Monday, July 30, 2012

Baby Fisk #3: 20 Weeks...

I was too lazy to change into my gray top...




How far along? 20 weeks - over half way there!!  (we're being induced)

Total weight gain/loss? maybe 10-11 lbs? (I never know for sure until our next appointment).

Maternity clothes? I feel like I should delete this question...it will be the same from here on out.  Mostly maternity, except for some tops and dresses.

Sleep? Counting my blessings that I still get a full night's sleep unless one of the little guys has a nightmare.

Movement? I MAY have felt him once.  Come on little guy!

Food cravings/aversions? I'm trying to find some aversions, haha.

Gender? Boy :)

Labor signs? Nope.

What others are saying: I was asked if I was expecting this week.  When the lady asked if it was a girl, and I said it was a boy, I thought she might cry!

What I miss: Not much.

What I am looking forward to: Picking out a name...we are getting closer!

Milestones: Carter is praying for the baby and patting my tummy from time to time.  We got a lawn put in this week so the boys can enjoy it for years.  I am not doing much for the nursery but have ordered a few things for the wall.  I'm trying to get little things together here and there for his arrival.  Since we already have two boys, this time around is fairly simple to prepare for.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

QOTW: 7/25/12


We went to Amarillo last week for appointments and drove through an area with a bunch of stores like Target, Best Buy, etc.  Carter yells, "Look at all dat, Mommy!  LOOK at all dose ABCs!!"

As I mentioned in a previous post, Carter has been sick with strep for over a week.  He hasn't quite been himself.  We don't let the kids watch much TV, but from time to time (especially when I'm trying to clean house), I let him watch a few cartoons, aka cartoonies.  So, the other morning as soon as he woke up and got his milk he said, "Mommy, may I pease watch cartoonies, pease.  Pease.  Pease.  Pease.  Pease.   (Nodding his head).  I am weally sick, Mommy."  Ha!  I let him watch :)

Two nights ago we were saying prayers with Carter.  Actually, this time we were saying them and he was trying to do somersaults off his bed.  When we neared the end, he says the following:
"Pray for Chahlie (Charlie)"  side note: we have mentioned that name a time or two as a consideration for baby #3.
Me: Who is Charlie?
Carter: The baby in Mommy's tummy.
Me: Why do we need to pray for him?
Carter:  He is trying (crying).
Me: Why is he crying?
Carter: He is SO sad!
Me: Why is he sad?
Carter: (shaking, squinting his eyes and, shaking his fists).  HE WANTS OUT!!!

Carter has a baby in his tummy, too.  "Mommy, look!  I have a baby in my tummy, too.  His name Jonah.  Like in the fish."

We finally put in sod this week.  Previously, we had an 8500 sq foot yard of dirt and weeds.  Carter came home to it and said, "What is this????  Ohhh, I LIKE it!  I like grass." 

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Peter: 9 Months...


I am a week late in posting this, darn it.  Peter turned 9 months old on the 17th!  He is getting more and more active, and the things he can do with his brother just multiply daily.  Peter is still as sweet as can be and really goes with the flow.  Here are some stats:

 
Weighs almost 23 lbs - average for a 13 month old.

Is almost 29 inches long - average for an 11 month old (at this point, Carter was both an inch longer and a pound heavier than Peter). 

Wears anything from 12 month to 18 month clothing.

Drinks about 4 bottles a day (of formula with added rice).  Totaling about 24-28 oz.


Eats everything!  Peter really does love to eat.  If any of us are eating, he wants to as well.  He is almost completely off of baby food.  Right now we still feed him some when it is more convenient, but he loves to eat whatever we are eating.  What a blessing :)

Is still on Zantac and is still spitting up.  I'm hoping we are nearing the end.


Takes 2 good naps a day, ranging from 1 hour to 2.5 hours. And, sometimes there is a third. He goes down for the night around 6:30 and still typically wakes a little before six.

He is in full crawling mode and can get anywhere in a hurry!  He's now pulling up to everything and is so proud.  (At this point, Carter was still 6 months away from walking).



He has four teeth and has yet to bite me (keep your fingers crossed).


He has started to wave, but just to a few people...mainly PaPa, Daddy and Elley.


Loves to be outside, play with Carter, or simply be with anyone who will love him :) 


This month has been a little tough, in terms of health, for both boys.  Over the 4th, they both got a stomach bug, and they are currently fighting strep.  Bless their hearts, it still doesn't stop them :)


 
Gosh, we have so much to be thankful for!





and for those who question whether they look alike, here's Carter at 9 months:


Monday, July 23, 2012

Baby Fisk #3: 19 Weeks



How far along? 19 weeks.

Total weight gain/loss? a whopping 9 lbs to date. 

Maternity clothes? Pretty much just maternity clothes.  However, I always have some dresses/tops that I can wear throughout...luckily (or unluckily) they look like maternity wear even if they aren't!

Sleep? Still good :)

Movement? Still not feeling much.  I was really worried about it until our ultrasound last week.  He's moving like a gymnast but I just can't feel it yet.

Food cravings/aversions?  Nothing specific.  I just feel like I eat all the time.

Gender?  Boy :)

Labor signs? Nope.

What others are saying: Nothing that I remember this week.

What I miss: Nothing really.

What I am looking forward to:  Picking out a name.

Milestones: Carter has determined that he has a baby in his tummy, too.  "Mommy, JONAH is the baby in my tummy.  Just like the fish!"  Ha. 
We also found out at this appointment that our doctor will induce me again at about 39 weeks...I love that.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

QOTW: 7/18/12...

I really haven't witnessed a ton of funny things Carter has said lately.  More and more, he's just saying things/having conversations that I don't expect.  For instance:

When we were going to feed cows the other morning, this was our conversation:
Carter:  I want to see some antelopes!
There's one! (pointing to nothing).
Oh, just a wain gauge.
Then Jeremy and I pointed out two different groups which he pretended not to see.
Carter: There's one!  I see it!  Way over der! 
(Again, there was nothing)
Carter:  See, I found it! 
He obviously wasn't too interested in seeing "antelopes" unless he saw them first.


I guess it had been one of those days when Peter needed more care than Carter.  At the end of the day, Carter was taking a bath, and I went to get Peter to get in with him.  Before I left to get him, Carter says, "NO!  I do not like Peter.  He stays out there."
He quickly got over not liking him.


A conversation on our way to Amarillo to see MiMi and Pops:

"This be so fun!  I see MiMi and Pops!  Wait, Pops might be workin'.  Oh well, I will see him yesterday."
He's starting to have his own conversations rather than waiting for me to join in.

When Carter had the stomach bug, he was sitting on the couch and was about to have a little diarrhea (sorry for too much info).  His eyes get huge and he says:
"OH NO!  There's someping in my tummy!"
Poor little guy.

When leaving my parents house a few weeks ago, Carter was upset he didn't get to see Elley.  We were on our way back home and he says to himself"
"Don't worry, Elley.  We be back REAL soon!"

Carter got in a bad habit recently, always saying "I want/I need" until he gets what he wants/needs.  We've been working on it, and here's what I've been hearing:

"Mommy, pease may I have some milk, PEASE!" 
How can I resist those requests?

I was pulling weeds in our flower garden, and Carter decided to pull flowers.  I told him we weren't supposed to do that and he looks at me puzzled, "But, Mommy, it is so BUTIFUL!"

And...his favorite thing in the world to say these days:

"HEY_______!  What are you doin???"

I heard them cracking up the other day and found Peter wearing their toy vegetable basket on his head...

Carter and another one of his protectors, Abby...


A couple pictures of happy Peter that Jeremy took...


Have a blessed one!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Baby Fisk #3: 18 Weeks...

(sorry for the redundant posts at times with no changes)...


How far along? 18 Weeks (yes, I skipped a 17 week update).


Total weight gain/loss? I'm not sure I want to know. 

Maternity clothes? Pretty much just maternity clothes.

Sleep? Still good :)

Movement? I think I have felt the baby.  Thankful that I can still sleep without a sweet little elbow jab.

Food cravings/aversions? We had a girls trip for my cousin's bachelorette party last weekend.  I do not think 30 minutes ever passed without something in my mouth.  Weight gain...yeah.

Gender?  That research paper might have had more credence than some thought ;)  We're having a sweet little boy :)
Labor signs? Nope.

What others are saying: "I can't even tell you're pregnant from behind."  What does that really even mean?

What I miss: Nothing really.

What I am looking forward to:  Everything.  Finalizing a name (takes us forever)!  Getting all of the measurements at this week's appointment...makes me worry a lot less.

Milestones: Getting a peek at a very HEALTHY baby last week.  Praise the Lord.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Number 3...

Our first one looked like this, and most now say he favors his Daddy...

Our second one looked like this, and others say he looks a little more like me...


What in the world will our third little BOY look like???

Yes, we got a little sneak peak last Friday, and Baby Fisk #3 is a boy :)  We are thrilled!  Of course some people sigh and say we'll just have to try again for a girl (meaning no harm), and hopefully someday we will have a girl.  We would love that!  For now, though, we could not be happier with what God has chosen to bless us with!  Another brother for Carter and Peter, another little baby who will probably be as busy as can be, enjoying the outdoors, playing with cars, keeping us entertained and completely melting our hearts.

I've told others before that I hope for a girl someday, simply because of this...my mom, sister, and I are now best friends.  I adore the relationship we all have, and I would like to have that with a daughter of my own one of these days.  On another note, I know I'll have to "give these little guys away" someday...to a wife or the Church, and right now the thought breaks my heart.  However, I have the best example of doing just that in my amazing mother-in-law.  As she has blessed me, I, too, hope to do the same someday when my sons become husbands (or priests!).

Since those days are years down the road, right now all I can think of is wrapping my arms around another precious, little boy (who will undoubtedly be my world) and welcoming that miracle into our family. 

Here's to Baby Boy #3!

Monday, July 9, 2012

Our 4th...

Our 4th of July celebrations were a little different than we had planned this year.  We woke up that morning and Frog (the turtle) looked like this:



With racing stripes set, we knew he was ready to run.

His owner looked like this:


He was really excited to catch candy, eat candy, throw candy (see a theme here??).

Well, as we unloaded from the car for our adventure in the streets of Clayton, C-man decided to throw up in the middle of the street.  Brilliant.  However, when most moms would have loaded them right back up and headed home, this one chose differently.  We were going to let him catch a few sweet treats.  Mom-of-the-year right here. 

Disclaimer:  Carter has always had an extremely sensitive tummy.  His spit up, until he was 10 months old was like most kids' throw up...I don't know how many times we changed his clothes and cleaned up spills daily.  As of late, he's thrown up about once a week for about 4 weeks (DOES THIS HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE'S KID???).  He never acted sick or threw up multiple times.  So I chalked it up to his super acidic stomach acting up.

Well, the 4th of July was a different story.  No fluke acid tummy.  As soon as we got home, it was very apparent that he had a stomach bug...I'll spare you any more details.

But these were the photos we got of our sick child on the fourth.  Important, I know.




And, as for Frog...he was set free.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Our Anniversary and C.S. Lewis' Brilliance...

(a little Clayton 4th of July parade complete with sausage on a stick)

Jeremy and I celebrated our third year of marriage on the 27th of June.  It's hard for me to explain or put into words how much I love this man.  As everyone advised, our love has changed.  There is a special giddiness/head-over-heels physical and surface attraction that is a part of the beginning of such a special relationship.  The kind of love/fascination with the other that makes you want to spend every waking minute together, staying on the phone until the wee hours of the morning, yet not really knowing exactly what you talked about when hanging up.  The kind of love that insists that you are always at least holding hands or within inches of each other when together.  The kind of love that truly makes it feel as if nothing else in the world matters but your significant other.  When people used to say, "That won't last forever," I wanted to kick them in the face.  Really.  Thanks for trying to ruin this, people.  However, after three short years, I am beginning to think there was some truth to their comments, but possibly not in a way which would give them much satisfaction...because while they were partially right, they were mostly wrong.  No, I don't have to be inches from my husband at all times now, but I hate spending a night away from him.  No, we don't always have hour-long, describe-your-perfect-date type conversations, but we know each other so well now that likely we could answer those conversations from the other's perspective without even asking them the question.  No, we aren't the only person in each other's world, but we still are each other's most important. 

Yes, the initial love we shared has changed.  Is that a bad thing?  Absolutely not.  In fact, it has become much better.  We now have two miracles and a third on the way, personifying our love for each other.  We now are so comfortable with the other that we share everything, knowing our safe haven is in the other.  Yes, I am still as attracted to my husband as I was the day I met him, but I love him for so much more than what others see on the outside now.  He is my best friend, my support, encouragement, reality check and soul mate.  He not only loves me but he tries to make me a better person, and there isn't anyone else I would want right by my side for the rest of my life. 

So, here's where Lewis comes in...sometimes I read something so powerful...something that I think, "Gosh, I need reminded of this daily!"  Typically when I read something of that sort, it does one of two things (or both)...challenges me to re-evaluate my life or reminds me of the life my husband leads.  I am a little late in getting to Lewis' "The Weight of Glory," but it has supplied my current "I need this in my life" moment.  As with most of his works, I have dog-eared about every other page and underlined half of the book. Although I know I don't always "get" what he is trying to say, Lewis offers so much wisdom on living a faithful life. In this excerpt, he speaks of a human's need/desire to please his Creator...but how does one do that while not becoming self-absorbed and remaining humble?  He talks about living to raise others up, rather than ourselves...to worry as much about their salvation as our own.  This excerpt gives light to how other-centered my husband is and provides a clear layout of how one can work towards becoming more that way. How much more instruction do we need:

"A cleft has opened in the pitiless walls of the world, and we are invited to follow our Great Captain inside.  The following Him is, of course, the essential point...It may be possible for each to think too much of his own potential glory hereafter; it is hardly possible for him to think too often or too deeply about that of his neighbor.  The load, or weight, or burden of my neighbor's glory should be laid on my back, a load so heavy that only humility can carry it, and the backs of the proud will be broken.  It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you say it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare.  All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations.  It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and in the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics.  There are no ordinary people.  You have never talked to a mere mortal.  Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations -- these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat.  But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit -- immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.  This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn.  We must play.  But our merriment must be of that kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously -- no flippancy, no superiority, no presumption.  And our charity must be real and costly love, with deep feeling for the sins in spite of which we love the sinner -- no mere tolerance, or indulgence which parodies love as flippancy parodies merriment.  Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses.  If he is your Christian neighbor, he is holy in almost he same way, for in him also Christ vere latitat -- the glorifier and the glorified, Glory Himself, is truly hidden."

Thank you Lewis, and thank you Jeremy.

Happy Anniversary and I love you.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Update on the Little Guys...

It's been awhile since I've done a kid update.  So here goes...

Having fun during bathtime...

Carter loving some of Daddy's cereal...

Carter had his 2-year check-up on the 20th of June.  He was 30 lbs. and 36 in.  So, the doctor predicted he would be 6 ft tall someday.  We'll see.  With both parents being 5'6", it's a little hard to imagine :)

I have to brag a little (feel free to skip this paragraph).  Our doctor was amazed when she saw Carter in his undies...said boys typically aren't fully trained until 3.5 years.  Then Carter started talking to her...talking her ear off, really.  Her eyes got big and said, "Well, he talks and acts just like he's 3.5!"  Then he let her examine him without a peep.  She said she typically dreads the 2-year-old appointment, but not with Carter!  Can you tell I am one proud mom?  The shots at the end of the appointment were a nightmare and Carter hated that part, to say the least.  But, it was all for the best!

At two, Carter takes a 2-3 hour nap/day.  He sleeps 11-12 hours at night.  He LOVES being outside and working with Daddy and Papa and doesn't like to take time to eat, unless it's jelly beans, skittles, "tookies" or milk.  He is in Heaven at his grandparents' homes yet also loves to come back to his home.  His favorite books...Dr. Seuss, Little Blue Truck, tractor books, Muddy Paws, and Goodnight Construction Site.  His legos, cars, puzzles, tools, wheel barrow, lawn mower, "motorcycle" and tractors are part of his every day.  He loves Cocoa (his dog) and Frog (his pet turtle only for the 4th of July turtle race).  His best friend happens to be his little brother, Peter, and he takes great care of him...making sure he's well fed and played with!  He likes to sing lots of songs, with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Jesus Loves me being his favorites for the moment.  He recites his nightly prayers, sings songs, says his ABCs, tries to make others laugh and repeats everything we say.  Every day there's a moment when I think, "How does he know that?"  He wakes up happy coming to greet us with "Good morning Momma" and "Good morning Daddy!"  His answer when we ask him how he slept is, "pretty dood" and he then asks if we can go get Peter.  His "blankic" is his security at night and naptime, and he needs to read a few books and sing some songs before he sleeps.  If we don't comment when he says something, he'll go ahead an answer himself!  He hasn't met a stranger and seems to find a new friend wherever he goes.  We are so blessed with such a happy, friendly, little boy -- his days are completely full of life and he blesses ours in so many ways! 

Carter showing Peter everything in the toy box...

Carter and his favorite load, Peter...


Peter is in the process of getting his top teeth...that stage when you see them one day and the gums grow back over the next.  Needless to say, he is not happy.  He's been a bit of a momma's boy lately, too.  He'll happily go to others, and even spend the night away.  However, there are times when I'm in the room and leave, and he screams as if he's been dropped on the ground...breaks my heart.  He is in love with Carter, too, and is very empathetic.  If Carter is laughing, Peter laughs.  If Carter is crying, Peter cries.  Often that turns into a crying match that as an outsider is something you just have to laugh at (so I dont pull out my hair).  Luckily, Peter loves people, too, and both boys are so good to everyone.  More to come at Peter's 9 months update!


Carter's pet turtle, "Frog" - he's saying, "Come on, Frog!"



A little wagon ride together...



Peter was soon tired of it (wonder how those stickers got there?)...


These little guys are my world, and I still am amazed at the love that comes with being a parent...Jeremy and I have so much to be thankful for!


Baby Fisk #3: 16 weeks...



How far along? 16 Weeks


Total weight gain/loss? 3-5 lbs?  Or maybe 20, ha!  That's what it feels like.  Can't decide if the baby is growing in my tummy or rear end :) 

Maternity clothes? Moving closer to just maternity clothes.

Sleep?  Still good :)

Movement? I bet it happens soon.

Food cravings/aversions? My sister, friend and I have given up sweets for awhile...so guess what I'm craving???  I would crave sweets if I was pregnant or not!

Gender?  Cannot wait to find out.  I have thought it was a girl (again no conviction, just a thought).  However, I read a research article last night about sex-determination in NFP-using couples.  After that, I think there is a high likelihood, based on my chart, that we'll have another little cowboy to add to the bunch.  Again, either way, I will be extatic!

Labor signs? Nope.

What others are saying: Nothing this week.

What I miss: Nothing really.

What I am looking forward to:  Being a family of 5!  *last week I said I looked forward to days without headaches.  To clarify, they aren't horrible by any means...I really am just fine :)

Milestones: Jeremy and I celebrated our third year of marriage last week!!  Sweet Jeremy said, "The best thing about this is three kids in just over three years." - I love him!