and me. Ooh, and I see that “replace the kitchen sink” was one of my goals…we bought the sink and faucet and are replacing it very soon!

Something I learned this week: I learned that I had already scrapbooked 2005….after I finished my 2005 photobook! Hrm, oh well, the old scrapbook was heavy and bulky. The photobook version is a little different, but the important things are well represented.

Something I’m looking forward to next week: A relaxing, stress-free week???

Something random: We’re watching more reality shows than normal this season - Survivor, Amazing Race, and American Idol. We’ve really been enjoying all three! I’m not sure who we want to win Survivor, but I love the Heroes vs. Villains thing. I haven’t watched Survivor in several seasons, but I know a lot of the players this season. The cowboys on Amazing Race make us laugh. We are rooting for Crystal Bowersox on American Idol and also like several others: Alex Lambert, Andrew Garcia, Casey James, Lee Dewyze, and Lilly Scott. Lee Dewyze is probably my second favorite at the moment.

Something captured: Poor sick little girl wanted to snuggle with Daddy and read books.

Others writing The Sunday Somethings: Audrey

Something that made me happy this week: Maddie seems to be coming back around to Mommy. Since Cullen was born, she has been very clingy to Daddy and hasn’t wanted to have much to do with anyone else. This week, she paid more equal attention to us both (though still leans towards Daddy).

Something I’m thinking: I really need to do my taxes soon. I did a preliminary run weeks ago, but I haven’t had time to make sure all the numbers are right.

Something I’m hoping: I’m hoping we’ll all be healthy this week. I thought that Cullen was over his cold, but he’s not quite well. He still has a little congestion that is making it hard for him to breathe. Poor thing.

Something happening around the house: Maddie and I made cupcakes today. I even made them pink, like in her new favorite book, Pinkalicious.

Something I’m reading: I think I read another chapter of Flyte. Otherwise, I read a lot of Pinkalicious and some of Maddie’s board books. I’m even way behind on my RSS feeds.

Something tasty I ate this week: Friends brought us tasty dinners this week!

Something Maddie did this week (24 months old): Maddie had her 2-year check up this week. She weighs 24 pounds, 6 ounces which puts her in the 20th percentile. The doctor was very impressed with Maddie’s communication skills and claimed Maddie was talking like a 3 year old. We were very proud.

Something Cullen did this week (5 weeks old): He graced us with his first social smiles this week! So far, he has mostly smiled at Mommy (but has smiled a time or two in Daddy’s direction). I’m sure the smiles will get bigger and more frequent soon! He’s been alert more and more each day. His acne is starting to clear up, but now he’s cursed with cradle cap.

Something I struggled with this week: I’ve been trying to ignore the fact that I’ve been sick. I feel mostly ok, and I think I might be mostly better now. That’s what I keep telling myself, and so far that seems to be working!

Something I’m doing towards my goals: Nothing in particular this week.

Something I learned this week: I learned it takes more food coloring than you might think to make cupcake batter pink. Plus, I needed to make it a bit more pink so that it wasn’t so subtle when the cupcakes were baked.

Something I’m looking forward to next week: Quality time spent with my newborn son.

Something random: Cullen has nursed over 750 times and has had almost 400 diaper changes.

Something captured:

Others writing The Sunday Somethings: Audrey

Something that made me happy this week: I think Cullen and Maddie are mostly over their colds now, thank goodness.

Something I’m thinking: It’s my sister’s birthday. Happy birthday, Kristin!

Something I’m hoping: I’m hoping Cullen’s baby acne clears up soon. I don’t think it bothers him too much, but it sure looks awful!

Something happening around the house: We had Maddie’s best buddies over for cake to celebrate her 2nd birthday yesterday!

Something I’m reading: Today I read Big Red Barn and PInkalicious, both of them multiple times. Oh! And I actually read two chapters of Flyte, the Septimus Heap book that I was reading before Cullen was born. I don’t anticipate getting time to read generally. I have too many other things that I need to do with my “free” time, like sleep.

Something tasty I ate this week: Cake!! We ate birthday cake for Maddie yesterday and birthday cake for my sister today. Both were very yummy. We have a good amount of cake leftover from Maddie’s cake, so I guess we might be enjoying that for a few days.

Something Maddie did this week: She turned TWO and had a birthday party! She also tattled on Nana and Papa. Cullen spit up a little on the couch earlier this week, and I asked Gabe to get a wet cloth to wipe it. Maddie then started saying over and over (while pointing at a spot on the couch), “Papa washed it. It’s clean. Papa washed it. It’s clean.” I talked to my mom and asked whether there had been any mishaps with the couch when they were here while Cullen was in the hospital (at the time OVER three weeks ago). Sure enough, Abby had drooled on the couch and my dad cleaned it up. We were all amazed that she remembered this and communicated it to us!

Something Cullen did this week: He was a bit fussier than usual this week and had a few bad nights as far as sleep was concerned. He spent most of the week recovering from his cold, poor thing. He seems to be back to his “usual” laid back self, for the most part. Oh, and he’s growing like crazy. When we had his follow up appointment the day after being discharged from the hospital (over a week ago on Saturday), he hadn’t gained any weight since the previous Tuesday. We had an appointment on Thursday and found out that he had gained almost another pound, weighing in at 10 pounds, 7 ounces! Big boy!

Something I struggled with this week: We had a couple of days this week where Maddie absolutely would have nothing to do with anyone except her Daddy. This has been exhausting for Gabe, but it’s also hard not to get my feelings hurt when she won’t let me read a book (though I can’t say I’m heartbroken when she refuses to let me change her diaper).

Something I’m doing towards my goals: I set up Cullen’s college savings account which is the first step in paying for his education. It’s my goal to pay for Maddie and Cullen’s education so that they don’t have to start their adult lives with a ton of debt.

Something I learned this week: I remember thinking of something earlier this week that I learned, but I guess it didn’t stick. I did learn how to throw a party without investing a huge amount of time in preparation. I did not make a single food item for the party…not my best party offering, but I didn’t really have time to spend on making stuff. The toddlers didn’t seem to mind!

Something I’m looking forward to next week: Looks like we have some tasty dinners headed our way this week! I’m also looking forward to Maddie’s 2-year check up. I’m curious to know how much she weighs now.

Something random: I received an interesting comment this week on my post about the Emmaljunga prams. A representative from the Cirque du Soleil show, Mystere, in Las Vegas contacted me to see if we still had the pram for sale. We do still have one of them, but unfortunately it’s a smaller model. They were interested in the one pictured on the post for use in the show. I was excited for a day or so that we might be able to contribute to the production. How cool would that have been?

Something captured: The birthday girl with her crayon box birthday cake.

Others writing The Sunday Somethings: Audrey

Something that made me happy this week: I was happy when we found out at Cullen’s 2-week appointment that not only had he regained his birth weight, he gained an extra pound and an ounce. He weighed in at 9 pounds, 11 ounces on Tuesday. He was 21.5 inches long, putting him in the 71st percentile. Quite different from his peanut of a big sister.

Something I’m thinking: I thought I was tired last week at this time. Wow, I had no idea.

Something I’m hoping: I’m hoping to have a boring week and a healthy family.

Something happening around the house: Snow, again. This kind of snow was much better. It was pretty, it didn’t cause problems on the roads, and it is melting away quickly.

Something I’m reading: Board books to Maddie. That’s about it.

Something tasty I ate this week: Several friends delivered real food to the hospital while we were there with Cullen. This was very much appreciated!

Something Maddie did this week: Maddie continues to be a chatterbox and cracks us up all the time. Last Sunday evening, she blamed her brother for the first time. She tore the wrapper off the crayon, and Gabe asked her, “why did you tear the paper off the crayon?” Maddie’s reply was, “Cullen did it.” Wow, I can’t believe how early that behavior starts! She’s not even 2! And then a couple days ago, Gabe was taking her downstairs from her crib in the morning and she passed some gas. Gabe asked, “Maddie, did you toot?” and Maddie’s reply this time was, “Bunny tooted.” I guess since Cullen wasn’t at home (he was at the hospital with me), she had to resort to blaming her stuffed animals. Hilarious.

Something Cullen did this week: Cullen seems to have his first illness which, due to his age, meant an ER visit for us and a two day stay in the hospital. He vomited several times and had a fever on Wednesday night. They take fevers in newborns very seriously and subjected him to a number of tests including a spinal tap and several equally unpleasant tests. It was a difficult couple of days, and we’re not quite recovered from it. We have been home from the hospital since Friday night.

Something I struggled with this week: Obviously taking my newborn to the ER and having him admitted to the hospital was a struggle. I encountered my first situation where I had to prioritize my children and give attention to the one who needs it most. Maddie was very upset when we left her on Wednesday night to take Cullen to the hospital. It was heartbreaking, but we had to focus on what was going on with Cullen at the moment. I knew that we would have times like these with multiple children, but it was still difficult.

Something I’m doing towards my goals: We watched another episode or two of Dead Like Me.

Something I learned this week: I learned a little more than I wanted about the ER and pediatric ward of the hospital. Fortunately, Cullen’s visit was a precautionary one, standard protocol for newborns with a fever. Thank goodness it wasn’t more serious.

Something I’m looking forward to next week: Maddie’s birthday! I can’t believe that she will be TWO at the end of this week.

Something random: I’m excited about seeing the rest of Cullen’s photo session with Catherine Keene Photography. This should happen tomorrow!

Something captured: My little guy in the smallest hospital gown ever, hooked up to an IV and various monitors. This was taken while we were still in the ER (where we stayed for about 8 hours).

Others writing The Sunday Somethings: Audrey

Something that made me happy this week: We had several friends bring meals to our house this week which was a huge help. We are very grateful for this and have enjoyed eating some different dishes that we might not normally try.

Something I’m thinking: I’m thinking I could use more sleep.

Something I’m hoping: I’m hoping to get my taxes done this week. I started on them this past week, but I need to make sure my numbers are correct.

Something happening around the house: Gabe’s mom came to visit for a few days during which time Catherine came to set up a studio for photoshoots of Cullen and the rest of us. I can’t wait to see the photos!

Something I’m reading: Still not reading much, aside from blogs in my feed reader.

Something tasty I ate this week: Friday night, friends brought over a tasty meal of sausage corn chowder, salad, bread, and a cheesecake/mousse pie. I think we’re going to add the chowder to our normal rotation of meals. We both really enjoyed it! I’ve posted the recipe.

Something Maddie did this week: She missed two days of daycare due to the weather (and one day due to the photo session with Catherine). I’m hoping that having her in daycare full time this week will help with her overall routine. Hopefully, it will help improve her sleeping schedule as well.

Something Cullen did this week: Cullen had his first of many photo sessions with Catherine Keene Photography. At this rate, the kids will have to pay for their own college but they will have beautiful photographs of their childhood.

Something I struggled with this week: Sleep was a struggle a few nights this week, but of course that’s to be expected with a newborn. The toddler is having more sleep issues than the newborn, it seems. It’s taking 2 hours to get her to sleep each night, she wakes up several times in the middle of the night, and one night this week she was awake the majority of the time between 1am and 5am. I’ve also been struggling with not being able to give Maddie the same attention we gave her a few weeks ago and miss snuggling her in our bed in the middle of the night. It’s an adjustment for everyone.

Something I’m doing towards my goals: Surprisingly, I did work on one of my goals. Just last night, we got out the Dead Like Me DVDs so that we can watch the rest of that series as we have time.

Something I learned this week: I learned that the daycare uses the phrase “time out” (sparingly) in the classroom. When Maddie repeatedly wouldn’t listen to me, I asked her if she wanted to go to “time out.” We had never used that phrase with her previously, so I’m not sure why I even said it. Well, it worked. She no longer thought that misbehaving was funny and stopped that behavior. Her little face then scrunched up in a heart wrenching way, and she got really upset! She went running to Daddy, “I don’t want to go to time out! No time out!” and was crying. I talked to one of her teachers who said she didn’t think that Maddie had ever been sent to time out, but apparently she has a healthy respect for the punishment! We’ll have to remember that in the future (but use it sparingly).

Something I’m looking forward to next week: I’m looking forward to seeing our photos from Catherine, my first “normal” week on maternity leave with Maddie in daycare the whole week and no house guests, and Cullen’s 2-week appointment and weight check.

Something random: I’m still waiting on Cullen’s cord to fall off. Poor guy doesn’t have a belly button yet.

Something captured: Grandma had a lot of fun playing with Maddie and holding Cullen this week!

Others writing The Sunday Somethings: Audrey

Something that made me happy this week: Cullen continues to be a very laid back baby. We marvel daily at how different he is from his big sister.

Something I’m thinking: I can’t believe that I’m the mother of two beautiful children! I have kids. Kids, as in more than one! Crazy.

Something I’m hoping: I hope that the LOST premiere is good!!! Looking forward to it!

Something happening around the house: SNOW! It snowed and sleeted and did all kinds of frozen stuff for well over 24 hours. We have quite a bit of accumulation and are pretty much stuck for a few days. Maddie was excited to see it, and she spent about 5 minutes out there with Daddy. It was COLD.

Something I’m reading: I’ve been reading a lot of blogs on my iPod in the middle of the night while nursing the little man. For the first time ever, I’m staying caught up on my feeds. I need more blogs to add to my list!

Something tasty I ate this week: Homemade chili that friends brought by and chicken soup that neighbors brought us at exactly the right time as we were trying to figure out what to have for lunch. Meal drop offs are awesome!

Something Maddie did this week: She took a greater interest in her baby brother, after ignoring him for several days. She now wants to hold and hug him often. She will sit and ask to put a blanket on her lap in preparation for holding “baby Cullen.” She includes him in her night-night ritual (”night night baby Cullen”), among other important items like her shopping cart and school bus tent.

Something Cullen did this week: Cullen slept a ton and was generally a little angel. He has a tough job.

Something I struggled with this week: Winter weather, ugh! The weather changed the plans of my mom (she went back earlier), Gabe’s mom (she’s coming later), and Catherine (also coming later).

Something I’m doing towards my goals: Does it look like I have time to work on goals?

Something I learned this week: I learned how they correct tongue tie. It was a very simple procedure, and Cullen didn’t seem to suffer from it at all. Hopefully, it has made him a more efficient nurser and will lessen the chances of speech issues in the future.

Something I’m looking forward to next week: Hopefully, Catherine is coming to take photos of our little boy. The weather already interfered with that once, and I’m a little worried it’s trying to interfere again. Stupid winter.

Something random: We are still planning on taking a photo of Cullen every day for the first year of his life. Once again, we’re going to have way more photos than anyone could ever possibly need. I’m excited about the project as Maddie’s turned out awesome.

Something captured: Maddie was so excited about the snow. She wasn’t heavy enough to break through the top crust of the snow since we had a layer of sleet and ice on top.

Others writing The Sunday Somethings: Audrey

Something that made me happy this week: Finishing Maddie’s big girl room mural!!!

Something I’m thinking: The due date is NEXT WEEK. Yikes!

Something I’m hoping: I’m hoping that Gabe and I have a great day tomorrow. Gabe has a holiday, and I’m taking vacation so that we can go to a fancy lunch and a movie while Maddie is at daycare.

Something happening around the house: We had a slumber party with Maddie’s best friend Keira and Keira’s mommy.

Something I’m reading: I read a little more of the second book in the Septimus Heap series, Flyte.

Something tasty I ate this week: Tonight, I had some peanut butter toast. YUM!

Something Maddie did this week: Gabe installed the infant car seat bases into both cars, which means that we moved the seat around in the van and installed Maddie’s car seat forward facing. So far, she hasn’t seemed to think it’s a big deal. She does talk about being able to see out the window and points out that the other car seat is “baby brother’s car seat.”

Something happening with the pregnancy: We had another appointment this week, of course. For those of you wanting stats, the answers are 2/50/-2. Of course, none of that really means anything, but I guess there’s progress. The next appointment is Wednesday afternoon.

Something I struggled with this week: Finding clothes in my wardrobe that fit.

Something I’m doing towards my goals: I ordered our 2009 photobooks (2 volumes, in addition to the books that we already had for each cruise).

Something I learned this week: We learned how to install Maddie’s car seat forward facing.

Something I’m looking forward to next week: Our fun day tomorrow!

Something random: Our new humidifier is awesome!!! We have had a humidifier in our room for a while, but it just isn’t big enough to handle the size of our bedroom. Our new one is designed to cover a larger space, and what a difference that makes!

Something captured: Maddie’s new big girl room (more photos to come soon). I’m so happy to finish the mural, finally!

Others writing The Sunday Somethings: Audrey

Something that made me happy this week: I actually managed to attend my baby shower! My friend Shannon (Paolo’s mommy) had a great idea to throw us a meals shower. She and Shannon (Keira’s mommy) co-hosted the event. It was wonderful. We have many friends signed up to bring us meals after the baby arrives. I remember how helpful that was when Maddie was born, and I look forward to trying out so many new dishes.

Something I’m thinking: We’re getting closer to being “ready” for baby boy. I’ll feel more prepared once we reconfigure the seats in the van, move Maddie’s car seat (turning it forward facing), and install baby boy’s car seat bases (in both cars). Gabe hopes to do that early this week.

Something I’m hoping: I’m hoping to get a few more days to “get things done” before the baby gets here, though I feel confident that we can care for his basic needs upon arrival.

Something happening around the house: We had guests this weekend. My mom was in town for the shower, and my friend Catherine and her son were here for the shower and photoshoot. Catherine took photos of my belly today. I can’t wait to see how they turned out!

Something I’m reading: I finished and recommend Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s. I started reading the second book in the Septimus Heap series, Flyte.

Something tasty I ate this week: This week, I’ll mention something tasty I drank this week…the punch at the shower was very good! I don’t usually go for the creamy punches, but this one was fabulous. I hope to get the recipe from Shannon (Keira’s mommy) and post it here.

Something Maddie did this week: We had a fairly major event (as far as Mommy is concerned) this week. Due to various circumstances, I found myself at work with the car without the car seat. Gabe was planning to get Maddie since I had plans after work. Plans changed slightly, and Shannon (Keira’s mommy) was going to meet me at my house right after work and drive me around. Since she had a car seat in her car, and it would save Gabe and extra trip, Maddie rode in Shannon’s car. Without her Mommy or Daddy. This is a big deal for me! Apparently, it was a really big deal for Maddie, too. She has been talking about it for days, “I rode in Shannon’s car and played with toys.” She has repeated this over and over. I’m glad that the drive went so well as we may need to call on Shannon to pick up or take Maddie to daycare, depending on when baby boy decides to make his appearance.

Something happening with the pregnancy: We are going to the doctor weekly. I haven’t met all the doctors in the new practice yet, so they are trying to get me in with different ones each week. This week, I met the newest doctor to the practice. She just started this week. She was very nice and thorough. She’s already one of my favorites. While she was measuring and feeling around my belly, she took a step back and asked, “How big was your first baby??” When I answered that Maddie was 8 lbs, 2 oz at birth, she said, “This baby isn’t going to be any smaller!” I figured this, but it’s another thing for the doctor to inform me of that! We’re expecting a big baby, especially as we get closer and closer to the due date. Oh, and the baby is officially “full term” (37 weeks). Two weeks, 5 days until the due date.

Something I struggled with this week: Putting on my socks and tying my shoes.

Something I’m doing towards my goals: I managed to work on Volume 2 of the 2009 photobooks this week. I took a vacation day on Friday primarily to do this. I hope to take another one this week to get some more done. I also would love to finish Maddie’s mural…but I don’t know if that’s going to happen!

Something I learned this week: Maddie is cutting another tooth. So far, she has her two bottom molars and she’s cutting at least one of the top molars. The new tooth on the top makes her 11th. She may be getting both of the top ones, but she won’t let me poke around her mouth too much (and it’s too hard to see the top ones!).

Something I’m looking forward to next week: We have some dinners with friends, a slumber party, and a birthday party.

Something random: Gabe thinks I put too many marshmellows in my hot chocolate, but I think there’s no such thing as “too many marshmellows.” And hot chocolate, YUM!

Something captured: My lovely co-hosts and me at the shower yesterday.

Others writing The Sunday Somethings: Audrey

Something that made me happy this week: Spending time with my sweet little girl. It’s been a good week! She has been a lot of fun to be around.

Something I’m thinking: Is today really the last day of the vacation? I’m so sad!

Something I’m hoping: I’m hoping to get a few things done today. I’ve been working on photos…maybe I can get those all up-to-date on the website this week.

Something happening around the house: We had our New Year’s Eve games night. We had a lot of fun, though I’m not sure we’ll have another games night for a while…

Something I’m reading: I finished Magyk, the first book in the Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage. I started reading Look Me in the Eye which is January’s book club pick.

Something tasty I ate this week: I’ve posted two recipes that I tried out over the holiday break: Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole and Hannah’s Cheese Ball. YUM!

Something Maddie did this week: Maddie told her first joke this week. I spilled my Dr. Pepper during lunch the other day, and I was talking to Maddie as I cleaned up the mess. I said, “I spilled my Dr. Pepper everywhere! It’s on my pants, my shoes, and the floor!” Maddie said, “on your head??” and giggled about it. Too funny. Since then, she has mentioned the incident a few times. “Dr. Pepper on your head?” Yesterday, she also added with a laugh, “Goldfish on my knee!” In a side note, I love how she says “Dr. Pepper” - it sounds like “doc-tuh pep-puh.”

Something happening with the pregnancy: We had another boring appointment last week (boring is good!). The next appointment is Tuesday, and we’re now going every week. Baby boy will be full term on Friday. I can’t believe how close we’re getting now. Just a little longer baby boy…please stay in the belly just a little longer.

Something I struggled with this week: Maddie was an angel for most of the week, but she had a few rough moments with her teething. Those molars are huge! They look quite painful.

Something I’m doing towards my goals: I worked on our family’s 2009 photobooks. I’ve finished Volume 1 (yes, I have to do two volumes - have you seen the number of photos that we have?). It’s my goal to finish Volume 2 before the baby arrives…otherwise, I don’t know when it will get done!

Something I learned this week: I learned that our plates have decreased in price at Replacements Ltd. Last time I checked on them, they were really expensive. Now they are just slightly expensive. Since Gabe broke a plate yesterday, I think we’ll order a few replacements. Maddie let everyone know, “Daddy broke a plate.” Over and over and over. She must have repeated it 50 times. We’ve been meaning to order replacement dishes since moving into the house since the movers broke a few.

Something I’m looking forward to next week: Dare I say that I’m looking forward to the rescheduled shower???

Something random: Ooh, the premiere of Chuck is this coming weekend! Woohoo!

Something captured: Maddie on her new bike that she got for Christmas from her grandparents.

Others writing The Sunday Somethings: Audrey

Something that made me happy this week: Christmas! I loved seeing Maddie react to every little thing. She’ll probably be asking to open more presents for weeks.

Something I’m thinking: It appears to be Monday, but I just didn’t have the time to do this yesterday.

Something I’m hoping: I’m hoping that the baby waits until close to the due date to make his arrival.

Something happening around the house: Chaos! Toys are everywhere, and we have had guests since Christmas Day. I’m trying to decide whether to put away the Christmas decorations before the New Year’s Eve party or leave them up. I want to leave them up, but that means less gaming space…so I don’t know. I usually like to take the decorations down in the first few days of the new year.

Something I’m reading: I finished The Help. I had some time to read when I was sick earlier in the week. I started reading the first book of the Septimus Heap series, Magyk, by Angie Sage. The Help is March’s book club pick. Magyk is not, but I thought it would be a pretty easy series to read. I might read the next book club book after I finish Magyk, though I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to attend the next few book club meetings.

Something tasty I ate this week: We had LOTS of tasty things this week!!!

Something Maddie did this week: I always see quite a bit of progress in Maddie when we are with her for multiple days. She seems to be talking more than ever! She frequently speaks in complete (and correct) sentences. One day this week, she took the remote control and said, “I want to watch the game” and then “Daddy, I need to watch the basketball.” Daddy was quite proud. Considering that she watches very little (almost no) TV, we were surprised to hear her say this!

Something happening with the pregnancy: I’m noticing more Braxton Hicks contractions and wondering if I’m going to make it to the due date. Things seem a bit different this time than they were with Maddie at this stage. Time will tell. I have my 36 week appointment this week and will now be going to weekly appointments.

Something I struggled with this week: I had an ear infection on top of congestion, headache and sore throat. Ugh! It was not a fun several days, but I was thankful that I was well before Christmas Eve.

Something I’m doing towards my goals: Not a whole lot aside from the usual ongoing things.

Something I learned this week: Maddie has been all about Daddy for about the past 6 months. She seems to be balancing out now and is excited about Mommy as well. It’s nice that she’s turning her attention to me again, though I wonder how it’s going to be when a lot of my attention will be going towards the new baby.

Something I’m looking forward to next week: Our usual New Year’s Eve games night!

Something random: We’re enjoying the new video monitor that we gave ourselves for Christmas. We knew we would need a 2nd monitor for the new baby, and I found this video monitor on sale not too long ago.

Something captured: Maddie opening her stocking stuffed with goodies (and new buddies) from Santa. She had so much fun.

Others writing The Sunday Somethings: Audrey