tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68339800022013422922024-03-05T17:28:21.413-08:00It's a Beautiful Day in the NeighborhoodJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.comBlogger650125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-84768891027703177262015-12-30T13:34:00.001-08:002015-12-30T13:34:22.516-08:00Isadora UpdateI feel bad the last time I blogged about Izzy was in May.<br />
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3rd baby.<br />
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Adding another kid to the mix is a lot more work than I had anticipated. Also, the first few months of her life all she wanted to do was nurse. We spent a lot of time in a chair or on the couch with a nursing pillow and the remote controls. The big kids loved all the extra screen time though - so yea?<br />
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Baby sister is a little over 9 months now and, as of right before Christmas, crawling. She sat early (around 4 months) and has been experimenting with table food for a few months. Child loves to eat. LOVES. Sausage, pancakes, eggs, bagels, spaghetti, carnitas, rice, mashed potatoes... the only thing she doesn't seem to love is peas and spinach. Her favorite food right now is anything pumpkin flavored. And cheese. She loves cheese.<br />
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Here's a video of her being very vocal about her love for cheese:<br />
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A video posted by Jessica Black Rodgers (@1981sinatra) on <time datetime="2015-12-25T19:15:29+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 25, 2015 at 11:15am PST</time></div>
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We got her first round of pictures done around 6 months (which is later than the older two, but hey - at least we got some done, right?) and she does feature prominently on my IG account, so there's that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnn4AqBdZchPtKAHfFQpVf9PC9izfy1GAIZc0EYfXev3xwYufOu7paRi6709sgtVoUqOcNioqSyCVzxMcph8BQvXkzCOS9jbrA9cU1_8hv0g1AUvtKeIcqWTwWnH8KWIWZHPI6ya8wUSM/s1600/Rodgers+Family+Session_+Toro+Park%252C+CA_+Vanessa+Hicks+Photography-0255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnn4AqBdZchPtKAHfFQpVf9PC9izfy1GAIZc0EYfXev3xwYufOu7paRi6709sgtVoUqOcNioqSyCVzxMcph8BQvXkzCOS9jbrA9cU1_8hv0g1AUvtKeIcqWTwWnH8KWIWZHPI6ya8wUSM/s320/Rodgers+Family+Session_+Toro+Park%252C+CA_+Vanessa+Hicks+Photography-0255.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqKa0lHEAIoANC_NIlxTo4r2HfTVBtePfXatJBxgn7xejuUBa3ML8yfb3-NIGpLvEgj4A4OGK383ju5N_RWKrJ6t2vLRgITGVCZ0EqGf8WFeHu4vbWsIFUWi-IRG9gBEoooQjdI94hSic/s1600/Rodgers+Family+Session_+Toro+Park%252C+CA_+Vanessa+Hicks+Photography-0586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqKa0lHEAIoANC_NIlxTo4r2HfTVBtePfXatJBxgn7xejuUBa3ML8yfb3-NIGpLvEgj4A4OGK383ju5N_RWKrJ6t2vLRgITGVCZ0EqGf8WFeHu4vbWsIFUWi-IRG9gBEoooQjdI94hSic/s320/Rodgers+Family+Session_+Toro+Park%252C+CA_+Vanessa+Hicks+Photography-0586.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Here's one of my favorite of the three kids:<br />
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Other things:<br />
1. We went to Disneyland with all three kids in June. The drive was horrific (Izzy is not the best traveler), but the bigs had fun.<br />
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A photo posted by Jessica Black Rodgers (@1981sinatra) on <time datetime="2015-07-05T15:07:15+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 5, 2015 at 8:07am PDT</time></div>
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2. Izz is daycare now and while it was a bit of a rough transition (she demanded to be held all the time) she now loves it there (no tears at drop off!). Things are easier for her day care provider now that she's crawling.<br />
3. Sleep is... rough. I could say a lot about sleep but I won't because I don't have that kind of time right now. She has good nights (where she's up 3-4 times) and then nights like last night, where I know we were up 19 times because my shiny new FitBit tells me how many times I was "restless" at night. I'm very thankful for coffee.<br />
4. We're still nursing (yea!) and we still get donated milk for daycare bottles. I do pump, but I don't pump enough for her daycare milk.<br />
5. PPD/PPA comes and goes, but there are many more good days than bad days lately. I do want to eventually do a longer PPD/PPA post since it was so intense and so hard this time around, but like the sleep post - I just don't have time for that right now.<br />
6. The bigs are adjusting well to having a baby in our lives. She LOVES them and they really love her.<br />
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All for now. Maybe more next week since I'll still be on winter break.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-80215875925347434362015-12-30T13:06:00.001-08:002015-12-30T13:06:39.558-08:00Good Heavens She's SevenAlternate Title: It's been a literal age since I blogged<div>
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The sweet sissy had a birthday (also, hello - did you miss me?).</div>
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We have a tradition to ask 20 questions of the birthday child (see Penny's past answers <a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/2014/12/20-questions-for-birthday-girl-age-6.html" target="_blank">here</a>) and while posting them 3+ weeks post birthday, I did actually ask them on the morning of her birthday. Here are her answers:</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. What is your favorite color? <i>Green</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. What is your favorite toy? <i>Diana (her "new" American Girl doll... this cracks me up because she plays with this doll *maybe* twice a month).</i><br />3. What is your favorite fruit? <i>Still tomatoes (as she reads last year's answers over my shoulder)</i><br />4. What is your favorite tv show? <i>Star Verses the Forces of Evil (this show is weird. Well, all kids shows are weird, but this one is extra odd).</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? <i>Grapes (which is a lie. It's peanut butter & jelly, same as last year. We buy grapes a handful of times each year, and while she does enjoy grapes, she has a PB&J every day during the week. No lie. Child eats PB&J like it's going out of style).</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. What is your favorite outfit? <i>My new Christmas dress (which she had, at the time, not yet worn).</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 32px;">7. What is your favorite game? </span></span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 32px;">Tag</i><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 32px;">8. What is your favorite snack? </span></span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 32px;">Goldfish (year 2 of this answer, I would have guessed an apple, since the house is littered with her discarded apple cores).</i><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 32px;">9. What is your favorite animal? </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 32px;">Parrot</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 32px;"> (ok, I'm recording this </span></span><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 32px;">because</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 32px;"> she did say it, but I don't think it's true [note: I may be sad that giraffes aren't her favorite anymore]. We don't have any parrot things, she doesn't request parrot themed clothes or toys or anything. I have no idea when she started liking parrots).</span></span></i><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 32px;">10. What is your favorite song? <i>Bad Blood (Taylor Swift). This is totally true - although now, 3 weeks after her birthday it may have changed to Hello by Adele or Exs & Ohs by whats-her-face.</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 32px;">11. What is your favorite book? </span></span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 32px;">Harry Potter (2nd year in a row, which makes my geek heart happy but I don't really think it's true. She's been glued to her Star Wars Encyclopedia for the last month).</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">12. Who is your best friend? <i>Astarta</i><br />13. What is your favorite cereal? <i>Cheerios (note: Honey Nut Cheerios)</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? <i>Jump on the trampoline</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">15. What is your favorite drink? <i>Lemonade</i><br />16. What is your favorite holiday? <i>Christmas</i><br />17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? <i>Stuffed animals (we've reached the point where there's barely any room for her on her bed with all the stuffed animals).</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? <i>Didn't you already ask me that? (It's Cheerios, ftr)</i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? <i>Spaghetti (she didn't get it, I can't remember what we had but it wasn't a spaghetti night)</i></span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">20. What do you want to be when you grow up? </span> <i>An scientist (score!) side note: she's really interested in being a zoologist lately.</i></span></span></div>
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A photo posted by Jessica Black Rodgers (@1981sinatra) on <time datetime="2015-12-13T04:43:35+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 12, 2015 at 8:43pm PST</time></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-20100854884308393452015-06-01T16:32:00.003-07:002015-06-01T16:32:53.119-07:00Izzy at GraduationLast week was SHS's 2015 Graduation ceremony. Since this class was my class, I had to make it to gradation to see my babies all dressed up.<br />
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I consider this group extra special because they were Freshmen the year I started at Salinas... I've been their faculty adviser all 4 years and I had a good portion of them in one or more of my classes. They'll always have a special place in my heart.<br />
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Izzy is still too little to be left sans Mommy for long stretches, so she came with me. She actually did really well - although she got a wicked sunburn on her nose that still isn't fully healed (poor baby). I got burned as well, and while mine is still lobster red, it didn't blister like poor Iz's burn. Hers will heal faster than mine though, babies have amazing healing (plus I've been squirting breastmilk on it - don't knock it, it works!). I bought sunscreen and hats the day after graduation so we hopefully won't have a sunburn repeat.<br />
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Anyway, here are some pics of me & Izzy with my kids (I don't have all the pics that were taken that day, but I'm happy to have these).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my yearbook seniors (Guiselle, Michelle, Jocelyn, Jacky, & Diana)<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150528_131335_zpsmbcy0rhn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150528_131335_zpsmbcy0rhn.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hosea, arguably the biggest PITA of them all :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elena - I had her Freshmen year and she was my TA last year</td></tr>
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If you notice I have on my FitBit. I walked over 6 miles that day. My feet STILL hurt.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-69062507183038208772015-06-01T16:23:00.002-07:002015-06-01T16:23:54.575-07:00Car ConversationsGriffin's car conversations, when they don't drive me absolutely crazy, are the best ever.<br />
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Today:<br />
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G - "Mommy, why don't I have six fingers?"<br />
Me - "Because humans have five fingers."<br />
G - "But why not six?"<br />
Me - "Evolution. Apparently 5 fingers was the most evolutionary advantageous number of fingers."<br />
G - "But six fingers would be cool."<br />
Me - "Then you'd have to buy new gloves."<br />
G - "Yeah, I guess five is ok."<br />
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A few days ago:<br />
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G - "Mommy, why is the air up and the street on the bottom?"<br />
Me - "That's a complicated question with a complicated answer. Let's just say it has to do with mass."<br />
G - "What's mass?"<br />
Me - "(sigh) Mass is kinda like weight, the more mass an object has, the more it weighs. Objects that have greater mass attract other objects."<br />
G - "Oh, you mean gravity."<br />
Me - "Well if you knew the answer why did you ask the question?"<br />
G - "Because." (pause) "Gravity keeps us down, right? That's why we don't float into outer space."<br />
Me - "Yes. Exactly."<br />
G - "Can you turn off the gravity?"<br />
Me - "Me personally? No. And well, no one can actually. Gravity is a constant."<br />
G - "(sigh) That's too bad."<br />
<br />
Also a few days ago:<br />
<br />
G - "Mommy, why didn't your borned a boy baby?"<br />
Me - "Because your sister is a girl and she's the last baby mommy and daddy will have."<br />
G - "But I want another baby."<br />
Me - "Sorry dude, but until you have a partner & the two of you decide to have a child, this baby is the only one you're going to get."<br />
G - "Well you should have had two, I want one to take care of."<br />
Me - "You help me take care of baby sister already."<br />
G - "Moooooom (sigh) that's not the same."<br />
Me - "I know dude, I know."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/20150418_112838_zps6d0avp1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/20150418_112838_zps6d0avp1c.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Conversationalist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-62206948228699297832015-05-27T18:36:00.000-07:002015-05-27T18:36:08.723-07:00The 4th TrimesterI was over at a friend's house this afternoon making lactation cookies, when I realized that I have blogged very little about Izzy's first few months (aka the 4th trimester). Technically she has another month left of this, my least favorite trimester, but if I wait to blog when it's over I'll: 1. likely forget to blog entirely or 2. forget something.<br />
<br />
It's still likely I'll forget something, but here goes.<br />
<br />
If you <a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=4th%20trimester" target="_blank">Google the 4th trimester</a>, you get a lot of websites and advise on how to survive this period of time. Most of the time these articles end with something like "don't lose hope, it gets better!" (true) or "one day you will look back on this fondly" (false) or "don't forget to sleep when the baby sleeps" (a bad joke).<br />
<br />
Usually the 4th trimester is characterized as the newborn stage - so around 0-3 months.<br />
<br />
It's also characterized as being the most sucktacular of time periods, tying teething, in a young child's life. Which is pretty much true.<br />
<br />
Izzy is an adorable baby. See exhibit A.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Isadora%20year%201/IMG_20150412_170345_zpsmaujd3kz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Isadora%20year%201/IMG_20150412_170345_zpsmaujd3kz.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit A</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But she is also challenging in all the ways babies can be and in all the ways I forgot about because of what I like to call <i>parental amnesia</i>.<br />
<br />
Parental amnesia is when you forget or romanticize all the shitty stuff about pregnancy and infancy in order to convince yourself to have another baby.<br />
<br />
I had some serious parental amnesia going when we tried for a 3rd. Bryan did not. But since he's a good guy and we make beautiful babies he signed up for #3 in spite of remembering just how awful the 4th trimester (and teething!) really are.<br />
<br />
This is not to say that Izzy is a hard baby, she's just a normal baby.<br />
<br />
<u>Nursing</u><br />
<br />
Child likes to nurse. Like, constantly. Which is something I forgot about breastfeeding. For all those "10 things I love about breastfeeding" posts I see everywhere, I could write a "10 things I loathe about breastfeeding." I could also write a "10 things I loathe about bottle feeding" too, because regardless of how you slice it, feeding a newborn is labor and time intensive.<br />
<br />
Iz started off with a great latch, and she was slowly gaining so I was really hopeful we'd be able to EBF (exclusively breastfeed, for those not well versed in parenting lingo). Alas, she dropped too much weight like her brother and sister and we had to supplement.<br />
<br />
I was lucky to have a friend who had extra milk, so Iz got breastmilk supplement and some formula. It was really only at night and occasionally during the day that she'd need the extra milk - we were only supplementing 4-10oz a day, which was hard for me (PPD and PPA this time around, which probably merit posts of their own but will have to wait another day).<br />
<br />
After a long and annoying battle with pharmacies I was finally able to get a script for Domperidone filled (long story short: local compounding pharmacy could no longer fill, had to get a script from a Dr. in Monterey and get it through a Canadian pharmacy - alls well that ends well, I have my script and it helps my supply).<br />
<br />
Anyway, before I was able to get my script filled, Izzy started refusing formula bottles. That was rough. We had run out of donor milk and I wasn't making enough for her, so we needed her to take the bottle but she just would.not.drink formula. Luckily another friend of mine who had recently had twins and who has an amazing oversupply has been our new breastmilk supplier. And with the DP script I'm making more and needing to supplement less (although I do still give her a bottle at night because my supply dips before bed).<br />
<br />
I lost my train of though... where was I going with this?<br />
<br />
Oh, yes. Izzy loves to nurse. All this to say that Izzy would happily spend 90% of her day on the breast if she could. It's exhausting. And contrary to most nursing websites, it is NOT helping me lose any baby weight.<br />
<br />
You may be asking yourself, if 90% of her day is nursing, when does she sleep? The answer, she sleeps while she nurses.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Isadora%20year%201/3e63037b-57fb-4066-afad-e308d2331edb_zpsbaxr4vhe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Isadora%20year%201/3e63037b-57fb-4066-afad-e308d2331edb_zpsbaxr4vhe.jpg" height="193" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shh. I'm sleeping. And eating.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u>Sleep</u><br />
<br />
I basically spend the whole day nursing her or listening to her scream in the car if I have to drive somewhere. We do take walks, and she will occasionally sleep in the stroller, but if she's napping and NOT nursing she prefers to be in the Moby. Which means I don't sleep (not that I could anyway) and the things I'm able to do during the day are rather limited.<br />
<br />
She will give us (and by us, I mean me - another "benefit" of breastfeeding is that night time is all for Mommy... which is fine now because I'm not working and I do better on sleep dep. than B, but sharing the night time feeding with P & G was great for me). Crap, that sentence was an incomplete run-on. ANYWAY, she gives me 4-6 hours at night depending on where she's sleeping. This is awesome! Only the 6 hour stretch is if she's in bed with us with her body as close to me as she can get (she's like an inchworm, I move and she manages to inch up next to me).<br />
<br />
During the day, I get 45 minutes to an hour of nap before she demands to nurse again.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Isadora%20year%201/IMG_20150524_162611_zpssctbqs3i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Isadora%20year%201/IMG_20150524_162611_zpssctbqs3i.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She fell asleep nursing... when I tried to move her, she woke up and demanded to nurse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Which is about how long it took for me to write this much, and now she's waking up and demanding to be fed. Maybe I'll finish this blog post later...<br />
<br />
Back. 2 hours later. I hate shots. She got hers today and has wanted to nurse even more than usual.<br />
<br />
Speaking of her visit, here are her stats.<br />
<br />
10.8lbs, 23.25 inches<br />
<br />
She is my peanut. While 78th percentile for height and 50-something percentile for weight, she's both shorter and lighter than her siblings at this age. Both older kids were in the 12 pound range and both over 24 inches. Baby Dora is the runt (thus far). Although she's still probably going to be taller than me when all is said and done. Oh well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Isadora%20year%201/IMG_20150520_193356_zpsfbxmense.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Isadora%20year%201/IMG_20150520_193356_zpsfbxmense.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy's peanut I am.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-57274292793715591252015-04-15T18:23:00.002-07:002015-04-15T18:23:46.868-07:00The G-Man is 5It's that time again! Birthday questions! Here are <a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/2014/04/4th-birthday-questions-with-bubs.html" target="_blank">G's 4th birthday questions</a>, <a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/2013/04/3rd-birthday-questions-bubs.html" target="_blank">and his 3rd</a>.<br />
<br />
Without further ado, here are his 5th birthday questions:<br />
<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">1. What is your favorite color?</span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"> Blue</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">2. What is your favorite toy? <i>Um... my Mashables (he got them from my parents for his birthday, they're pretty awesome)</i></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">3. What is your favorite fruit? </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Bananas</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">4. What is your favorite TV show? </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Gravity Falls</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? <i>Cheese and mustard </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><i>sandwich</i></span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">6. What is your favorite outfit? <i>A long sleeved shirt and pants</i></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">7. What is your favorite game? <i>Lego Batman 3 (pretty much the same as last year, just a new version of the game)</i></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">8. What is your favorite snack? <i>Oatmeal bar (same as last year)</i></span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"> </i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">9. What is your favorite animal? </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Lions (same as last year, interestingly enough)</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">10. What is your favorite song? <i>The Imperial March from Star Wars (he actually said "like Darth Vader")</i></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/IMG_20150316_080558_zpskxmprjxm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/IMG_20150316_080558_zpskxmprjxm.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">He's a Sith Lord<br /></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">11. What is your favorite book?</span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"> My 5-minute Marvel (a book with a collection of Marvel character stories)</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">12. Who is your best friend? <i>Brandon, Rafa, and Dylan</i></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">13. What is your favorite cereal? </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Fruit Loops (same as last year)</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? <i>Jump on the trampoline</i></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">15. What is your favorite drink? <i>Gatorade (which he was introduced to when he was sick earlier this year, he's now become slightly obsessed with it).</i></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">16. What is your favorite holiday?</span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"> Christmas</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? <i>My A's Monkey</i></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? <i>Um, fruit loops?! Why did we do breakfast again?</i></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? <i>Pizza!</i></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">20. What do you want to be when you grow up? </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">A police officer</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><br /></i>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/20150403_153443_zpse73ov1rz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/20150403_153443_zpse73ov1rz.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My big 5 year old, just lounging</td></tr>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">And here he was at 5 minutes old:</i><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><br /></i>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-2446790199272183392015-04-05T11:40:00.001-07:002015-04-05T11:40:48.531-07:00Isadora Claire's Birth StoryLittle sissy is 14 days old, so I guess it's time I wrote out her birth story.<br />
<br />
She was due 3.14.15 and I had been having intermittent contractions for about a week before her due date. Her due date came and went, just like my contractions. It was frustrating to say the least. At 40 weeks 5 days I visited an acupuncturist to try and get things to start up for realsies. While it was very relaxing, it didn't jump start active labor like I had hoped. At 41 weeks 1 day I opted for some interventions - a membrane sweep, pressure points, and some other things.<br />
<br />
At 41 weeks 2 days I was having contractions (painful ones) every 10 minutes. I figured it was more of the same - I had been having irregular contractions for 2 weeks and painful irregular contractions for for a few days. Bryan and I took the kids to a park, went out for lunch, and then headed home to hang out. I had planned to take a walk around the block, but at 2:30ish I felt a pop and a gush.<br />
<br />
My water had broken - the first time in all three pregnancies/labors that I had actually felt my water break.<br />
<br />
Bryan called the midwives and they advised him to fill up the tub and, if I had the baby before they got there, to keep the baby low until they could be there. I think that freaked him out a little.<br />
<br />
Luckily for him, they got there in plenty of time. They arrived, set up, and I got in the tub as quickly as I could as my contractions ramped up in terms of spacing and intensity.<br />
<br />
And it was <b>intense</b>. This was not my first rodeo, so I thought I knew what I was in for... but this was the only labor that caused me to curse - more than once - and in which I felt like I had to be done soon because I was having a hard time tolerating the contractions. I have been told I "sing" my babies out, but this one was more of a yelling this baby out.<br />
<br />
From water breaking to baby's exit was 3.5 hours. It felt like this labor took the entirety of Penelope's 8 hour labor and squeezed it into 3.5 hours. It.Hurt.A.Lot.<br />
<br />
But it was over pretty quickly.<br />
<br />
And then she was here. The big kids were able to be in the room to see her birth (they were there on and off for the labor), and I pulled her out. Although owing to some crossed legs, exhaustion post labor, and swollen girly-bits, I actually thought she was a boy at first.<br />
<br />
We were discussing names (and my mom started calling relatives) when I decided to re-check and discovered my error. Oops!<br />
<br />
After that, names were easy. She looks so much more like an Isadora than a Gwendolyn.<br />
<br />
Breastfeeding was good at first, then rocky, and now we seem to be back on track. I'm on domperidone, we have some donated milk, and she's gaining again after losing slightly over 10% of her birth weight. She has a pediatrician appt tomorrow, so hopefully we continue to see gains.<br />
<br />
At this point she's our best sleeper (knock on wood) and I usually get a few 3 hour stretches at night before we settle in for a nurse-a-thon.<br />
<br />
The big kids adore her and have adjusted well so far. They fight over who gets to refill my water or bring me my nursing pillow and they both like to read to her or snuggle up with us while she nurses.<br />
<br />
I'm still doing most things one handed since she still insists on being held and won't sleep well unless she's close to someone. But that's to be expected, she's only 2 weeks old.<br />
<br />
I'll try and post pictures soon, there are a lot on Facebook and even more on Instagram... but here's one to tide y'all over.<br />
<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-74022370881065938882015-03-21T09:07:00.001-07:002015-03-21T09:12:44.527-07:00What Not to Say to Someone Who is OverdueToday I am 41 weeks pregnant. I can't think of anyone who is pleased with this, but least of all me. I've been getting a lot of texts, Facebook messages, e-mails, and general questions from a lot of people. All of them mean well. But a lot of these messages and texts do more to frustrate than to actually help - I know it's not their intention, but it is what it is.<br />
<br />
Hence this post.<br />
<br />
So, as a public service announcement (or really, just for my own sanity), here are some things that I recommend you do NOT say to a woman who is a week (or more) overdue.<br />
<br />
<b>1. How are you feeling?</b><br />
This question, while sounding innocuous, is unintentionally frustrating. Why? Because we don't feel good. We are tired, frustrated, & possibly angry. We likely ache. It's possible we're having really uncomfortable or painful contractions but still aren't in labor, which is pretty much a horrible feeling. We feel betrayed by our bodies and possibly the baby. We're worried that something is wrong. We are hormonal- really, REALLY hormonal. Did I mention how tired we are?<br />
<br />
It's not a good feeling. And so we'll smile and say "fine" out of social obligation, but we're not fine and we don't really want to be reminded about how NOT FINE we are.<br />
<br />
<i>What should you say?</i><br />
Good morning, good afternoon, you're soooooo good looking (bonus points to those who get the allusion), or really anything other than how are you feeling...<br />
<br />
EXCEPT<br />
<b>2. That baby still isn't out yet?</b><br />
Um, no f***ing duh. Obvious people state the obvious.<br />
<br />
I seriously wonder <u>if</u> people are thinking when they say this to me. It's obnoxious. Don't ever say that. Ever. To anyone.<br />
<br />
<i>What should you say?</i><br />
It's so nice to see you.<br />
<br />
<b>3. When is the baby going to come?</b><br />
Lemme just get out my crystal ball or, better yet, check the meat thermometer I have pushed into my side.<br />
<br />
The baby is not a Thanksgiving turkey, we cannot tell you when it will be done. I promise, we are not keeping it in there just to annoy you (although at this point, there are some people that have been so unintentionally annoying that if I could control when this baby was born I might just keep it in another day... no, actually, I wouldn't do that because see question #1).<br />
<br />
That question is not helping. At all. So please stop.<br />
<br />
<i>What should you say?</i><br />
Actually nothing. Just say nothing if this is your go-to.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Almost there!</b><br />
Again, not helpful. Why? Because you don't know. At 41 weeks we could go another week before we get a baby. A week when you're overdue feels like a month. And the prospect of facing another 7 days of being tired, sore, hormonal, irritable, and plain miserable is not "almost there" - it is, in fact "hell on earth."<br />
<br />
<i>What should you say?</i><br />
Would you like some chocolate?<br />
<br />
<b>5. (via text or e-mail or phone call) I hadn't heard anything, have you had the baby?</b><br />
If we'd had the baby the world would know. It would have been posted to every social media platform know to mankind. We would have Lion King'ed that baby from the top of the tallest mountain. You would have gotten a text or a phone call.<br />
<br />
No news means NO NEWS. You, and the 600 other people who are waiting are not nearly as impatient for this baby as we are and we are not prepared to spend our day sending out text blasts or constant social media updates to tell everyone that NOTHING IS HAPPENING. Because nothing is happening and we're significantly more upset about it that anyone else on the planet. Having to be reminded that nothing is happening by well meaning people is really, really frustrating.<br />
<br />
And I know that all these people mean well. They love us, they love this baby, they are just excited and/or concerned and they want to reassure themselves that mom & baby are ok. I get that. I know it comes from a place of love. But while the intentions are purely good, the reality is that these notes don't really do much to help and can actually be hurtful because after the 100th message of the day we are more upset than we were after the 1st.<br />
<br />
I will say that there are women who welcome these messages. It makes them feel good to be on someone's mind. <u>I am not one of those people.</u> There are a small handful of people from whom these messages are soothing - all of them are friends who have been in this spot. Mostly because it's followed up with an "I'm so sorry you're still pregnant" and "I can remember being in this place and it sucks."<br />
<br />
<i>What should you say (via text or e-mail)?</i><br />
Just thinking of you. No need to respond. We love you.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Maybe this baby just isn't done cooking.</b><br />
No, it's done. I'm done so it's done. Trust me.<br />
<br />
Also, where did you get your medical degree?<br />
<br />
And, it's not a f**king ham.<br />
<br />
<i>What should you say?</i><br />
Here, I bought you this bottle of wine. (I mostly kid).<br />
<br />
<b>7. Man, you're huge. That baby will come out soon, it's out of room.</b><br />
You think I'm joking with this one. People say these things.<br />
<br />
Sometimes people are assholes. Please don't ever say this. To anyone. Ever. I've gotten so many "huge" comments throughout the pregnancy that it's a minor miracle I haven't punched anyone in the face. And 99% of these comments come from adults. The adults I WORK WITH.<br />
<br />
<i>What should you say?</i><br />
You look lovely.<br />
<br />
<b>8. Have you asked your midwife/doctor about _______? I read online that...</b><br />
We are in continual contact with our medical professional. But thanks for googling something.<br />
<br />
<i>What should you say?</i><br />
This is another instance in which it's probably best to say nothing.<br />
<br />
And again, most of the people who say, text, Facebook message, or e-mail these things mean well. They're not inquiring or making comments for the express purpose of making pregnant women feel bad or to upset them. But many of these things ARE upsetting and some of them (see #7) are really rude regardless (and yet, I hear it often).<br />
<br />
When in doubt, send messages of love and support - things like "thinking of you" "we love you" and "I bought you some chocolate." You can even indicate that a response isn't necessary so we don't feel obligated to reply if we're too tired to think of anything to say or if we've just reached our limit on the amount of social interaction we can handle in one day. Because social niceties are exhausting, as is gestating a baby. And when you're 40+ weeks and tired, sore, frustrated, angry, weepy, and looking for signs every moment that you're in labor, it's hard to muster up enough energy to make pleasantries.<br />
<br />
So world, when this baby comes you will know. It will be posted. Family will get phone calls.<br />
<br />
And it's not that I don't love and appreciate all my family and friends, because I do. It's just that I am not in a good head space. I had PPD with Griffin, being overdue is already triggering my depression. If this baby doesn't come soon then I will become even more depressed - something I was really hoping to avoid. The thought that I may have to go into a hospital to have an induction fills me with dread, even though it may be necessary and if I don't have this baby by the weekend I will voluntarily be induced.<br />
<br />
Not being able to nurse well with both P & G was rough on me, if I have to be induced AND I have trouble nursing then that will be very, very bad for my mental health and I cannot.stop.thinking about that. Every time I look in a mirror, pee, look down, put on shoes, have a contraction, or <i>move</i> I am reminded that I am still pregnant. That I am uncomfortable. That I am NOT IN LABOR. I feel betrayed by my body. By my uterus (which previously worked so wonderfully and now is being an asshole).<br />
<br />
I am worried that my body won't be able to do it this time. That something is wrong. That I am deficient. That this is a bad omen (and I'm not a superstitious person, so this is new to me). These thoughts do not feel good. These thoughts are not helpful. And every time I get one of the above messages or phone calls or texts I am reminded and these negative feelings are reinforced.<br />
<br />
So what should you do if you want news? Wait. Or text someone else. But better yet, wait. Good or bad news will be distributed when there's news to distribute. But no news means no news. And adding your anxiety as to when this baby will comes does not help my anxiety. It, in fact, makes it so, so much worse.<br />
<br />
This has been your PSA for the day. Hopefully now you understand why I have ignored your text messages or phone calls or e-mails or posts. Why I haven't "liked" your latest comment on my Facebook update. Why I give one word answers to your inquiries when I do actually respond. Why I've taken a bit of a break from social media.<br />
<br />
I am tired. I am sore. I am frustrated and angry. I am weepy. I am NOT fine and I won't be fine until I have a baby. Now you know. So now please, PLEASE send only positive thoughts or messages I don't have to respond to. Or send chocolate. Or wine.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-66921637406327104942015-02-22T19:21:00.000-08:002015-02-22T19:23:58.434-08:0037 weeks, stomach virus, Penny's playI am officially 37 weeks pregnant, which means that if I go into labor I can now have this baby at home.<br />
<br />
So that's a relief... not that I thought I was going to give birth early - there's been no signs of impending labor and I'm 100% ok with that. I still have 3 weeks left of work and a whole bunch of work-related things to do before this baby comes. Not a lot of actual birth prep yet though, I'm pretty much ready for birth. Just work. It's always work..<br />
<br />
Anyway, for comparison, here are some pictures:<br />
<br />
Baby #3 @37 weeks 1 day<br />
<br />
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Griffin @ 37 weeks 5 days<br />
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Penelope @ 37 weeks<br />
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<br />
I think I look the same.<br />
<br />
I did have a dream that the baby was a girl. But I've had dreams that they were all girls and Griffin is clearly a boy. So my dreams are obviously not prophetic.<br />
<br />
Anyway, 20 days until my EDD. I'll be counting down the minutes.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to be a part of the guessing pool as to this baby's birth date, sex, weight, and length, go here: <a href="http://bebepool.com/sinatra1981" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" target="_blank">http://bebepool.com/sinatra1981</a><br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
Sissy and Bubs are both recovering from a wicked stomach virus. Sis went through hers in 3 days with an extra day or two of recovery/weakness. G is now on day 6, poor dude. I hate it when they're sick but I'm so, so glad that so far it seems to have left the adults alone. I don't think Grandma would do well with this one. I won't feel like we're out of the woods until G has been diarrhea free for a week though, he started his about a week after Sis recovered from hers. So either this bug has a long incubation period or he picked it up from school and not from home.<br />
<br />
Either way, I'll be glad when the house is bug-free.<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
I was planning on blogging about Penny's play, but I'll save it for later. I don't have the pics readily available and I have grading to do before tomorrow so I should probably do that. Suffice it to say, she was cute and loved being on stage. This will not be the last production she's in, that's for sure.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-11577346102558819922015-01-04T19:31:00.000-08:002015-01-04T19:31:01.265-08:00Resolutions, 2015 editionI have posted yearly resolutions for awhile now. There was <a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/2014/01/resolutions-2014.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/2012/01/resolutions.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, & <a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-years-resolutions.html" target="_blank">2011</a>. I've been mostly successful at keeping these resolutions, so I figured what the heck, lets try a new set for 2015. Only I'm tired and pregnant and busy, so lets make these really, really attainable.<br />
<br />
So here are my 2015 New Years Resolutions.<br />
<br />
1. Have a baby. That one will be easy to keep if not easy to actually accomplish.<br />
<br />
2. Finish the paperwork for my Clear Credential which has been sitting on my desk for 2 years. This one I HAVE to do since my credential expires soon.<br />
<br />
3. Run again after baby is born and I've gotten the all clear. This one I've been dying to do for ages, but since I was so sick the 1st trimester I got out of the habit and I don't think picking up running again at 30 weeks is such a good idea.<br />
<br />
4. Try not to stress myself out over losing baby weight. This one will be the hardest, by far. It's my 3rd baby, I'm in my 30s, and losing weight won't come as easily (not like it was ever <i>easy</i>, but you get my drift) as it did when I was in my 20s. So I need to cut myself some slack. It will have taken 40 weeks to earn these enormous lunch lady arms, so it's gonna take awhile to make them go away.<br />
<br />
Speaking of being 30 weeks and having lunch lady arms, here's a belly pic. Scroll down for comparison w/ G & P pregnancies.<br />
<br />
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Now w/ Penelope - only at 31 weeks<br />
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And with Griffin at 32 weeks<br />
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<br />
Things to note:<br />
1. I miss that dress, why did I ever get rid of it?<br />
2. Uh, that's it. So really "Thin<b>g</b> to note."<br />
<br />
We did have a 30 week appointment this Saturday, in addition to hosting a group prenatal at our house. Baby looks good, things are normal and boring.<br />
<br />
The group prenatal was interesting. Everyone brought food and we sat around and shared birth stories while the midwives pulled people into the back room for their individual visits. Overall it was nice. Exhausting, but nice. We haven't met a lot of people here outside of our respective places of employment (and more so my work than B's), so it was nice to meet people who not only had kids, but were also home birthers. While home birthers can be a diverse group, they tend to share some things in common and so it's nice to get to know people who have similar philosophies as we do. I don't know if we'll find new besties, and I doubt any group could replace the MSN/One Heart community we had out in Sacramento, but hopefully we'll get to know a few families to add to our social circle.<br />
<br />
I'm now on bi monthly pre natal visits, so I see the midwives again in 2 weeks. Come mid-February we'll be on weekly visits until baby 3 decides to make an appearance. I'm really hopeful this one follows in its sister & brother's footsteps and comes on its EDD (3/14/15) because Pi Day is an awesome day on which to be born. We'll see. There's only so much say I have in the matter.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-38658437666919358522014-12-23T21:21:00.001-08:002014-12-23T21:21:22.566-08:00She is 6, going on 16Precocious children are precocious.<br />
<br />
Especially precocious 6 year olds.<br />
<br />
Penelope has been reading independently since before the end of TK, but she's always still enjoyed being read to and reading with her brother and me. Until recently, when she discovered the joy of 3rd-5th grade chapter books that are well within her reading level/stamina. While she still loves Harry Potter, we're on Book 5 and those chapters are loooooong and the print is small, so she's not quite ready to read them all on her own yet (soon though, so soon). Instead she devours books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Nancy Clancy, and Neverland Stories (or something like that). She read 2 DoaWK books in 2 days - which is pretty much what I do with books.<br />
<br />
Today she spent a good 4 hours reading either the Marvel or Wolverine Encyclopedias. Seriously. The ENCYCLOPEDIAS of Nerd-dom.**<br />
<br />
So now she doesn't read with us anymore. She sits on her bed and flies through chapters as Bubby and I make our way through Sneeches and Green Eggs and Ham for the 1 millionth time.<br />
<br />
I guess I can't blame her, if I could read a new book almost every night I would too.<br />
<br />
Griffin claims he'll always want me to read to him, even when he's 30 (he also claims that he'll want to live with me then too, and help me cook). But I can see the end of this snuggle time fast approaching as well. He's already got a handful of sight words, about what Penny had at this age, and is starting to "read" the books he has memorized. I will not be shocked if he's reading by the start of Kinder in August. Maybe he'll need more time than that, but he'll definitely be reading before he's 6.<br />
<br />
At least the baby will still want to read with me... I should probably get us some new books. But by that time, Bubby & Sis may want to read *to* the baby. Then what will I do with myself?<br />
<br />
Maybe I should get myself some of my own books.<br />
<br />
**Speaking of Nerd-dom, Penelope has decided to forgo the cute apricot colored skirt and shirt we bought her for Christmas and instead wants to wear the dark wash skinny jeans and Wonder Woman t-shirt her brother bought her for Christmas. I brought this upon myself, and I can't say that I'm all that upset about her superhero obsession (because I think it's awesome), but it kills me how pre-teen she is already at 6.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-15131208327781855152014-12-11T22:18:00.000-08:002014-12-11T22:18:30.597-08:00Penelope had a birthday partyAnd I didn't take nearly as many pictures as I wanted to.<br />
<br />
But that's ok, because it was fun. And I have these, which are fun too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The table set up with the photo shoot area in the back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We found tea cups, saucers, and tea pots at various thrift stores, along with doilies, lace things, and a pink-ish lacy curtain that was our photo shoot backdrop. I made the cupcakes look like flowers (which was crazy easy, thanks youtube!). They also had mason jars as glasses for lemonade.<br />
<br />
All the tea was fruit tea (peach, blueberry, etc) and they actually drank it.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The food table: fruit, rice krispy treats, lemonade, cheese & crackers, candy dipped pretzels.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I briefly thought about making scones and mini cheese sandwiches and then had to reign myself in. She's 6, I'm pregnant. This was just fine. I liked the fancy punch bowl, provided by a friend. It was a nice touch.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table + wall and ceiling decorations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The wall garland was super cute, I wish I had gotten a better shot of it. I do still have it, but I'm not about to drag it out of the kid's room just for a picture. The pom-poms hanging from the ceiling are still up in the house. We'll see how long it is before someone finally gets annoyed with them and takes them down. They're just tissue paper, and easy (but time consuming) to make. My dad & Bryan made half of them while mom and I prepped food the night before. Proof that my dad and husband are pretty freaking awesome.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Penelope%206th%20birthday/IMG_6913_zps0536665b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Penelope%206th%20birthday/IMG_6913_zps0536665b.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hat decorating station</td></tr>
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So THIS is where I went overboard budget-wise. The girls each got a hat and a feather boa. They could add ribbons & flowers to their hats to make them super-fancy and tea-party ready. I had to ship the damn hats express to get them here on time because I suck at planning (well, I just got busy), so they were much pricier than I had originally planned. BUT they turned out insanely cute, see:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Penelope%206th%20birthday/IMG_6914_zpsb4763030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Penelope%206th%20birthday/IMG_6914_zpsb4763030.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Girl in her fancy hat, boa, and party dress.</td></tr>
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And then there's these:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Penelope%206th%20birthday/IMG_6926_zpsb1f62e65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Penelope%206th%20birthday/IMG_6926_zpsb1f62e65.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom, who is awesome.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Penelope%206th%20birthday/IMG_6966_zpsd3b0aa3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Penelope%206th%20birthday/IMG_6966_zpsd3b0aa3a.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penelope, blowing out her candles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have more, mostly of Sissy and her friends or of her friends posing with the background, but since I don't have permission to post those I think I'll hold off. I'll print them for each girl though and we can include them in her Thank You cards.<br />
<br />
I was pretty exhausted by the end of the party, and it was only a 2 hour gig.<br />
<br />
Now to start planning Bubby's 5th. I think he wants a Robot theme. Hello Pinterest!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-36333479796659236962014-12-11T21:56:00.004-08:002014-12-11T22:22:09.127-08:00Fun with Old Wives Tales<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IIZGDED0KZI7Ua7PB5E48-h4K0J4XA-ZNzlfrNSZtTSklpcizeJizw2gHigV568cbOKMUOUNhJRV32VGp7G7pzkSIpb1B0CeMitiFQebYyAch1EpzqrzD2yOk0K6d_yQIL_eGrHaQ8m7/s1600/BoyOrGirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IIZGDED0KZI7Ua7PB5E48-h4K0J4XA-ZNzlfrNSZtTSklpcizeJizw2gHigV568cbOKMUOUNhJRV32VGp7G7pzkSIpb1B0CeMitiFQebYyAch1EpzqrzD2yOk0K6d_yQIL_eGrHaQ8m7/s1600/BoyOrGirl.jpg" height="106" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So the other day I came across <a href="http://pregnancy.familyeducation.com/gender-predictor/old-wives-tales/70198.html" target="_blank">this site</a> which lists 10 Old Wives Tales for baby sex prediction and I thought it would be fun to go through them all and see what the Old Wives have to say and then compare once baby Tre gets here.<br />
<br />
So, here we go!<br />
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<b>Old Wives Tale (OWT) #1: How you carry</b><br />
Apparently one carries girls high and boys low. So <a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/2014/12/26-weeks.html" target="_blank">based on this post</a> <span style="text-align: center;">I think it's safe to say I'm carrying high, which means that this OWT predicts a </span><span style="color: #a64d79; text-align: center;">baby girl</span><span style="text-align: center;">. Although if you look at all the pictures, I carry high in all of them and Griffin is most definitely a boy.</span><br />
<br />
Tally: Girl: 1 Boy: 0 No Result: 0<br />
<br />
<b>OWT #2: Body clues</b><br />
Acne = girl<br />
Dry hands = boy<br />
Cold feet = boy<br />
<br />
I have both acne and dry hands. No cold feet though, just cold hands.<br />
<br />
So this one is a tie. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">No winners here</span>.<br />
<br />
Tally: Girl: 1 Boy: 0 No Result: 1<br />
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<b>OWT #3: The Ring Test</b><br />
You take your wedding ring, string, and see if it swings back and forth (girl) or in a circle (boy) over your belly.<br />
<br />
Result? Back and forth. So another OWT for a <span style="color: #c27ba0;">baby girl.</span><br />
<br />
Tally: Girl: 2 Boy: 0 No Result: 1<br />
<br />
<b>OWT #4: The Drano Test</b><br />
You're supposed to mix your pee with Drano. How many old wives actually <i>had</i> Drano?<br />
Not doing this one, counting it as a <span style="color: #6aa84f;">no result</span>.<br />
<br />
Tally: Girl: 2 Boy: 0 No Result: 2<br />
<br />
<b>OWT #5: Heartbeat!</b><br />
If baby heartbeat is under 140, boy. Over? Girl.<br />
<br />
We've heard it both under and over 140. So another <span style="color: #6aa84f;">no result</span>.<br />
<br />
Tally: Girl: 2 Boy: 0 No Result: 3<br />
<br />
<b>OWT #6: Cravings</b><br />
Sweet cravings are supposed to mean a girl, while sour means a boy.<br />
<br />
I don't actually crave much, just food. I want sweets after a meal, but I wanted that pre-pregnancy too. I do really like spicy foods when I'm pregnant, but then they give me wicked heartburn. I can say that I definitely do NOT crave anything remotely sour (except in the first trimester when pickles were one of the only things I could eat without throwing up).<br />
<br />
So I guess this one is a "<span style="color: #6aa84f;">no result</span>" as well.<br />
<br />
Tally: Girl: 2 Boy: 0 No Result: 4<br />
<br />
<b>OWT #7: Chinese Gender Predictor</b><br />
This is all based on mother's age at conception, or something like that.<br />
<br />
Anyway, it says <span style="color: #c27ba0;">girl</span>.<br />
<br />
Tally: Girl: 3 Boy: 0 No Result: 4<br />
<br />
<b>OWT #8: Husband Sympathy Weight</b><br />
If baby's daddy is gaining along with you, then you're having a girl. If he's not, then it's a boy.<br />
<br />
Bryan doesn't gain weight. Bastard. So this one says <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">boy</span>.<br />
<br />
Tally: Girl: 3 Boy: 1 No Result: 4<br />
<br />
<b>OWT #9: Morning Sickness</b><br />
Morning sickness is supposed to indicate that you're having a <span style="color: #c27ba0;">girl</span>.<br />
<br />
What it really indicates is that evolution is an asshole.<br />
<br />
Tally: Girl: 4 Boy: 1 No Result: 4<br />
<br />
<b>OWT #10: The Key Test</b><br />
So you take a kay and if the pregnant person picks it up by the pointy bit, then girl (can you feel me rolling my eyes?) but if she picks it up by the rounded part then boy.<br />
<br />
I pick up my keys by the keychain. Also, this one is stupider than the other 9. I'm calling it a "<span style="color: #6aa84f;">no result</span>."<br />
<br />
<b>Final Tally: <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Girl: 4</span> <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Boy: 1</span> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">No Result: 5</span></b><br />
<br />
Alright, so the Old Wives are just as blind about this whole thing as I am. While girl does win out over boy, No Result takes the cake and proves just how silly these things are.<br />
<br />
Although I do kinda think it's a girl.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-22676998936583576012014-12-07T21:02:00.002-08:002014-12-07T21:02:49.463-08:0026 weeksThe last time I posted comparison belly pics, <a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/2014/10/halfway-point-20-weeks.html" target="_blank">I was 20 weeks</a>... I didn't have a 20 picture of my Penelope pregnancy, so I used the 26 week picture. But now that I'm 26 weeks, I have pictures of all 3 pregnancies.<br />
<br />
So, to refresh, here's 26 weeks with Penelope<br />
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<a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Pregnancy%20pictues/bellycopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Pregnancy%20pictues/bellycopy.jpg" /></a></div>
Also, I like my arms in that picture. That *never* happens.<br />
<br />
And now 26 weeks with Griffin:<br />
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<br />
And finally, 26 weeks with baby 3:<br />
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<a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Pregnancy%20pictues/e6133621-160f-49c9-a448-9bb9bf1e4789_zpsb7bcc755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Pregnancy%20pictues/e6133621-160f-49c9-a448-9bb9bf1e4789_zpsb7bcc755.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></div>
Note: Photobucket was being a jerk and the text is on there twice. I'm too lazy to fix it.<br />
<br />
Other than the fact that I should NEVER go without bangs again (because good lord my forehead is huge), I think I'm much rounder this time around. Other than that, they look the same to me. I'm terrible at this stuff. I still have NO idea if it's a girl or a boy and am 1,000% ok not knowing.<br />
<br />
While this weekend was my 26 week "milestone" - it was also Penny's 6th birthday. We had a tea party and I have pics to post as soon as I can find the cord to upload them. Sissy and her friends had a good time. I still can't believe she's 6!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-34276381302496285222014-12-05T06:01:00.004-08:002014-12-05T06:01:55.057-08:0020 Questions for the Birthday Girl - Age 6<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are the answers for <a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/2012/12/20-questions-for-birthday-girl.html" target="_blank">age 4</a><span style="font-size: small;">, and </span><a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/2013/12/birthday-girl-questions-age-5.html" target="_blank">age 5</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. What is your favorite color? <i>Pink</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. What is your favorite toy? <i>Frosty, my American Girl doll</i><br />3. What is your favorite fruit? <i>Are tomatoes fruit? (me: I think they are)</i><br />4. What is your favorite tv show? <i>Dora and Friends: Into the City</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? <i>Peanut butter and jelly</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. What is your favorite outfit? <i>My birthday party outfit (note: she hasn't actually worn this for a day yet, it's for her tea party themed birthday tomorrow)</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. What is your favorite game? <i>Sorry</i><br />8. What is your favorite snack? <i>Goldfish I guess</i><br />9. What is your favorite animal? <i>Giraffes and owls (note: giraffes have been on the list for 3 years in a row now)</i><br />10. What is your favorite song? <i>The More We Get Together, it's a nice song</i><br />11. What is your favorite book? <i>Harry Potter</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">12. Who is your best friend? <i>Lila</i><br />13. What is your favorite cereal? <i>Cheerios (note: Honey Nut Cheerios)</i> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? <i>Go on the trampoline</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">15. What is your favorite drink? <i>Water</i><br />16. What is your favorite holiday? <i>Christmas! (said without hesitation)</i><br />17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? <i>My white tiger</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? <i>I already answered that question (note: cereal, Cheerios)</i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? <i>That soft bread, and we could have some chicken with it (note: she means sweet French bread)</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">20. What do you want to be when you grow up? </span> <i>An actor (note: she's recently really gotten into plays and musicals).</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><i>Below, Sissy at approximately 10 months. </i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
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<a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Penny%20-%20the%20first%20year/photo-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Penny%20-%20the%20first%20year/photo-6.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-35470786155442709912014-11-16T09:09:00.002-08:002014-11-16T09:09:48.879-08:00Family PicturesToday we go for our annual family pictures, which is something that Penelope and I enjoy but Bryan and Griffin participate in solely to make me happy.<br />
<br />
I thought I'd go back and look at the last few years of pictures before today, and they made me cry, so I decided to make a post out of it.<br />
<br />
But before that, quick updates. I'm 23 weeks pregnant, 118 days to go. Everything still looks good. Penny had her 1st Kinder parent/teacher conference and she's doing really well (on track in some areas, above grade level in others - everything assessed in Spanish). She's bossy and popular (she only gets one of those from me and apparently none of those from Bryan - or so he says). She's writing sentences in Spanish (unprompted) and is reading at a 1 grade level in Spanish (4th grade in English). She loves math and is quite good at it. She's still taking piano and still loves it.<br />
<br />
She wants to be an astronaut or a jungle scientist, depending on the day - but she's very much into science and art and loves Harry Potter (we're in the middle of Goblet of Fire).<br />
<br />
Griffin doesn't get p/t conferences in preschool, but we did get to chat with his teacher and he is doing well in school. He talks in both Spanish and English in class, often responding in English to a teacher's questions in Spanish. He's always singing Spanish songs at home and exclusively names his colors in Spanish. He, more so than Penny, is excited for the baby and he often talks to or "hugs" the baby. He wants to help me do *everything* - he insists on helping me put on my shoes so I don't have to bend over. He helps me cook, he helps Bryan with dishes, he helps sort socks for laundry.<br />
<br />
The kids are only about a pound apart in weight. Sis is tall and slender (like her daddy) and Bubs is tall and <i>solid</i>. He's strong and can quite easily overpower his sister.<br />
<br />
Work is fine - just got back from taking 7 girls to Washington DC for a student journalism conference. That was a trip (in all the ways that phrase implies). It's been almost a week since we got back and I'm still recovering. But it was fun - for all of us - and I'm glad we went.<br />
<br />
Ok, so pictures. I don't have all the years scanned in, so maybe I'll revisit this in a few days and add in the ones I scan.<br />
<br />
2009: Penelope's 1st birthday and I'm 20-something weeks pregnant with Griffin<br />
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Also, one of just Sissy because it's adorable<br />
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2010: In my parent's backyard, not professional. We did end up going to JC Penny later, but I can't find those (probably because I hid them because I hate the way I look in these, but whatever. I had birthed two children in as many years)<br />
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<a href="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Family%20Pics%202010/DSCN1762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Family%20Pics%202010/DSCN1762.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
2011: At a park in Sacramento, Griffin's 1st birthday pics.<br />
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Also, one of the kids together and one of Bubba separately, because they're fricking adorable.<br />
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And then one of my brother teaching Penelope how to blow a dandelion because it's also totes adorbs.<br />
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2012: I don't have digitally, will have to try and scan.<br />
2013: Griffin's 3rd birthday, on the beach in the Aptos area<br />
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<br />
2014: That's today! 2015 pics will be after baby is born.<br />
<br />
I love seeing how much bigger they get each year. Also, my husband is HOT (and apparently doesn't age). ;)Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-13071886747450983312014-10-25T19:30:00.000-07:002014-10-25T19:30:07.127-07:00Halfway point - 20 weeksToday I am officially 20 weeks pregnant with the Third Musketeer.<br />
<br />
Comparison pics are below if you'd prefer to skip the text update.<br />
<br />
Everything looks fine thus far. Genetic testing came back clear, ultrasound came back with nothing but good news (baby is measuring on schedule, is 50% for weight, all organs in place and looking good, pretty much a normal healthy baby from all that they can see). My uterus is measuring exactly where it should. My vitals are good.<br />
<br />
Baby's heartbeat today was between 125-130, which is in the normal range. It's lower, so my midwives now think it's a boy; but just 4 weeks ago it was in the 160s so they thought it was a girl.<br />
<br />
I think it's a human. Pretty sure I'm right.<br />
<br />
We had a girls name picked, but Bryan found another he liked so we've opened up the list. Still no consensus on a boy's name. We do agree on middle names though. Claire for a girl and Vernon for a boy. So at least we agree on something.<br />
<br />
I'm ok if we just have a list of names at delivery time and then choose that day or a few days after. Seemed to work with Griffin.<br />
<br />
And now for the pictures.<br />
<br />
20 weeks with Baby #3<br />
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<br />
20 weeks with Griffin<br />
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26 weeks with Penelope<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-16822452736637380802014-09-27T19:31:00.002-07:002014-09-27T19:31:54.438-07:00Comparison PicsIt's been ages since I did a true update, but school is in session and I don't have time for much of anything. Besides, I go to bed at 8:30 lately so there's not much updated happening.<br />
<br />
But I DID (finally) find time for this. Belly comparison pics.<br />
<br />
Things to note.<br />
<br />
1. I was TINY with Penny, but she was my first so duh.<br />
2. My arms get bigger, why is that? I'm not growing a baby in my arms.<br />
3. My belly is rounder this time, IMO.<br />
<br />
So here's 19 weeks with Penny:<br />
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And 16 weeks with the Bubs:<br />
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<br />
And now 16 weeks with Baby #3:<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-9109932790299290332014-07-09T20:46:00.001-07:002014-07-09T20:46:29.502-07:00Summer and readingThis post is mainly to write down some updates so that I don't forget these things later. No pics this time around, just an informational post.<br />
<br />
This summer we enrolled both kids in a summer reading course. Griffin is in the 4-5 year old pre-K class and Penelope is in the pre-2nd grade class. For the last few months she's been reading independently and her reading level quickly progressed - the child <i>always</i> has a book in her hand (or a marker, she's also slightly obsessed with drawing).<br />
<br />
It reminds me a lot of me and I've had to tell her the same things my parents used to say to me.<br />
<br />
"Please put down the book and eat."<br />
"Please put on your seatbelt before you start reading."<br />
"Please close the book while you walk across the street/parking lot."<br />
"Please close the book and go to bed."<br />
<br />
I love that she's a bookworm, but it can be a little exasperating as a parent. She's reading everything - the baby books, the level 1, 2, & 3 books, chapter books (<a href="http://www.fancynancyworld.com/nancy-clancy-chapter-books/" target="_blank">like this series</a> of Nancy Clancy books), and together we've read Charlotte's Web, started the Harry Potter series, and are going to read Island of the Blue Dolphins.<br />
<br />
Best.Stage.Ever.<br />
<br />
She also started piano lessons today with a hilariously crazy and wonderful Russian pianist. It's going to be a great fit.<br />
<br />
Griffin will wait another year for piano - he wants to play the drums, but we're going to have him learn piano and how to read music before we get him drum lessons.<br />
<br />
Other than that and the disastrous swimming lessons (which we quit midway through, FTR), we've been hanging out a home. Between the trampoline and everyday errands, we keep pretty busy.<br />
<br />
Bubby's new 2 wheel bike came in the mail the other day and we're just waiting on Sissy's. Then we'll add bike riding lessons into our daily routine. Ideally they'll be able to ride to school once the school year begins (with my Dad, of course).<br />
<br />
We went to Wyoming again this year for B's grandma's 80th birthday and that was a mostly good trip. I have some pictures I'll try and post later in a longer post. The kids had a blast and it was nice to see some of his family that we rarely see, even when we're in WY.<br />
<br />
That's all I can remember for now. Goodnight!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-67400736187657364422014-07-01T12:22:00.003-07:002014-07-01T12:23:32.370-07:00#mybirthcontrolstoryThis whole Hobby Lobby decision makes my head and my heart ache. Especially combined with all the recent restrictions on Planned Parenthood clinics; this past year has been a bad one for women's health.<br />
<br />
So I feel the need to tell #mybirthcontrolstory so that maybe people who don't understand why these issues are so important will start to see what the fuss is about. It's about people, it's about health, it's about an individual's rights.<br />
<br />
And this one is about me:<br />
<br />
I had been on various forms of hormonal birth control (think "the pill") since high school. The pill, for me, was much more about regulating my period and getting rid of my awful cramps than actual pregnancy prevention, but as I continued into my 20s pregnancy prevention became much more important (although I still used the pill as medicine because horrible periods don't just go away once you turn 20).<br />
<br />
When I had health insurance, I would get my medication from my doctor. When I didn't have health insurance I would visit Planned Parenthood. They were a godsend, I could get an exam (which screens for cancer & STDs) and get the medication I needed at a price I could afford. I don't know what I would have done without them, because birth control isn't exactly cheap. I tried a variety of methods then - the pill, the ring, the patch - trying to find the medication that worked best for me.<br />
<br />
Shortly before Bryan and I got married, I started having these dizzy spells and weird "floaters" in my vision. I went to see an opthamologist and after the exam he said (with grave concern in his voice):<br />
<br />
"Are you on birth control?"<br />
<br />
My answer was yes... there was a pause, and then this "You need to see your doctor. Today."<br />
<br />
So I called. I couldn't get an appointment (this was campus health insurance, I was a student at CSU Sacramento and didn't have employer health insurance). The nurse who took my call told me, without mincing words "Stop taking your birth control until you see the doctor. It could kill you."<br />
<br />
So I stopped.<br />
<br />
During my appointment, my doctor informed me that my symptoms - which were more numerous than the dizziness & vision problems - meant that I could never take synthetic hormones again without putting myself at risk for stroke. My birth control options shrunk considerably.<br />
<br />
So my doctor and I decided on a diaphragm. I was getting married and we wanted kids at some point, so the IUD was out.<br />
<br />
B and I married 2 months later. Penelope was conceived 3 months after that. So much for effective birth control.<br />
<br />
After Penny, our insurance situation didn't improve. I had graduated, I was working as a nanny (no insurance), and the insurance Bryan got through work was terrible and limited. The diaphragm was out, we couldn't afford an IUD, and I couldn't take hormonal birth control.<br />
<br />
Hence, 7 months after Penelope's birth, we got pregnant with Griffin.<br />
<br />
I know at this point, some people would say things like "well, that's what happens when you have sex" or "if you didn't want a baby you shouldn't have had sex." I don't understand these perspectives. A part of a healthy marriage (and a healthy relationship) is sex. It is normal. It is natural. Yes, sometimes pregnancy is a result, but as it's my body and my marriage, I should be able to make decisions about when I want to get pregnant. Birth control allows me to do this.<br />
<br />
Griffin was born 9 months later.<br />
<br />
I do not regret having my son (or daughter) even though both were unplanned. But having 2 babies so close together was difficult. <a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/search/label/PPD" target="_blank">I suffered from PPD</a>, <a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/2009/12/cant-sleep.html" target="_blank">I lost my job</a> because of my pregnancy... I was lucky to <a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/search/label/WIC" target="_blank">qualify for WIC</a> (which was both helpful and a sometimes humiliating experience) and the kids were able to qualify for MediCal (neither B nor I could).<br />
<br />
Again, Planned Parenthood came to my rescue. I was finally able to get an IUD at a price I could afford (free).<br />
<br />
When I finished my Masters program and got a job in Salinas, we all breathed a huge sigh of relief. We were all covered. My insurance covers any form on birth control I need. We are lucky.<br />
<br />
But so many women, who are just like me, are not so lucky. They don't have the family support in place to be able to handle unplanned pregnancies, their state may have enacted legislature that forced the closing of Planned Parenthood clinics and thus they cannot access the birth control and annual exams they need, they make work for a company like Hobby Lobby who uses belief instead of science to make decisions about what is, and is not, appropriate medical coverage.<br />
<br />
These women deserve better. They deserve a government who doesn't infantalize them, but rather allows them to make informed decisions for themselves. They deserve an employer who keeps their noses out of their employee's health care decisions.<br />
<br />
They deserve better.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-13100225048955608502014-06-26T22:59:00.001-07:002014-06-26T22:59:20.189-07:00IronyIrony is, perhaps, my favorite thing to teach.<br />
<br />
I have often used stories like "<a href="http://www.classicshorts.com/stories/lamb.html" target="_blank">Lamb to the Slaughter</a>" or "<a href="http://classics.mit.edu/Sophocles/oedipus.html" target="_blank">Oedipus</a>" to teach students about dramatic, verbal, and situational irony.<br />
<br />
Now I have a new story. That of the Swim Lessons.<br />
<br />
You see this year, after a 3 year hiatus, both children have been enrolled in swim lessons at the Y. Which, in and of itself, is not ironic.<br />
<br />
So I must begin at the beginning...<br />
<br />
My children were born at home (warning, the 1st link contains birth pictures but no vaginas). <a href="http://rodgersfamily.livejournal.com/36769.html" target="_blank">Penelope</a> after an 8 hour labor, and <a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/2010/04/griffins-birth-story.html" target="_blank">Griffin</a> after only 7. (side note: I rediscovered<a href="http://rodgersfamily.livejournal.com/" target="_blank"> my old blog</a>).<br />
<br />
The births were rather similar- same midwives, same room, same pants, same pig-tail french braids (thanks mom!), same portable horse trough filled with water. That's right, both babies went directly from my womb into lukewarm water before I pulled them out and held them in my arms. Both children swam before they did <i>anything</i>. At all. Ever.<br />
<br />
Which is why THIS:<br />
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<br />
<br />
Baffles me. It is Griffin <b><i>utterly refusing</i></b> to get in the pool.<br />
<br />
A number of people have attempted to get our recalcitrant rhino into the pool:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>His swim instructor, Matt, who has the patience of a saint.</li>
<li>The lifeguard. All <b>3</b> of the ones we've had on duty throughout the week.</li>
<li>Me. Using a combination of logic (failed), bribes (failed), and passive aggressive threats (triple failed).</li>
<li>His grandpa.</li>
<li>His dad.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
And this is as far as he's gotten:<br />
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<br />
Actually, that's not entirely true. I encouraged Matt to just bring him in. <i>This</i> is as far as he's gotten:<br />
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<br />
Don't let his smirk fool you, he was in tears about 5 seconds later. Big old crocodile tears.<br />
<br />
Isn't it ironic? Don't you think? A little <i>too</i> ironic...<br />
<br />
What drives me nuts is that all he can talk about the next morning is "when are we going to the pool?" and "is it 3 o'clock yet, can I go swimming now?"<br />
<br />
In less-ironic-but-still-semi-frustrating-news Penelope will get in the water but is terrified of it and tenses up the moment she's asked to do anything other than stand.<br />
<br />
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See, she'll jump in, but only if she's holding her instructors hands (who used to be a Freshmen of mine, FTR), and then only because when she does jump in she never gets anything more than her chest wet because she's over 6 inches taller than the 3.5 foot shallow end.<br />
<br />
For children who were BORN IN THE D**M WATER, I just do.not.get.it.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-60506963021275334632014-04-27T15:07:00.000-07:002014-04-27T15:07:00.496-07:00A Few of Their Favorite ThingsSo we have about and hour and a half before our flight leaves to take us back to California (currently in Denver after a short trip up to Wyoming to visit Bryan's family).<br />
<br />
I have a limited number of pictures of the trip, and I might have more time to post on the flight - provided the children find ways to keep themselves occupied that don't include my laptop.<br />
<br />
But since I have some time and since the kids are currently busy reading (Penelope) and playing math games (Griffin), then I can recount this conversation we had in the car a few days ago.<br />
<br />
Bryan was off playing golf with his dad and the kids and I were headed to Casper's Science Zone after having made a very essential pit stop at Starbucks (because altitude sickness sucks and Starbucks makes everything better... seriously about the altitude sickness though, I get it EVERY time we come up to visit and it makes me pretty miserable. I could deal with the nausea, but the headaches are crazy and are only dulled with pain meds).<br />
<br />
So. In the car. Driving through Casper.<br />
<br />
Penny: I love this day, it's my favorite! (she says this about every day though)<br />
Griffin: No, it's not my favorite. (he was already homesick)<br />
Me: So Bubby, what is your favorite?<br />
G: (without pausing to think) Lego Batman!!!!!!!<br />
M: Penny? What about you?<br />
P: Art. I'm obsessed with art just like Bubby is obsessed with video games.<br />
M: He sure is... so what do you guys think is Daddy's favorite thing?<br />
P: Golf:<br />
G: Hockey!<br />
P: No, I don't think it's golf after all. I think his favorite thing is tickling us.<br />
G: Yeah, that's his favorite.<br />
M: So what do you guys think my favorite thing is?<br />
P: Reading!<br />
G: Snuggling.<br />
P: Yeah, Mommy you like to snuggle a lot.<br />
M: That I do... what about Grandpa, what's his favorite thing.<br />
G: Watching us.<br />
P: Yep.<br />
M: Granny?<br />
G: ummmm.....<br />
P: Giving us kisses.<br />
G: Yes, kisses and hugs.<br />
M: What about Great Grandma Barbara?<br />
G: It's when we visit her.<br />
P: Yeah, she likes that a lot.<br />
M: Harley-Quinn?<br />
G: Seeing us. (which is partially true, but the dog's favorite this is really seeing our babysitter Alexis)<br />
M: Granny & Grandpa's dogs?<br />
G: Seeing us, they love to see us.<br />
M: Really? My guess would be eating garbage.<br />
P: Gross!<br />
<br />
I was amused - mostly because everyone's favorite things seemed to revolve around them.<br />
<br />
They had a good time in Wyoming though. And altitude sickness aside, it was a nice visit. Short though - but it's hard to find the time to get away and go out there. The plane ride to Denver isn't that bad, but the 4 hour car ride to Casper is exhausting. We might go out again this summer for Bryan's grandmother's 80th birthday.<br />
<br />
We are all ready to be home though. Today was the Denver Museum of Natural History & Science with some friends that we haven't seen since we moved to Salinas (they used to live in Sac too, in fact Kim used to babysit the kids when they were little and we would often have playdates with them). It was really nice to see them - I miss so many of that group. We got to see some of the other regular play-daters when we were in Sacramento last weekend too. While I don't miss the city of Sacramento, I do miss the friends we had there.<br />
<br />
More later, I hope. I'm not teaching summer school this year so I'm hoping that I'll be able to blog more often than I have been. Hopefully we'll fill our summer with swimming lessons and trips to the beach. I'm looking forward to a real break.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-17183727985363329262014-04-15T22:04:00.000-07:002014-04-15T22:04:08.932-07:00Tax Day RamblingsI haven't written in a long while because forces outside of my control (ok, not really) have conspired to keep me so busy I don't have time to vacuum my floors (unfortunately true) let alone blog.<br />
<br />
But it is spring break, I've filed my taxes (ouch), and have had a celebratory glass of wine. My youngest child turns 4 tomorrow (cue tears) and I absolutely REFUSE to do any work (not true, I'm e-mailing people in between writing sentences for this post).<br />
<br />
Griffin's birthday makes me sad because he is my baby and I have to face that there really is no baby left in him. He's a big kid. A very big kid... and I desperately miss the chubby cheeked baby stage where they actually FIT on your abdomen when they snuggle (G tries to fit... he does not). There are things from the baby stage I don't miss (say, teething... or the half a dozen wake ups from Sir Griff) but I genuniely like babies and I do miss the baby wearing (which really means I miss having complete control over their whereabouts).<br />
<br />
Has anyone else noticed my propensity to use parenthesis as my inner monologue? Have I always done that?<br />
<br />
Anyway. Kids.<br />
<br />
Are big. LE SIGH.<br />
<br />
Penelope is reading. READING. Like, all by herself! She reads everything you put in front of her and delights in reading to herself and to anyone willing to listen. It is, I noticed, mostly whole words with a generous sprinkling of phonics. I had assumed that early reading would be more phonics - but I'm not a reading teacher so what the heck do I know? All I know is that she is reading and enjoying it. Her "report card" was very positive this trimester and she still loves school... which is good.<br />
<br />
Griffin loves to pretend to read and while he's warmed up to school, he still doesn't quite love it with the same enthusiams as his sister. His new obsession is Lego Batman (don't get me started, not my idea).<br />
<br />
When discussing his obsession at lunch today he asked what "obsession" meant. My mom asked him "what do you think it means?" and he said:<br />
<br />
"When you really want to do something and nothing else."<br />
<br />
Yup. Sums it up quite nicely.<br />
<br />
The positive is that since he can only play for a limited amount of time each day and he has to clean up in order to earn video game time, that the house has remained remarkably picked up over the last few weeks. So that's a plus.<br />
<br />
Oh, softball! Penelope started softball and she loves it. Bryan is coaching and I'm the manager and I love it less than she does, to be honest. It's not the playing, it's the actual managing that is pretty much awful. I won't do it again. I'll chaperone, I'll even coach, but I will NOT manage.<br />
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I'm glad she likes it though, she's made some friends and her coordination is improving, so that's good. I think we'll sign Griffin up for T-Ball next year and keep her in softball... who knows. I guess it all depends on what they like and how much time Bryan and I have to shuttle them to various practices and games.<br />
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The rest of our lives are work, which is boring to talk about. I'm so thankful it's Spring Break because I needed it. My students did too. All work and no play makes us all a little loopy, so I'm looking forward to having some (hopefully) reenvigorated students next week. We really only have 5 weeks of school left before summer, which is practically nothing. I have to finish Romeo & Juliet, go through the Greek gods, and teach Oedipus Rex in 5 weeks. Eep! We'll get it done, I have some pretty awesome students this year.<br />
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Ok, time to sleep. Maybe I'll have the time and/or energy for a blog post before the school year ends (doubtful) but since I've already said I'm not teaching summer school I may actually get time this summer to blog (or, better yet, to finish the damn novel I started over a year ago).<br />
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Happy Jackie Robinson Day!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-32957413767569813492014-04-15T19:00:00.003-07:002014-04-15T19:01:05.250-07:004th Birthday Questions with the BubsIt's that time again - birthday questions! Here are <a href="http://pbjrodgers.blogspot.com/2013/04/3rd-birthday-questions-bubs.html" target="_blank"> Griffin's answers from last year</a>.<br />
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1. What is your favorite color?<i> Green and Blue</i><br />
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2. What is your favorite toy? <i>Spiderman (his large Spidey figurine)</i><br />
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3. What is your favorite fruit? <i>Apples</i><br />
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4. What is your favorite TV show? <i>Ninjago</i><br />
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5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? <i>Chips... and a jelly sandwich</i><br />
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6. What is your favorite outfit? <i>(he points to the one he's wearing now, his Star Wars shirt that is graffitied to say "A Jedi Was Here")</i> Pictured below:<br />
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<img alt="Griffin at 4 photo 20140415_184923_zpsncgwe3hm.jpg" border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/Griffin/20140415_184923_zpsncgwe3hm.jpg" height="320" width="240" /><br />
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7. What is your favorite game? <i>Lego Batman (Of course. Le sigh)</i><br />
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8. What is your favorite snack? <i>Oatmeal Bar </i><br />
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9. What is your favorite animal? <i>Lions! (said with gusto)</i><br />
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10. What is your favorite song? <i>Frozen. The Let It Go Song (again, sigh)</i><br />
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11. What is your favorite book?<i> Go Dogs Go</i> <i>(we haven't read that book in weeks. The one he asks me to read all the time is Paper Bag Princess and The Marvel Origins book, which is a compilation of all the origin stories of the Marvel characters)</i><br />
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12. Who is your best friend? <i>Dash (from preschool</i>)<br />
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13. What is your favorite cereal? <i>Fruit Loops</i><br />
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14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? <i>The scooters</i><br />
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15. What is your favorite drink? <i>Milk</i> <i>(same as last year)</i><br />
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16. What is your favorite holiday?<i> New Years (his first response? Snow. When I gave him a list, he chose New Years... when I asked him if he liked New Years more than Christmas, he said yes.)</i><br />
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17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? <i>Octopus, because I love my pet octopus. (Which, for the record, is a stuffed animal that my parents bought him today at the aquarium).</i><br />
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<img alt="penny & griffin 2014 photo 20140415_121106_zpsbup0gjss.jpg" border="0" src="http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t82/jesandbryan/20140415_121106_zpsbup0gjss.jpg" height="320" width="240" /><br />
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18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? <i>I already said Fruit Loops (obviously annoyed with my question)</i><br />
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19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? <i>I can't think... chicken nuggets!</i><br />
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20. What do you want to be when you grow up? <i>An astronaut! </i>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6833980002201342292.post-14357480446539666482014-01-07T21:29:00.001-08:002014-01-07T21:29:16.425-08:00RunningI've alluded to this in other posts, but haven't really given it much time/space on the blog (mostly because I'm waaaaaaaaay behind on my blogging).<br />
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Shortly before I turned 32 I started running. It was entirely, 100%, due to peer pressure because in the 31.99 years prior to September of 2013 I hated running with every fiber of my being. I'd done spinning (love), pilates (double love), Zumba (meh), yoga (for 13+ years, j'adore), roller skating (used to love), rock climbing (miss that!), swimming (boring), and weight lifting (double boring). But never running.<br />
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In fact, I almost failed PE because I walked the mile. I think I passed the class because I always dressed down, wasn't a pain in the ass (other than my refusal to run), and my PE teacher just got tired of badgering me about the run and didn't want to have to deal with it again the next year.<br />
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So it's not really surprising that neither my husband nor my mother ever thought I would turn into a runner. I never imagined it <i>would</i> happen, although I was certain it <i>could</i> happen - if only because I suffer under the long standing delusion that I <i>can</i> do anything I want if only I <i>try</i>.<br />
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Anyway, Chrissy harassed me about it enough (ok, she didn't really harass me, but she was very encouraging) and the week before I turned 32 I bought shoes and went for my first run.<br />
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I ran a mile. I had to stop three times.<br />
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I ran inconsistently after that. Sometimes a mile, sometimes a mile and a half. Then I started getting up early and going for runs before breakfast. These were usually 2.5 mile jaunts. Sometimes stopping to stretch, sometimes stopping to walk for a block.<br />
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Then I pulled my hamstring after a 3 mile run and a particularly intense yoga class. I was sidelined for over a week and I started to realize that I kinda <i>liked</i> running.<br />
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I know.<br />
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Once I got the all clear to exercise, I started running more frequently. Taking breaks after tattoo appointments (because running with a new back tattoo is unpleasant) and taking breaks for holidays (although I did run on New Years Eve and New Years Day).<br />
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I've done one official 5K and have signed up for 1 more, plus a 10K, and I'm thinking about a half marathon in August.<br />
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If my PE teacher could only see me now. Ha!<br />
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I really do like running. I like running with someone best, because you push each other to go farther (ok, Chrissy pushes me, I'm not good enough yet to really challenge anyone). But running solo has it's benefits, it gives me time to think, which is nice. I take the dog on occasion, although she is more than a little annoyed that I don't run faster. <br />
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I will say this, I am SLOW. For the 5K I clocked in at just over 39 minutes - that's over a 13 minute/mile pace. I never stopped or walked, but it was uphill for the first half and uphill suuuuuuuuucks.<br />
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My average pace is a 13 minute/mile or just under BUT today I ran 4 miles and ran a pace of 11.28.<br />
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ELEVEN AND A HALF MINUTE MILE.<br />
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Yea me!<br />
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It would be awesome to run a 10 minute mile. Ok, it would be awesome to run an 11 minute mile. I'm still stoked that I ran almost a minute and a half under my normal pace.<br />
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I will never be fast, but maybe one day soon I won't be super slow.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11910339848371245054noreply@blogger.com2