A dose of feminism

For those who don't know...I majored in both Political Science and Gender Studies in college. Lately, it feels like the subject of feminism has come up when I have thought about my life, and when talking to friends about their life choices/experiences. So...here is one of my favorite quotes about parenting from Bell Hooks, an esteemed feminist author.

"Children need to be raised in loving environments. Whenever domination is present love is lacking. Loving parents, be they single or coupled, gay or straight, headed by females or males, are more likely to raise healthy, happy children with sound self esteem. In future feminist movement we need to work harder to show parents the ways ending sexism positively changes family life. Feminist movement is pro-family. Ending patriarchal domination of children, by men or women, is the only way to make the family a place where children can be safe, where they can be free, where the can know love."

Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics, by Bell Hooks

Perhaps I should write a little more on the topic, but I always feel like my blog is a forum for bragging about the kids, being cheesy, etc. BUT, I do feel that becoming a mother has been one of the most empowering decisions I have made, and I hope that I can raise Lyla AND Grey to be self confident, open minded, fair and individuals who are connected to the greater issues in society.

Christmas 2008!

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas! Nate and I enjoyed playing Santa for the first time this year (last year didn't really count, in my opinion). Lyla had quite a few presents, and we had a blast helping her open them! Unfortunately, Lyla woke up with the croup on Christmas morning, so she wasn't at her best. Still, she loved her doll, bath toys, and new Baby Signing Time DVDs! I feel bad that I didn't get more pictures, but Lyla wasn't feeling well, so I didn't push.

We spent the afternoon at the Sylvia's, and the evening at home. On Christmas Eve, Nate and I went to midnight mass while Lyla slept (thanks Uncle Gregg!). I have always loved midnight mass, and have gone every year since I was old enough to! When we left mass, it had started snowing, so it made Christmas Eve seem all the more special. Nathan gave me a pearl ring for Christmas (among other cute little things), and I am really excited about it. He was sneaky and took the money out of quite a few paychecks over the last few months...and I just adore it. I have wanted one since Lyla was born because I want to be able to pass it down to her. Now I have to start saving for a watch for Nate to pass down to Grey!
We had to take Lyla in to the doctor yesterday morning, and they gave her a steroid for her croup...today it has started to loosen up in her throat, so hopefully we will get through the croup in the next few days. Poor girl! I must admit, however, that she is still pretty pleasant and sleeps a lot, which is nice for Dad and I!

Now that Christmas is over, it has hit me that this baby boy will be here in 7 weeks or LESS! I am rapidly adding to my to-do list, and am so excited for him to get here. I have been really good about my "diet" the last week, and have to admit that I do feel really good with less sugar and more water in my diet. Now if only I could get my butt over to the gym!

Lame "doc"

I went for my 31 week check-up yesterday...and I guess I left a little depressed. I had gained another 3 pounds, which I didn't think was a big deal. But when my doctor measured me, I am measuring 33 weeks! I didn't think that seemed too crazy (I am, after all, 6'3"), but he became concerned because at my last appointment I was measuring right on! Basically, this guy will probably be on the larger side...

The result? I need to watch my weight, not because I have gained too much, but because any excess weight may cause the baby to be really big, and thus create complications during labor. So no extra candies, sodas and chips for me! I am also going to be hopping on the treadmill these last few weeks! I have felt like my doctor is over-reacting a little bit, but I will do what he says and know that exercising and eating healthier will be BETTER for me anyway.

The good news is that he agreed to induce me again, if I'd like. He's going to check my cervix at my first appointment in February, and then probably schedule me for February 16th! I like to plan...so hopefully he won't come before that and my family can plan on getting to Utah in time. I can't believe its getting so close!!

We also found out last night that Andy and Ashley are having a baby GIRL! We are very excited for them, because we know how much fun little princesses bring to our lives. I can't wait to have a niece...and I hope she has cute red hair to match Lyla's!

Lights!

Last night we took Lyla down to Temple Square to see the lights. I must admit, we noticed a difference from last year, and it was the area between temple square and main street that was decorated the best. We had a great time! Lyla barely made a peep except to point to lights and trees...and play peek a boo with her mittens on!


I'm off to the OB again today...in the nasty storm. Gee, I can't wait to see how much weight I have gained! :)

Lyla's Christmas Pic!

Well, I didn't end up using this picture for our Christmas cards (for some reason, it just wouldn't scan right)--so I thought I would post it. I love this picture because it shows the cute length of Lyla's hair. I ended up just snapping a picture of her this morning so I could get the cards out, and it actually came out quite adorable. I can't believe Christmas is less than a week away!!

Grandma's 24 Hour Adventure

My mom and stepdad got into Salt Lake last night...and between the 2 of them they have 16 kids total...so its crazy around the holidays when they are trying to see everyone. I was very excited to see my mom, especially since she hadn't seen me pregnant yet, and hasn't seen Lyla since July. She got here around 8:30 last night and ended up staying about an hour. Lyla, of course, was tired and so today I joined them on a little road trip to Heber to see my sister and step brothers. Here are some cute pictures from our day!

Lyla being cute while waiting in the car...

Lyla being smart at lunch...showing everyone that she is 1

Lyla and her Aunt Lindsay
The 3 of us...we look very "wintry"

Lindsay and I...did I mention how proud I am to be her sis? With any luck I can convince her to be in the delivery room this time. :)

I hate that they could only stay for one day, but I am always glad to see my family. Its hard for me because I want my mom to really see Lyla's personality, and I want Lyla to know her grandma. Luckily, Lyla was in very good spirits today, and my mom got to see her play and laugh. I guess I'll see you in a few weeks mom!

Here I am...

In all my glory. 30 weeks...he's gonna be big!

Odds n' Ends

Well I managed to wake up before Lyla this morning, and thought I would catch up on some posting. On December 7th, Nate celebrated his 25th birthday! My old man is now rounding the corner toward 30!! I hope he had a good day...the night before I surprised him by having all of our friends meet at Salt City Burger in Sandy. Its a new restaurant, family owned, and very very yummy. Do try the zucchini fries...my lovely friend Jenny made a yummy spice cake, and we enjoyed it with coffee icecream...something you NEVER find in Utah, but is a staple back east.
I just thought I would say how much I love Nathan. He has always made me laugh, keeps everyday light hearted, and is a wonderful father. We have been through so much together at such a young age, and I am so excited for what the future brings with our growing family. Its hard to believe that we have a family now...in many ways it feels like we were just in high school. In any case, I love ya Nate! You're half way to 50!

In other business...I am now over 30 weeks along with this little man, and I can't believe how fast the time is going. I now head to the doctor every 2 weeks, and by Jan. 19, I will be going every week! I feel really good, am gaining weight, and am experiencing all the normal aches and pains of being in my third trimester. I often wonder why I feel more sore this time around, and then I look at Lyla and realize that all the lifting and carrying I do probably has something to do with it.

Lyla has been really developing a funny personality lately. She's full of questions, and is getting a lot more brave...literally, she is a monkey. She gets her bumps and bruises, and I try to manage the pain. She's also a HUGE ham...she brings me the camera and stands there while I take a picture of her cheesy smile. I love love love spending everyday with her...

This week we are awaiting the arrival of Grandma Mary and Grandpa Kevin (my mom and stepdad). Hopefully we will see them Tuesday or Wednesday...I am really excited because I miss my family a lot, especially during the holidays. I grew up very close to my grandparents, who I still talk to several times a week...so I am sad that my parents are so far away :( I am sure to be posting pictures from their short visit, as well as some of my burgeoning belly. Yikes.

If money grew on trees...

This would be my ultimate Christmas wish list!! Maybe, just maybe, I will end up with the double stroller. Hey, a mama can dream, can't she??

My Smart Moo

Over the last few days, Lyla has been cracking me up with all the new things she is saying/doing. It seems like she has just grown up, and is acting like a little girl (to my dismay!). I thought I'd write down a few things she's done, and hope that I will eventually write them in her baby book!

--After her bath yesterday, I dropped the lotion behind her dresser, and Lyla says: "Maymee, what's that?" This was Lyla's first actual question for me...so cute.

--She knows my name is Lacy, but also mommy, so she has combined them to say "Maymee!"

--While eating my bowl of cereal, Lyla came up to me and said, "Maymee! I want some!" This is also one of the first sentences she's said out loud.

--She managed to get a hold of some nail clippers yesterday, and when I asked her for them, Lyla bent down and pretended to trim her toenails. What??

--After playing with my cell phone for a few, I told her it was time to say good bye, and she said "Bye dada," and then tried to put my phone in the bum of her sleeper. Apparently she's noticed that I always put my phone in my back pocket while we are at home.

I know these stories seem a little silly, but it amazes me how perceptive toddlers are. I can't believe that Lyla knows EXACTLY which button on the remote will turn on the t.v., and we have 2 different remotes! She knows exactly which buttons turn on the Wii and the 360, and is always looking for my hair brushes to comb her hair. She's too funny!

In other news, this weekend is Nate's 25th birthday (old man!), and my mom/stepdad are coming to visit from Dallas. She hasn't seen Lyla since she was 11 months, so we are very excited to hang out. In the meantime, I am busily organizing and cleaning my house. I have a long "nesting" list, and I want to get some of these big projects done before I am too big to feel like doing them!

Tag

I've seen a few people do this tag, and I thought it was cute. Besides the picture I found was adorable, so how could I resist?

Lyla is 7 months in this picture, and just cutting her first teeth. She has SO much more hair now, and I can't resist that round little face.


Now I tag: Ashley, Jenny, Katie and Christa--but anyone feel free!
Pick the 4th picture from the 4th file on your hard drive, and then say a little about it!

More stats...

Went to the doc again today...and things look great. I am always angry when I leave there because I am always waiting, and when I finally get in the room, I have nothing to talk to the doctor about. I am in there for a whole 5 seconds. I have gained 12 pounds total this pregnancy so far, which my doctor says I should feel really good about. I just feel fat, but am excited that this little guy is growing normally. I am measuring right at 26 weeks, and go back again in 3. After that, I begin going every 2 weeks. That totally freaks me out. I honestly don't know where the time has gone...and with the holidays approaching, it will be 2009 before I know it!

The only downside to the appointment is that the doctor thinks I am probably experiencing some carpel tunnel. At night, I wake up about a million times because my right arm/hand is numb. Sometimes I get it in my feet too. Basically, I have to wear a hand brace when I can, especially at night. He also suggested ditching my maternity pillow in favor of a body pillow. Hopefully that relieves the pressure, and I can only hope it doesn't get any worse. Also, the leg cramps have begun again. With Lyla, I would wake up screaming in the middle of the night because I had cramps in both of my legs. Poor Nate, hopefully I can let him rest. I am starting to make lists again...there are lots of deep cleaning/organizing things I want to do before the new year, and hopefully I can keep on top of everything until I go into labor. I swear, I am such a weirdo when I am pregnant.

Stats

I took Lyla in for her 15 month appointment today...and she's doing great! She weighed 22 lb. 7 oz. (50th percentile), and measured a WHOPPING 32.5 inches, putting her in the 90th percentile!! I can't believe how much she's grown! She was pretty mad about the shots, but she took it like a champ, and she won't have any more for a while! It's so weird to think that next time I take her for a check up, I will likely have her baby brother with me. Crazy!

Miss Moo

Just a cute picture of my cute little lady. How did I ever get so lucky?

24 weeks

Enough said...I am starting to feel huge, but otherwise pretty good. Next time I will take one with a black shirt on...scary.

Happy Halloween!

Well, I feel like this year was Lyla's first Halloween, since last year she was only 2 months old. We had such a great time trick or treating with her, and I think she got the hang of it after awhile. Nate carried her from house to house, and Lyla was really cute about getting her candy...I think she even signed thank you once or twice. Nate and I, along with Andy and Ashley decided to dress up as doctors. I think we ended up looking pretty cute too...atleast we were comfy!


Good thing its not time to deliver yet...

Daddy and his fluffy dalmation! It was raining!

My moo just one year ago...I honestly can't believe the change. Kids are incredible!

She adores suckers...and I don't blame her!

After the festivities we went to Andy and Ashley's to watch the Descent. I don't think I've gone to bed past 10:30 in awhile, so it was a fun, but late night for us!

Midnight Frustration

Its just after 4 now...and I haven't gone to bed. As I was drifting off to sleep around midnight, Lyla woke up. She's been up and down every hour since (teething!). About a half hour ago, I found myself totally frustrated and mad that she wouldn't sleep...and contemplated my horrible day running on 4 hours sleep while trying to chase her around. I tried one last time to snuggle her, change her diaper, and give her a sip of milk. She seemed tired, so I laid her down. Five minutes later, she was crying again. I went in, picked her up, and she immediately fell asleep in my arms. My mood completely changed, and I now feel so lucky to have been able to watch her go to sleep. I absolutely love it when she falls asleep in my arms, because it truly never happens anymore. She's been silent for 10 minutes so far...so I will try to sleep. I just wanted to savor the moment. I know I took her snuggly newborn stage for granted, and tonight she was simply the most beautiful girl on earth.

Dallin and Lyla...ultimate goofballs

This video is funny for a few reasons. It illustrates Lyla's hilarious laugh, and how insatiably funny she thinks her cousin is. It is also a testament to how one year olds think the most random stuff is hilarious. Dallin exhibits his natural charm, but at the end demonstrates that he is in fact 2 years old, and capable of round-house kicking anyone smaller than him. Good thing Lyla doesn't care...until one day she does, and Dallin gets plowed. Funny!

P.S.--It looks like Dallin is a pro at smoking that thermometer cover...nice example Ashley! :)

I pledge...

To be MUCH healthier during the last half of this pregnancy! I don't know what it is, but I have felt hungry non-stop for the last 2 weeks. While that's totally okay for pregnant ladies, I need to be eating the right stuff. I do okay for the most part...but unlike my last pregnancy, fast food doesn't sound too horrible, and neither does chocolate. I am really worried about the holidays. In any case, I have stocked my fridge with stuff to make salad, and I have apples, carrots, yogurt and orange juice for when I am craving something sweet to drink. I am also going to try and be more active. I was on my feet constantly during my last pregnancy, which made me feel really good. I already have a 14 month old on my hands...so I think I stay pretty busy most of the time. :)

I went for my 22 week appointment. Everything is good...I gained 6 pounds, which puts my net weight gain at 4 pounds for this pregnancy so far (I lost during my first trimester). I love that...only 4 pounds. I plan on plumping up pretty soon though...the doc said plan on a pound a week for sure from now on. Eek...

In other news, Nate and I took Lyla to the Scarecrow festival on Friday afternoon. It was definitely not for really little kids, but Lyla had a good time anyway. Talk about a mad house!

She was very excited about the mini-pumpkins she found...so Nate and I bought her 4 of them.

Like I said, very excited.
I love that I can do her hair like this now...

I can't get her to NOT make this cheesy smile.
The slide at Carl's Junior...she's very excited that she can climb in it.

Tomorrow or Wednesday I will attempt to go and vote early at the city hall. I'd rather not deal with lines and a squealing toddler on election day...and I am deciding whether or not to post my feelings on the election...I am very intense about politics, and am bound to get myself in trouble or not have enough time/space to explain myself completely. Besides, isn't blogging supposed to be about the kids? I can say that you gotta VOTE! Don't be lame, its too important. :)

Must be a full moon....

After talking to my mom on the phone yesterday, I realized I wasn't the only one having a "blah" day. Sometimes it seems like I will never figure out where my life is going, or why things have to be stressful all the time. I guess that's part of being 23 and having a young family...oh well...glad yesterday is over. TODAY was a lot better, and Lyla had me cracking up most of the day. I will let the pictures do the talking:


Oh, and I found Lyla like this after going to the bathroom. I scared her to death, which explains the look on her face. It was 10:50 a.m., and she normally doesn't nap until 12 or 1. I gave in...I felt so bad she was tired!

And lastly, I received a big box of baby boy clothes in the mail today. My mom's nanny/cook has a daughter who is done having kids, and she had a TON of baby boy clothes to send me! I am fully stocked on comfy pants, onesies, sleepers and gowns. I love it, especially because I hate spending a lot of money on clothes the baby will hardly wear. I also have a lot of stuff coming from Ashley...he will definitely need his own dresser. Can't wait!

20 weeks and counting...

Well, I made it half way! I am actually almost 21 weeks, and am feeling GREAT! The husband isn't home right now, so I will have to get a belly pic later. I go to the doctor again next week, but I am sure I am starting to gain weight...especially because I really love fun size Butterfinger bars. My cravings are so different this time. I craved fruit smoothies and fresh fruit with Lyla, and now it seems to be only carbs! I was also really active with Lyla, and I have been really trying to get into the gym and atleast walk on the treadmill!

Here's a pic of Lyla and I at the park on Tuesday. It was an amazing day...gotta love fall!

I just love this picture of Nate...he is truly handsome. How did I manage to snag him?

My siblings! I've had this picture for a bit, and I can't believe how big they all are! 2 of the boys (the shorter ones) are my step brothers....I love being the big sister!

From left to right, they are: Lindsay (20), Lauren (18), Brandon (15), Larissa (13), Lynnae (12), Libbie (9), Bridger (9), Blake (8), and Paxton (4). Paxton and Bridger belong to my step-dad, but I love them just the same :)

My favorite time of year!!

Well, its October 1st...the weather is starting to cool down (I hope), the leaves are changing, and baseball postseason starts today. From the time I was 12, I have loved watching baseball. I used to spend hours watching baseball on the weekends while I did my homework, and I loved going to the local Bee's games (they were the Buzz back then). Since meeting Nate, I have been converted from an Angels/Braves fan to a diehard Boston Red Sox nutjob (not really). Its a pretty easy transition to make...Boston has an amazing history, and after living in Massachusetts, you will never find more loyal or enthusiastic fans. I find myself getting personally offended when players are traded, and was simply outraged when Manny Ramirez was traded recently to the L.A. Dodgers. Needless to say, I just love baseball. The Redsox play round 1 of the postseason starting today against the Angels. Go Sox! I am so glad I get to think about something else besides politics for a little bit...but I will be sure to post about that later. I am just waiting for the debates to be over. :)

Typical Tuesday

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with my sis-in law Ashley. She had the day off, and of course we found every excuse not to do housework and instead play all day. I really love spending time with Ashley...I am the oldest of 8 kids, so its nice to have an older sister who I can actually relate to instead of be the mommy to. Well, sometimes she gets a little rowdy and I have to put her in her place...but for the most part, Ash is a good girl.

We went to lunch, took the kids to the park, and Ash even made us dinner. Lyla had a great time, and she looked absolutely adorable in her little Oshkosh romper. I am also addicted to her pigtails.

On Friday, Nate and I had our second ultrasound for baby Grey. Everything looks perfect, and the ultrasound had me measuring about a week ahead of what I thought. My doctor decided to keep my due date the same...he could just be a big boy. We got a cute 6 minute DVD showing him wiggle around, suck his thumb, and even got some great shots of the man parts. The tech said he's really active, and I should be feeling him any minute! I am more excited everyday to meet this little guy. Ashley also gave me some newborn boy clothes from Dallin, and everything is absolutely adorable. I can't wait!

First Belly Picture!

So I guess I will post a picture of what I look like for all to see. I had a hard time forcing myself to take pictures when I was 10 weeks...I just looked chubby, but felt pregnant because none of my clothes fit. I took this picture yesterday, when I was exactly 17 weeks. I think I am a little farther along, because I feel a lot bigger this time around. Hopefully the ultrasound this Friday will figure all that out for us. Pardon my nastiness in this picture...we were about to go to the park for a morning walk. :)

Goodbye Year #1...

Lyla is 13 months today, and we have officially entered the 2nd year of her life. I was dreading the day she turned 1, but since that day she has become even more enjoyable. Today she is sick with a runny nose and cough. I absolutely hate these days...they mean late nights and early mornings for mom, but I get a lot more snuggle time. I guess I can live with that.

Here are somethings that I love about my moo:

--she tickled my foot this morning and said "ticka ticka ticka ticka!" I about died.
--she has gotten really good at signing, and tries to sing along to her movie. Lyla also tries to sing Twinkle Twinkle and the ABC's. Its a hoot!
--she can say quite a few words, like mama, dada, baby, lyla, dallin, no, yeah, night night, milk, water, bye bye, hi and wow. We are trying to teach her to say boy, but it comes out as "bo-bo." So cute.
--I love the way she stretches every morning
--she's always willing to give kisses
--if you ask her nicely for something, she always gives it to you
--she loves to sit and read books with me. It amazes me that a 1 year old will sit for 20 minutes and just look at books. She's a girl after my own heart
--I love how she hugs me when I walk her into her room for bed. I also love how she sings Twinkle Twinkle with me.
--she's walking like a pro now, and I love that little baby waddle.
--she gets SO excited when her dad comes home!

But most of all, she's happy 98% of the time. Gotta give her credit for that!

Ultrasound Pics and a Great Weekend!

I finally got around to scanning the pictures of our little man. The tech did a really awesome job, and she took her time too, so we got to watch him move around, suck his fist and be cute. He looks really healthy, and the tech said she thought he looked big for how far along I am. I go for another ultrasound on the 19th, so hopefully I will have a more accurate due date by then. I will also get a ton more pics and a DVD...we thought that was pretty cool.

I like this one because you can see his nose and stomach. He was full, the tech said.

'Lyla has never been a binky-lover, thumb-sucker, or bottle-user. Grey could change all this. :)
His man-parts---no mistake here.

I get really nervous before ultrasounds because I am almost afraid to look--I just want baby to be healthy, and I was so relieved to see that everything looks perfect. I couldn't believe I saw his little boy parts...I was getting really anxious, and she looked for the sex very last. As soon as she caught one of his legs on the machine I blurted out "I saw it! Its a boy!" The tech confirmed it, and Nate and I didn't know what to do. We are already so used to having Lyla around, that its so weird to look in the boy section! I must admit, though, that I get more excited every minute. It will be wonderful to have the experience of a boy and a girl, and I am just happy to be his mama.

After the ultrasound, we darted all around town to find the most precious boy outfit on earth. With Lyla, the first outfit we bought was the one we brought her home in, and I wanted to do the same for Grey. I also have to admit that I love knowing what the baby is, and that he has a name. I never thought I would be the kind of mom that picked the name for the first ultrasound, but we've loved the name for so long that it just feels right. With this pregnancy being a TOTAL surprise, and knowing that its a boy, I really feel that Grey is just meant to be with us---to be my son.

The outfit--it was pricey, but so soft...and not to mention its gray. Very fitting.

Nate took the whole weekend off from his second job, and I was SO grateful. We just relaxed, ate lots of food, and played Mario Kart until late at night. We're pretty good now. Its hard that he works so much, and I know he feels the pressure of supporting our growing family, but I am sure things will work out. They always do. Even though he's stressed, its sweet to know that he wants to be the best dad he can. He already is the best.

Now I feel like I am already in mega nesting mode. I have made a list of projects, e-mailed it to myself, and am constantly contemplating the ways I can re decorate their room. I want Lyla to be able to keep it girly, but I want Grey to have a boy space too. I am thinking pink and brown on Lyla's side, and brown and green on Grey's, but I have almost 5 months. I don't know if that's enough time in pregnant world.