Baby? Not yet....

Let's see...

I am currently 38 weeks and 2 days. I have a C-Section scheduled this Monday--April 25.

I have been getting asked about updates of where I am at--and yes I am behind on my blog. The last week and a half have been pretty rough. I keep going through these spells of cramps turned to nausea turned to contractions and then they teeter out. In fact--I am at the beginning of a new "episode" right now.

I have predicted from the beginning that this kid would come early (before my c-section time), but I give up. I really have no clue right now. It is funny that I have done so well all pregnancy--and now the last week and a half are just bizarre episodes that leave me wondering "is this it?"

In fact this past Saturday's episode was so convincing that Rob did all the dishes and laundry because he was convinced that the time had come. Hmmm...I guess there is a bright side to these "episodes."

As far as pregnancy updates, my last ultrasound was FABULOUS. The baby had gained weight and at 34 weeks they estimated the baby was 4 lbs 10 ounces and looked PERFECTLY healthy. The baby is also still pretty active and I can watch feet move around my stomach--however quarters are much more crammed. I don't think this baby will be as big as Alaina, but I estimate over 7 1/2 lbs.

Ironically--today--it is snowing. A low pressure system is moving in. This can cause women to go into labor (making their water break.) So we will have to see--but like I said, I have NO IDEA anymore. *I WISH I DID!* 

I have told Rob from the beginning, I REALLY don't want to be in the hospital over Easter--so if this baby comes early, PLEASE do so today or tomorrow, otherwise wait for the scheduled c-section. I really don't want to miss Easter with Ky & Alaina. Though, honestly if the baby does come--it would be the best Easter gift a girl could get.

I think that is really all I have.  I just wanted to do a quick update for those who are asking.  Please pray for a safe delivery of a healthy baby and a quick recovery AND of course I will update once he/she arrives.

A couple of videos....

This video is actually disappointing. I wish I had been quicker with the camera when she was really THROWING a tantrum about going potty...


We got Ky a new mattress for his bed...and I thought--why not move the old one downstairs and let the kids have some fun...

January 2011

With the beginning of a new month, we also began many new things.  Kylan began a karate class at the Y which he attended 2 times a week.  He did very well and really enjoyed the class.  However, we did not enjoy twice the commitment in such cold weather over dinnertime.  I also began a new schedule with NOT working at the Y and then using much of that time to help a good friend in need.  Rob began his LAST class for his MBA.  He is anxious to get it done and is ready to NOT be doing class work anymore.  And Alaina, well she began NOT going potty on the the potty anymore.  Yes--this was a VERY trying time.  We tried everything to get her back on track--we bribed with candy (I mean rewarded), toys, stickers, we ignored--unfortunately when she is ignoring too it doesn't make a difference, we washed her bottom off with cold water, we had her clean it up (and of course she can only do so much before she makes a mess worse!)  Of course all this was happening during the time we received the results of the initial ultrasound.  I was in really rough shape and not dealing well with the situation at all.  Poor Alaina--at least she is back on track now.

Alaina also received her first haircut.  I cut it myself.  I was so worried she was going to lose her baby curls.  And so far she hasn't.  I cut off about 3 inches.  She held really still (helps to have a video on).  I have to say it looks much better as one length!  Kylan also went ice skating for the first time.  He had a lot of fun with Dad and came back and informed me that he fell 26 times!  Ah...I wish I had been there to see...Alaina and I had a girl's day though and did some shopping.  She got a balloon from the mall and was so upset when she lost it.  Luckily I had just bought a treat and it helped to distract her from her loss.

Rob took MLK day off in January and we went for a walk in the Arboretum.  We thought it would be really fun.  Well it turned out to be pretty cold and very snowy.  The kids also got a bit tired of trekking in the snow.  I have to say the best part was watching Alaina fall and then use all her energy to awkwardly stand up with her many layers on.  Daddy helped her out though and carried her much of the remainder of the way.  After our walk we went to Red Robin and enjoyed a yummy meal--however Daddy missed much of it.  He took Alaina & Ky to the bathroom and then spent 20 minutes or so in there aiding Ky...Pottying with kids is always interesting--let me tell you.

When we left Red Robin, Ky's balloon blew away and that started a trail of tears.  I went in and got him another.  Wow!  It is amazing how the loss of a balloon can really turn your day upside down. 

So reminiscing on January and my big kids....

Ky is now a full-fledged reader.  He reads small chapter books, cereal boxes, signs--anything out there.  He is doing FABULOUS!  I am so proud of him.  We covered the 5 food groups in January for his "schooling".  That was a lot of fun and now he can identify what foods belong in what groups.  I was hoping to do a month of international studies in February--and I can tell you that that did not happen...perhaps later...He still LOVES Spanish though and we are really hoping to get him into our school's dual immersion program.  Last week I actually abandoned him at the story as he started babbling his Ky-Spanish to 2 Hispanic men.  It really is just plain embarrassing.

Alaina has become VERY independent and VERY girly.  She knows what she wants and asks for it.  She always wants to wear a princess (aka dress), and puts on heels and clops around the house.  She occasionally will carry a purse if we leave (yeah--seriously--you know she doesn't get this from me...).  She also likes to have input on how her hair is fixed and what barrettes are put in.  She also LOVES to dance--and will often ask for Daddy or I to dance with her.  She has also started making up her own songs.  Yes, I will get that on video soon.  It is VERY CUTE--especially when she is dancing too...With all this girlyness she can hang with the boys quite well--her climbing skills are awesome and she rarely cries.  You know that there is probably blood involved if she is crying. 

So enough about my cute kids---oh wait--that's the purpose of this blog!  HA!  Stay tuned for February...Yes I will try to be more timely...and don't expect much for pics, with my camera mishap we didn't get many pics taken, though I have made up for it in April.

To see and experience is to have your eyes opened to the reality...

I’m taking a mental & physical health day today. If you know me, you know I avoid politics. However, I feel like I can no longer be silent. I am so disheartened by how things have turned here in Wisconsin. Please take the time to read this note from a local Wisconsin “Welfare Queen” (quoting New Jersey Governor Chris Christie). AKA a former Milwuakee Public School Teacher and a current substitute teacher in Madison.


“A great many people, including Ghandi & the Bible, said that the greatness of a country can be measured by how we treat the most vulnerable among us. By that measure the USA sucks. As long as we see nothing wrong or immoral about paying obscene salaries to people who can throw a ball or sing a song or act in a movie or run a corporation that produces nothing of real value or worth, while people who educate our children, care for the elderly and disabled, provide childcare for our small children, guard our cities and towns, fight fires are presented to us as the “enemy” and the source of all of what ails us, we descend into a deeper and deeper pit. If people in this country expended half as much energy protesting the fact that multi-millionaires got extended tax breaks, that the gap between the incredibly wealthy and the rest of us continues to widen as they do worrying that teachers and schools, for example, might get a few extra dollars, maybe we’d live in a better, fairer, more just world. I’m not holding my breath for that to happen.” (This by the way is a quote from my beloved Mother-In-Law.)

When I went into teaching years ago, it was because I wanted to make a difference in public education—specifically with children from low-income and poverty situations. I wanted to show them that THEY CAN DO BETTER FOR THEMSELVES. They are NOT stuck in the situation that they were born in. EDUCATION was their way out. And who should know this better than me—afterall, this was my background and where I came from. However, being white, and having middle class families that supported my family gave me an advantage to what many of these inner city kids face.

However, I was not mentally prepared for my first day at a public school in Milwaukee. Instead of taking the time to decorate my classroom, I spent my time duct taping together the students’ books. There was not enough money in the budget to afford to buy new books and these books had to last at LEAST another 2 years. This is really when the reality of the situation hit me. How do I let these kids know that they can do BETTER for themselves, when I can’t even hand them nice books? Is this really showing them the value of an education, or THEIR VALUE?

Day after day of teaching, I would come home weeping for my students. My husband became my confidant. I could tell him about the 14 year old that told me she was pregnant and scared. I could tell him about the student whose mom died and was not sure where he was going to live. I could tell him about the Hmong student that was being forced into an arranged marriage at 14. And I could tell him how guilty I felt for not having enough room for the 38 students in my class. Afterall—budget cuts=increased class size (and that is just one consequence).

The first couple of weeks at school I was lucky. I had 36 desks and only 36 students coming to class. (Of course I asked for more desks—but there was the issue that there were no more desks AND my classroom didn’t have room for anymore desks.) I had to *hope* --yes HOPE that 2 of my students would not come, because I did not have enough seats in my class for them all. I still remember the one day that one of my two “surplus” students actually came to class. It was a student that had been assumed to have dropped out. He showed up late, but he showed up. NOW, more than ever, I NEEDED to show all the compassion I had for this student and try to get him to come back again and stay off the streets.

I had no alternative but to sit this student at my desk in front of the class (facing the class). I didn’t know what else to do. How do you think this student felt? Do you think he wanted to come back being “on display” for the other students? As much as I tried to encourage him throughout that class and afterwards, I never saw him again. I LOST my chance, my opportunity--due to my inexperience, sure, but more importantly due to an overcrowded classroom and lack of taxpayer dollars. And this is a memory that still haunts me today. Where is that boy now? I imagine there is a good chance he is in jail—a place that your tax dollars also pay for. Luckily the jails aren’t getting significant budget cuts, so there should be plenty of money available to jail him. (Personally, I think I would have preferred to invest my tax dollars in his education...)

Currently, I am a substitute teacher in the Madison Public School District. I teach once a week and stay at home with my 2 little ones the other days. I am BLESSED to have this opportunity to afford to stay at home while many cannot and there is not a moment I don’t THANK God that he has provided our family with such a wonderful opportunity.

As a substitute, I have been to most schools in the Madison District. And while the Madison Schools are MUCH nicer than the public schools in Milwaukee, many are rundown buildings with dark lighting and dingy walls. In the past 2 months of teaching, I have been in one class where the window would not close (on a 10 degree day), a middle school where only one sink worked in the restroom, and many schools with broken toilets, stall doors, and sinks, not to mention classrooms with torn and stained carpet or tiles that are missing. (AND yes—in elementary schools the kids sit on this carpet—carpet I would NEVER allow in my home!) And yet we want these children to see how VALUABLE they are and their education is, when we as taxpayers and politicians CLEARLY don’t care about it ourselves.

Taking a step back—why do Madison schools get to be nicer than Milwaukee’s??? Oh that’s right—tax base. Because Madison has a higher taxpayer income the kids get nicer schools. And Milwaukee—well—why do those kids matter anyway. At least that is the visual impression I get as well as any student that attends. Why do you matter?

Teachers are told that we have it easy. Hey- we have 3 months off a year and Christmas & Spring Break. What a breeze of a job! I can tell you of all the private sector jobs I had, teaching was by far the most stressful and I have put MANY more hours into teaching than any other job. I would go into work at 6:30 and leave around 5 PM. Much of my before and after school time was spent working one on one with kids who were struggling as well as contacting parents. I would then come home at night and spend 1-2 more hours working on lesson plans and grading papers. The weekends were an additional 5 hours or so of work. But thank goodness I had my summers off! I mean—how else was I going to take the MANDATORY continuing education classes to keep my certification. Of course teachers have to pay for these courses. That is why you see many teachers working summer jobs at parks and local community centers.

So where do I stand on what has been going on? I am appalled that middle class has been turned against middle class. Our focus should not be on ourselves, but on the most vulnerable. The children in EVERY school district—especially the poorest! The unions have given in to the pay cuts—many of which will DRASTICALLY hurt them and their families. However, they are willing to sacrifice as am I. Our schools CANNOT take anymore budget cuts. Teachers already spend hundreds of their own dollars to supplement their school supplies (YES THEY PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR WHAT OUR TAX DOLLARS FALL SHORT OF!) and now we are looking at not only cutting teacher salaries but school budgets as well. Where does that leave our children?

I am willing to pay for the deficit—out of my own pocket, but not at the expense of public education and public programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. These are the people that need this money more than ANY of us AND thus need to be PROTECTED more than any of us! One man in fact already did the math for us. If each adult pays $32 the deficit would be taken care of. I am willing to pay my share as well as the shares of others who cannot afford to do so (i.e. those who collect Medicare and Medicaid.) Please help protect the most vulnerable of our nation. This is not about who has the most money—it is about who NEEDS the money to survive and know that they ARE somebody.

My pastor often tells us that the truth of our heart lies in our pocket books. I think we ALL need to take the time to examine where our money goes. What does the money we spend say about our priorities? And who is really most important? I will NEVER look into the eyes of an impoverished child, or an elderly veteran and tell them, “You are NOT worth the expense.” It is time for us to unite and get our priorities straight. Let’s protect our children NOW and in the future. Please join my family in praying for a resolution that will protect ALL because EVERYONE is WORTH it!

For more info on paying off the deficit--$32/adult visit this site.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAfsIW6RY8Q

Baby Blessings--another sneak peak

For those who wanted a follow-up, we had our ultrasound last week.  We are happy to report that the doctor is pretty sure that baby Schnake #3 is just fine.  The doctor took a further look at the echo seen on the heart and verified that it was an area of rapid muscle growth.  She said this is very common throughout people's lifetimes and is often seen on ultrasounds of babies--because that is when pictures of the heart are taken. 

It was wonderful seeing our little one again.  The baby was suckling--and even the doctor was in awe of how young our little had already started this.  The baby also yawned and sucked his/her fingers.  The picture above is a 4D picture--the first one we have ever had--and how cool is it to get a sneak peak of your little one in utero. 

I personally thought the baby looked like any other baby and then a friend mentioned how much he/she looked like Ky & Alaina.  So that started me thinking...and I put pics of Alaina & Ky next to the ultrasound and sure enough--that is definitely the same nose! :)  (Just a little smooshed as it's lying against the uterine wall...)

The doc & nurse also verified that yes the baby is indeed a ____.  I was pretty sure the first time I saw the gender--and yup--nothing has changed.  It is kind of reassuring to know we don't need any back-up other gender names and clothing items.  Speaking of which..I am working on gathering what I need.  I also recently started watching a friend's twin baby girls (6 months old!), so I started pulling out all the gear.  I am glad I did too!  It gives the kids time to get used to having the stuff around--and with the girls around, I am also working on showing Alaina how to be gentle with babies.  WOW!  Twins are a lot of work--but DOUBLE the blessing--the smiles, the coos...oh they are too cute!  They just melt your heart!

Anyway back to the pregnancy. So the ultrasound was all good--however the baby's abdomen did measure a little small.  The doc said our little one is thin and they want to keep an eye on it.  So we will be returning for another ultrasound in a month.  As long as the baby grows on a curve they will not worry.  But like I said it is just something to keep an eye on...

Speaking of which...I hardly EVER wake up in the middle of the night hungry.  I just don't have the cravings and such with this one that I did with Ky and Alaina.  Sweets are definitely what I long for, but I don't feel super hungry or anything (kind of disappointing).  Perhaps that is why the baby is thin, however, my weight gain is still unexplained then...hmmm....

Rob and I continue to play tag with this one and enjoy the kicks and turns.  Speaking of which, if I ever want the baby to move, all I need to do is eat chocolate or ice cream--And I am serious!  I can eat other food and the baby does nothing--but there is something with the sweets...

So here I am at week 30.  I see the doc tomorrow and will hopefully start discussing dates for delivery.  I am betting that no plans will be made though until the next ultrasound.  I am sure the baby's growth is vital in determining when they want to do it.  So there's my baby update!  Next blog will be for January!  And hey---maybe I will get it done before March!  HA!

Christmas 2010

Yeah!  Last blog of 2010!  Let's begin...

So Nana stayed with us the night of the 23rd after the ultrasound and Grandma Jan joined us the next morning to celebrate Christmas Eve together.  The kids, of course, kept all of us busy by just being themselves.  They pulled out a lot of card games and read books and Alaina was on the "phone" a lot.

Rob made home made whipped cream for our traditional stuffed fruit french toast Christmas breakfast--and I had fun decorating Ky's face.  Hey--what else should you do with whipped cream! :)  We had a wonderful brunch!  (And it is all the more wonderful when it is a meal that you only have once a year on such a special day!) 

After brunch, Ky was getting very impatient to open the gifts (and what 4 year old wouldn't be?!)  We finally gave into him and let him have at it. Alaina of course followed suit and got into the spirit of things.  Nana & Grandma Jan got Kylan a very cool frog game, and the next hour or so was spent tossing and catching frogs.  (I snoozed briefly--hey I'm growing a child here!) 

It was a nice afternoon and we all had a nice time visiting and appreciating family and its blessings.  Nana & Grandma Jan left in the late afternoon and we all got ready for the Christmas Eve service.  We had put Alaina & Ky down for a late nap (they needed one) and by the time they got up we had 2 crabby kids.  It was quite the ordeal getting them dressed and ready to go (as well as feed them some food.)  I attempted to then get some nice pics of the kids in front of the tree before we left--they actually did better than usual!

The next morning we woke up to Ky working hard on his Cars picture.  I find this picture rather ironic since I have  a picture taken of me when I was 4 on Christmas morning.  I had woken up, got myself dressed and was coloring at the dining room table and that is where my parents found me....now if I can just find that picture. 

While breakfast was heating the kids were excited to open there presents, so we let them start a few.  This year Ky was quite the excited boy.  He was so excited that he had trouble containing himself.  He wanted to open even Alaina's presents, but of course she was NOT about to let that happen.  All in all it was a fun time.  Ky received several CARS toys including a bunch of games from Uncle Adam & Aunt Liz and a book with mini CARS figures from Grandma & Grandpa Vander Heyden--and I just have to add that Ky and Alaina spend a lot of time fighting over Sally....I have tried to find another Sally--but the stores I have been to have been sold out...Well--it's best they learn to share anyway! :)

Alaina got TONS of girly stuff.  Three tutus!  YES 3!  And she loves them all.  She loves to dress up so Rob and I got her various dress-up items.  She received these adorable butterfly wings with skirt & wand from Grandma & Grandpa Vander Heyden as well as a "Mr. Potato Head" Elmo, and lots of dressup shoes.  The girl is set!   When she opened her butterfly towel from U. Adam & A. Liz she spent a lot of time dancing around the house in it saying "I'm a butterfly!" 

Both kids also received personalized ornaments from A. Janice & A. Linda & A. Liz & U. Adam.  Alaina attempted to "eat" the icecream cone ornament from U. Adam & A. Liz.

As far as gifts for Rob and myself--we try to minimize that.  Dates or big other purchases are what we consider gifts for each other.  We both exchanged slippers and another small item.  Rob's big gift will be a new tv in the next several months--and my gift was our beautiful wood floors.  Otherwise just having each other and time together is gift enough!

After our own little family Christmas, we headed out to Rob's Dad's house to celebrate.  It was a very nice relaxing evening.  The kids had a great time playing with their cousin Dominic and then opening presents.  Alaina's favorite gift, by far, was the princess car she received.  Even today she takes that vehicle for spins around the house.  *very cute* 

For New Years Eve we had good friends over for dinner.  Celebrations are limited when you have small kids, but we made the most of it.  I even managed to stay up until midnight this year :)  2010 was definitely a good year--and I know 2011 will only be better as Rob & I continue to watch our kids grow and we meet our new little one.  We are truly blessed with all he has given us.  As far as New Year's resolutions--we don't really do that--however we do have a goal to GIVE MORE every year--and we will continue with that.     

A Christmas Ultrasound...our little bundle of joy

December 23rd was supposed to be a wonderful day--and in the end it was--but it didn't start out well.  We were on our way to ring bells and that was when I realized I had lost my camera.  I ended up dropping Ky & Rob off to ring bells and Alaina and I retraced our steps from the day before and asked our gym if anyone had found our camera.  I was in tears.  How forgetful of me!?  And it isn't like I haven't done this before--seriously...so I have driven off with the phone on the car (we heard it fall though and were able to retrieve it --and surprisingly it wasn't broken.)  And I have driven off with mail on the car...yeah, I am not sure if we found all of it.  It's just one of those things--the kids are out playing and there aren't a lot of safe places to put these items.  So I put them on top of the car where the kids can't reach.  ARGH!  So yeah, I cried.  Rob was very understanding of it all--almost too understanding--I needed to be yelled at.  I loved that camera--not to mention it is how I blog.  ARGH!  Yeah--here it is Feb and I still have yet to take the time looking for a camera.  I will soon enough--before the new baby comes.  And speaking of which...

So after bell ringing we ran home and picked up Rob's mom.  We invited her to come and see the ultrasound and help watch the kids during it...and we doubled that up with celebrating the Christmas the next day with her. 

This ultrasound was a BIG ordeal...First of all, since I was "late" scheduling all my appointments, this ultrasound was being done late.  When I originally called to schedule it, they would not schedule it because the referral had not been received.  I called back and forth between the two clinics AT LEAST 6 TIMES before they sent the referral.  (The clinic would say they sent it, radiology said they did not receive, yadda yadda.)  So I finally had it scheduled and then was called because they wanted to reschedule.  When I called them back they told me it was fine and they didn't need to reschedule me after all.  When we got there, they were not expecting me (of course.)  They said they had called me to reschedule--and of course I informed them that I had called back and they told me I was fine and didn't need to be rescheduled.  ARGH!  (Okay raging hormones and bad morning and you add this...I was VERY angry!)  Not to mention if they rescheduled, I would be "later" than the time frame they had wanted this ultrasound AND Rob's mom had driven out for this.

I think they sensed my anger and frustration so they did accommodate.  One of the techs stayed over her lunch to do our ultrasound--and she did a nice job.  She was very thorough and took a long time.  The baby wasn't the most active, but moved enough to entertain.  It is so neat watching your child yawn and move hands and feet (and yet feel nothing!)  It is funny because I normally think the baby is only awake when I feel him/her--which you then discover is not true.  The baby measured pretty much right on for everything.  Ky, Alaina, and Nana got to come in at the end of the appointment and watch as well.  I think Ky got it and understood what was going on.  Alaina was clueless.  (Who wants to watch black & white fuzz?!)  We had the tech write the gender on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope, however I was pretty positive that I saw what gender the baby was in the ultrasound...

When we got home, Rob and I went out for a short "date".  We went to one of our favorite coffee houses (no, I don't drink coffee--but they have good chai's and good hot cocoa).  I told Rob to open the envelope there.  (It was his turn--I opened Alaina's.)  Well-I was correct in what I saw (I should become a sonogram tech!)  because we are having....a boy or girl!  (You didn't think I was really going to tell you did you?)  HA HA!
It would have been nice to keep this pregnancy an ultimate surprise, but I have WAY too much clothing in the basement and I want to start getting rid of the gender clothing we are not having.  I won't be getting rid of it until the baby arrives (just to make sure--since they do occasionally make mistakes.)  But I have already done a big sort and put things aside.  (5 years of boys clothes and 3 years of girls clothes is a LOT of stuff!   Not to mention, I have some bins for Ky & Alaina in bigger sized clothing AND think about how they go through 4 different sizes of clothing in the FIRST year alone! CRAZY--yeah I need some space in my basement.)  And--I wanted to know what I needed to get...If the baby is a boy--we are pretty on-season with Ky's old clothes--however if we have a girl--we are TOTALLY off-season for the first 2 years...since Alaina was a fall baby and this one is spring. 

So pregnancy thus far (it's Feb as I write this.)  I would say this has been the easiest of all my pregnancies as far as sickness and continuing on with day to day life.  If you have talked to me recently, you know that I have had one small thing that the doc mentioned at my last appointment.  It should be nothing--but still as a mom it has me worried.  Basically, they saw something on the ultrasound.  If it is actually there--it is probably no big deal.  Many go away, many babies are born with one and are perfectly fine.  However there is this teeny tiny chance that it could be something.  (And I mean like 0.5% that is how small.)  Since all my other ultrasounds have gone fine and have never had this revealed, it is a stresser.  I honestly wish they had never told me--because it is not worth the stress it has put me through, and no matter what, we would keep the baby so why even mention it.  Even the doc said it is most likely nothing.  However, Rob and I have scheduled a follow-up ultrasound for next week.  We are meeting with a specialist.  Hopefully what they saw is gone!  (And there is also a good chance that the ultrasound machine produced what they saw.)  And if not, at least we will be talking to a specialist who will most likely be able to say yea or nea to any concerns we have.  Please keep us in our prayers for that appointment and for peace in my heart. 

On top of that, I took the diabetes test this past week.  With Alaina's pregnancy I was borderline so I had to come back in for the 3 hour fasting test--and let me tell you it was quite a miserable fasting--and I had Ky with me at the clinic the whole time.  This time I had a plan.  I went in first thing in the morning and I ate NOTHING!  This way I either pass or fail. I did this test on Friday morning and my blood draw was done around 10 AM.  Well you know, no news is good news..so that was what I had hoped for.

The next day I took Ky to the movie "Despicable Me".  The movie was starting late so I looked at my cell phone to see the time and noticed I had a voice message from Friday.  (Always try to reach me on the landline--I am HORRIBLE about checking my cellphone!)  Turns out the clinic had called me within 4 hours of my blood draw and said I needed to call them back ASAP.  Yeah--that pretty much ruined the day for me.  I was panicked--why would the call me back so quick.  I was praying that I was not diabetic.  I also had a thought that it could be my iron count--which I ALWAYS struggle with.  But mostly I was praying it was not diabetes.--ugh....You know I shouldn't have to worry about diabetes, but I think my mom had gestational diabetes with all of us kids and was undiagnosed.  How else did such a tiny woman have 2 10 lb babies and 2 9 lb babies. 

Well, it is Monday now, and I called.  It is all good.  My iron is VERY low.  They told me that I HAVE to get it up.  There would be concern for me and blood loss at this time if I were to have the baby with my iron this low.  So that is good news (really--it is!).  However now I must turn to prune juice or something since the iron supplement AND the prenatal vitamin are not doing it for me.  I eat lots of greens--this has just always been something I have struggled with.  Let's hope I can get it up.

I am at week 28 today. The baby is very entertaining.  I watch him/her move my stomach around and kick various areas.  There is just something so special about having God's creation in you.  Each movement is within me, yet I have no control over it.  I am cherishing this pregnancy as I did the others and am trying hard not to let the past month of upsets get in my way.  I will enjoy this precious time God has given me.  Whew...so that is my baby blog update.  I look forward to sharing real pictures of our new little Schnake in the next couple of months. 

December 2010

Before I get going with all the details--it is actually the beginning of Feb as I write this.  I want to start with just some fun new sayings the kids have and then of course the pregnancy update.

Alaina--she is truly my tomboy princess.  This girl will wrestle with the best of them (yes--she can still easily take her brother down) and then cuddle right up to you.  She LOVES dresses.  She calls them princess dresses.  If you want to reward this girl, you either give her a marshmallow, high heel shoes (by the way--the girl walks better in heels than I do!), a purse or a dress.  She LOVES baby dolls.  She rocks them and covers them up with blankets.  It is so precious to watch.  She gravitates to girl things--for example--Ky likes the movie Cars and has a lot of the figures.  Her favorite figure is Sally--it is like she instinctively knows that it is the girl in the movie.  One of Alaina's favorite sayings right now--and she tells me it often is--"I lub you sooooo much!"  It truly melts my heart every time she says it.  As much of a lady as she wants to be, she SERIOUSLY lacks table manners.  Meals are a struggle with her.  Food is EVERYWHERE by the time she is done.  Of course most of it makes it to her mouth, but we are having issues with her keeping her plate on the table and then her hands out of her hair.  UGH!  We moved her back into her highchair for a while, but now she is back at a booster seat at the table.  Hopefully in time she will ACT more like the lady she wants to be...(boy this sounds like a familiar blog...)

Ky is amazing.  I think I can safely call him a reader now.  We will pick out beginner level books and he can proficiently read through them by himself having never heard the story before.  The other day he asked me why there was "Fruit" in his underwear.  (He read the Fruit of the Loom label.)  He picks up on things so quickly it truly amazes me.  It must be a combination of that Schnake/Irvin genius blood that runs through him.  He just finished swimming.  Unfortunately, they did not pass him to the next level.  He does almost everything EXCEPT back float well.  I am disappointed--but hey he is doing much better than me at that age :)  We have been dealing with some "attitude" with him lately.  This has been really rough for me.  I am assuming he sees some of the other kids do this to their parents so he is following suit??  I don't know--however we are working hard to get him to see that that attitude will NOT be permitted.  He has spent a lot of time on time out and then in his room.  UGH!  I hope this phase ends soon!

Baby #3 is active and moving.  We finally got some baby books and started looking at names.  We do know the gender and such--but I will wait for the Christmas blog to give more details on how the ultrasound went.  I can't say I have had a ton of cravings with this child anymore.  However, I do have a sweet tooth that has lingered even after Christmas, so maybe that is what I am craving?  I love this part of the pregnancy where I can now watch my stomach move as the baby shifts and kicks.  As far as measurements and such the baby is right on.  I do not have a delivery date yet, but I am assuming they will give me one in March.  I am cherishing each moment of this pregnancy as I know it will be my last.

Now on to December... Nov 29.  It was a CRAZY day.  I had so much to do and the next morning I needed to hit the road to Chicago.  I was up late packing and then Alaina did not sleep well, so I did not sleep well.  I was exhausted.  However, the next morning the kids and I were off.  First stop was Rockford to play at the Children's Museum.  I love that museum.  It is awesome.  We bought a membership there and it gets us into so many different museums for free--it has been well worth the membership.  Anyway, so the kids played. There was no one there--it was nice...and then I woke up to an employee asking me if I was okay. --so here is "terrible" mom moment 43,857.  I had fallen asleep supervising my kids play.  They were in the same room as me so it was all good..but still...I felt a little guilty.

After the Children's Museum, the kids and I were off to my cherished shopping trip to IKEA!  I love that store.  We got there and I had fun browsing.  As much as I talk about this store,  I was a bit disappointed in my trip.  I really didn't buy much.  Oh, well--the kids and I (okay...really it was just me) had fun and I treated them to ice cream when I was done.

From there, we were off to Arlington Heights to spend the night and the next day with Aunt Janice & Aunt Linda.  I was so excited.  They invited us to take part in their family tradition--the first Wednesday in December they take the train to Chicago and enjoy the Christmas lights and have lunch in the Walnut Room.  I was really honored to be invited to this family tradition.

I was pretty tired by the time I got to Aunt Janice's, but we had such a nice time.  The kids enjoyed munching on Aunt Linda's oyster cracker mix and then pizza.  I was ready to get them to bed--they were a bit overtired.  I got them down to bed, however, they did not want to go to sleep...Hmmm...They finally did fall asleep, but it took FOREVER and since we were getting up early the next day I was really concerned that the kiddos were not going to do so well.

In the meantime, I had a great time bonding with Aunt Janice and then turned in myself.  I figured I would share the bed with Alaina--well sharing was not what she wanted to do.  I don't really sleep with my kids at all.  I have tried with Ky--but he kicks and moves.  Alaina likes to sleep in her own bed, so I had never pushed it--but now I know why.  She kept turning sideways and (in her sleep) tried to push me out of the bed!  Seriously!  My 2 year old was using her legs to shove and push me!  I would turn her back the right way and within 30 minutes she would be sideways again with her feet in my side.  Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep that night either.  And...I won't be attempting to share a bed with her again any time soon!  Next time she is on the FLOOR!

The next morning we got up early.  Aunt Janice packed a breakfast for the train ride and we headed out.  When we got to the station, the kids were SO excited!  They watched out the door and waited for the train.  We had to move them out of the way occasionally for travelers coming and going, but they LOVED it! 
(Sidenote...I wish I had more pictures of this trip, but I forgot to pack extra batteries for the camera! UGH!)

When we got there, it was blustery.  It had started snowing.  We walked quickly to Macy's to get our reservation in for lunch.  When the kids saw the tree in the Walnuts Room they were in awe.  Alaina was especially excited to see "princesses" who put sparkle dust on the children. 

After we put in our reservation we walked around the store a bit.  The kids were excited to see the toy section (and what kid isn't!)  Alaina of course picked out all the princess toys and Ky picked out all the CARS related toys.  From there, Aunt Linda went to purchase some pajamas.  Well, the next thing I know, Alaina had discovered the lingerie section and was walking around with a rather "sexy" bra around her neck.  Yeah...and she didn't want to put it back.  Go figure.  You know...having a girl scares me sometimes.  I swear I feel like I see glimpses of the future....and arguments I don't want to have...

Anyway--lunchtime came soon and we were seated.  And of course during that time, both kidsw had to go to the bathroom separately.  I totally missed Alaina getting "sparkled" by the fairy princess.  From what A. Janice & A. Linda told me, she was pretty awestruck.  And when the Fairy Princess asked how old she was--she lied and gave Ky's age "4".  Pretty funny! 

The Fairy Princess came back for Ky and he became very shy.  He got some sparkles on his hand and he enjoyed that.  Aunt Janice and Aunt Linda then bought the kids snowman sundaes.  They loved them (and look at how cute they were!)

After lunch we walked outside and looked at the window displays.  We also strolled down to a small German festival.  It was pretty neat with all the shops-and the hand carved ornaments were so cool!  Ky had fun chasing the pigeons in the square (and at that age, I would have too :) ).  I purchased some German chocolate for Rob and then we stopped at a one of Aunt Janice's favorite coffee shops that serves her favorite Chai tea (and you know I am a Chai lover!)  The kids had hot cocoa--Alaina didn't really appreciate hers though.  Kids are so funny when it comes to warm drinks.  I think it is so unexpected that it just surprises them.  From there we grabbed the train to head home. 

It was a really fun time and I look forward to doing it again next year.  And the best part was bonding with my Aunts!

When we got back, I packed up the kids and planned to hit the road.  I wanted to be home back in my own bed (go figure after the previous night's sleep.)  On our way out, I stopped at McD's to get the kids some food.  Unfortunately for me it had a playland, so I got stuck a little longer than I wanted...and then Ky locked himself in the bathroom. 

This bathroom had a lever for a doorknob.  The problem was, you could lock the door by pushing the button in, but then to unlock the door you had to turn the lock (you couldn't just push on the lever.)  Well, poor Ky did not understand this.  He was in the bathroom (near my table) and I could hear him yelling to Alaina that he was going potty.  Well he kept yelling and I just took my time eating and watching Alaina play.  Next thing I know, this lady walks up to me and says "I think something is wrong with your son."  And sure enough his cries turned into sobs.  I tried to direct him on how to get out, but he couldn't get the door open.  I would like to say, I was totally calm in this situation.  I went to the counter and let the employee know that we needed a key for the bathroom.  For some reason, the employee didn't believe me.  They followed me and came to the conclusion that, yes, my boy was indeed locked in the bathroom and they needed a key.  (Poor Ky--this took way longer than it should of.)  It took a while then for them to even find a key, but we got the boy out!  Now whenever I see that McD's, I will have a special memory. :)

On our way out of town, I turned the wrong way and got lost.  ARGH!  I had to call Aunt Janice and she redirected me to get back on the interstate.  Thank goodness I had someone to help me!

It was a long drive home and at one point I called Rob to let him know that I was going to be a bit later than planned--and to ask him a hypothetical question...I believe it was something like this...

"Suppose you are a pregnant woman, driving alone by yourself with 2 young children in the backseat that are sleeping and you really really REALLY have to go to the bathroom bad.  Do you A.) stop at a gas station, wake up the sleeping children to take them in and go--and you know that they will each be screaming and insisting on being carried and then will probably lay prostrate in exhausted tantrums on the nasty gas station floor screaming as you use the restroom or B.) park close as possible to the gas station and run in, leaving the kids in car, and hurry."   Well--luckily there was no need to figure out an answer--because yes, I was able to hold it!-WHEW!  But seriously, what would you do??
The adventures after that did not stop.  On Friday, right after I subbed and then we went to ring bells.  And let me tell you--these kids really know how to work it.  Of course, they did not keep it up the WHOLE 2 hour shift, but they had their moments.  After the ringing bells, we were off to the Olbrich Train Show.  With Ky's love of trains, this event is top-notch.  We had some Christmas cookies and then sat and watched the trains until the Garden's closed.  (A great excuse to have to leave!)

On Saturday, we took the kids to Rob's work's Christmas Breakfast.  The roads were a bit slick, but we figured it was close enough we would just go.  Well--the funny part was when we got there, Rob realized he forgot his work badge so we had to go back home to get it.  :)

We enjoyed our big breakfast and then the kids had fun seeing Frosty and Clifford.  Alaina seemed a bit scared as she didn't want to get near them.  The kids then also got tattoos and their faces painted.  Alaina enjoyed getting her tattoos and face painted this year (last year she screamed like she was getting a shot.)  

The next weekend we put up the tree.  The kids had fun helping daddy sort the branches and then they hung their ornaments.  We ran out the next day and let the kids pick their annual Christmas ornaments.  Ky picked a snowglobe with a snowman in it.  Alaina picked--yeah you know this was coming--a bright red purse.  Yes they had a purse ornament and she was SO ecstatic about it.  I showed her so many other different ornaments, but she didn't want them--she wanted the purse ornament.  And so we bought it...and well it didn't get put on the tree for a week (when I finally had the opportunity to nab it and put it high on the tree where she couldn't see it or reach it.)  Crazy kid!

The next week, we were off to the Milwaukee Public Museum.  Ky had just gotten done working on an Amphibian preschool unit and I had seen that there was a frog exhibit at the MPM.  And with our family membership we could get in the exhibit for 1/2 price AND the museum for free.  Rob's mom had also seen the exhibit and actually called me asking about taking the kids.  Since, I was already planning on going, I figured we could just go together, making it easier to chaperon the kids and then getting in some great Nana time!  (Note there are no pics of the frogs because cameras are not allowed in the exhibit.)

We did do the butterfly exhibit.  However, Alaina was freaked out by the butterflies.  A couple of times one would come and land on her and she would scream and yell and bat at the butterfly.  I hope she didn't hurt any.  I took her out early and let Ky & Nana finish enjoying the butterflies together. 

The kids had a great time, and it was even better having Nana with us.  We explored most of the musem--and while--with kids you can't really stop and read the info, you do learn some things and even better, the kids walk away knowing and having seen more than they did before. 

The last pics I have are of the kids making snow angels.  Sadly these are my last pictures I got from that camera.  The kids and I were playing in the snow and I put the camera on top of the van--and forgot about it.  I drove off and in a parking lot I remember hearing a thump that was probably the camera.  I looked behind me, but didn't see anything.  I didn't realize that I had lost it until Dec 23, the day of our ultrasound.  In the meantime, I lost a lot of pictures of the kids finishing their ornaments and making Christmas cookies.  ARGH!  Yeah I cried.  I loved that camera, and now I have to go take the time to find another one that I like and spend the money to buy it.  Luckily, I still have my old camera so I was able to take some pics for Christmas and stuff.  However, the old one does not have video capability and I feel like I have lost out on so many video opportunities.  It's really a bummer.  The funny thing is--I lost the camera in the parking lot of our gym.  Right before I lost it, I was in the gym and found someone's very expensive watch.  I didn't think twice--and I turned it in.  I would have hoped that someone had had the same honesty and integrity to do the same with my camera--especially when they saw all the pictures of the kids on it--however they didn't.  BLAH!  I'm a bit angry with myself, and the person who chose not to turn it in, but life goes on.  And so stay tuned for the Ultrasound/Christmas blog.

Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving always seems like a LONG holiday.  I think that is because it is a busy one for the Schnake's.  We spend the morning at Nana's, the afternoon at Grandpa's, then we deal with the horrors/deals of Black Friday, and finally we round it out with a visit from good friends, Jared & Deb.

Whew!  Doesn't that just SOUND exhausting.  Add two kids under 5 and one on the way and it is a busy time! 

T'giving morning we arrived for brunch with Nana & G'ma Jan.  There was LOTS of love to spread around and we enjoyed a very nice and relaxing breakfast. 

After that we were off to Grandpa & Grandma Debi's for dinner.  We were hoping that Alaina would take some sort of nap so the day did not TOTALLY exhaust her--and well the 5 minutes in the van between families was about all she allowed herself to get. 

My goal once at Grandpa's was to get a few nice pics of the kids in front of the tree.  Whew!  You know that is a lot of work.  I think this time I was much more realistic realizing that a "nice" pic with the 2 of them just isn't going to happen.  (Okay--so I made that realization after I tried several bribes with candy & chocolate covered pretzels.) 

This Thanksgiving the boys, Rick & Ry, attempted to carve the turkey.  This was quite entertaining for all onlookers.  My favorite part was when Ryan was looking up inside the turkey like he expected to find something in there.  Ah--and then there was the search for the wishbone.  Thankfully Uncle Kirk stepped in to help out.  He guided the boys on slicing the turkey.  I took mental notes.  I bought a turkey at a great price and I have it in the freezer right now.  I plan to cook it up in the next month and have a fabulous dinner and then use all the turkey leftovers to make some casseroles that I can freeze and use once the baby comes.  I think this will be my first turkey ever (that I cooked!) I am excited. 

Overall, the boys did a nice job carving the turkey.  Dinner was fabulous.  I ate lots.  Alaina also had her fair share of food and especially enjoyed when Grandma Debi shared dessert with her. 

On Friday, we avoided the stores until later.  When we did go out, we weren't surprised to see the few things we had planned on getting were gone.  We then returned home and did some online shopping instead--getting the same deals with free shipping!  Woo-hoo!  (Why deal with the horrors of leaving the home anymore!?)

Saturday, Jared & Deb came to stay with us for the night as they were driving through visiting the family.  We had a very nice family visit.  The kids really got Uncle Jared playing and suckered him into reading lots of stories.  We went to church the next morning together and then returned home for a good lunch before they hit the road.  It was a wonderful long weekend.  It doesn't get better than good times with friends and family. 

Dinner with the Schnake's

Just for your enjoyment...a typical loud dinner with the kids. Enjoy!

November 2010

November was a blur to me. Between just the normal busyness, I was tired and dealing with appointments--LOTS of appointments. And not just OB appointments, dentist and flu shot and all that jazz.  Ky had his 3rd dentist appointment and once again we had a new hygienist and dentist.  They discovered a cavity.  I was shocked and appalled.  He doesn't eat sugary stuff very often--we don't even drink juice very often!  I brush his teeth in the morning and at night (talk about adding insult to injury).  And well--he's only FOUR! 

When I asked why and what we could do, they basically said "His teeth have deep grooves, there isn't much you can do."  "WHAT?!"  You're my dentist!  You are supposed to have solutions!  So yeah--we are done with these people as our dentist.  We will take Ky to get his filling and then go elsewhere for appointments.  ARGH!  It has been so hard to find a good dentist.  I am just getting tired of it all.

While I'm talking about Ky--This month we learned about animal classifications.  And then Ky decided Toy Story was the new cool movie...and of course like every preschooler he now has his very cute and mixed up saying "To Amphibians and Beyond" (Quoting Buzz Light Year).  And yes, that is really what he thinks Buzz Light Year says.

Okay...so to the November Pics...

I watch my neighbor's kid every other Monday (She does the same for me so we can both rotate teaching) and I decided that the kids should make something fun for Christmas.  So we started a LONG term project making ornaments.  The first week we made the dough.  They had a lot of fun!  They then rolled out the dough and cut out their shapes and left them to dry.  A few weeks later after they dried (and when Daniel came back) the kids painted them.  Then a few weeks later they put a clear glue coat on them to protect them.  And then finally put a string through them and hung them.  They had a lot of fun--and it was a great project because it took up a lot of time.

With the potty training--Alaina has been very proudly dressing herself (except for shirts--she can't do shirts yet.)  Several times now she has put her underwear outside of her pants.  VERY FUNNY!  And she doesn't seem to notice or care.  Silly girl!

We received our first snow in Madison, the very beginning of December.  Can you believe I was STILL picking broccoli until then?!  I can't believe it!  I will definitely be planting broccoli next year.  And because I was still selfishly picking broccoli, I did not get my garden turned over for next year.  ARGH!  It is going to be a LOT harder to do when I am 8 months preggo!  Oh well...good thing I have a WONDERFUL husband to help! :)

With November came---OUR NEW WOOD FLOORS and we got some NEW WINDOWS too!  YEAH!  The 20 year old carpet was pulled up from our living and dining room and saved (yes saved) for the garden next year.  They took two weekends for us to install, but we did it!  I will have to post pics of the finished product later.  It is beautiful!  And what a difference!

We also took advantage of the energy rebate and got enough windows to max it out.  What a difference that makes!  First of all we can see out our windows! (We couldn't in the winter before because they would frost up!) And secondly, they aren't falling apart!  Yes, we literally have some old wooden windows that are rotting--30 year old windows--who would think!  We have 6 more windows we need to take care of and we are hoping that they will renew the energy rebate and we will do that next year.

The kids did Operation Christmas Child again this year.  Ky got into it this year a lot more than he did last year.  We let him pick out what went in his box and we also let him pick out some toys for a boy his age in the area who needed gifts.  It is neat to see him year after year understand a little bit more of what he is doing and what kind of impact it will have on another child.  I love finding opportunities like this for him since he is so limited on what he can do at his age.

Alaina also picked out things for a little girl, however, she has no idea what she is doing.  So of course, she assumed everything she picked out was hers and I had to "take the stuff" away later so I could pack it in the box.  (Good thing we have naptime!) It all worked out!

November was such a mildly warm month.  I took the kids to the zoo and they had a blast.  I figured it also worked well into our "Animal Classifications" lesson plans.  Ky was identifying mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds.  Alaina--well she was just everywhere...  I also learned that taking a newly potty trained child to the zoo in November is not a good idea when they close down the restrooms inside the park.  The only restrooms that were open were the ones by the entrance.  That made for a delightful--"run and carry to the potty before she pees on me" trip.  And then of all things--when we got there she says "I don't need to go."  Yeah--I made her sit until she had something to "go" with.  UGH!

You will also notice that there are some pics of Alaina with a little girl named Lana.  Lana is in our playgroup and she is Alaina's new best friend.  Alaina just ADORES here and ALWAYS asks about her.  It is so sweet to see them holding hands and running around.  A first friend!

At the end of November, I took the kids to the newly done Children's Museum in Madison.  The place was CRAZY!  There were TONS of kids EVERYWHERE!  I was hoping to miss some of the crowds by waiting several months after it opened to take them--but yeah--it didn't matter.  The new museum is very nice, but like I said, it was CRAZY!  I don't really have a strong desire to go back...especially after the tantrum Ky threw when we left.  UGH!  And normally he is really good about leaving places. 

You probably noticed the pic of Alaina and her dollhouse...that was our birthday present to her.  I had a lot of trouble finding an age appropriate dollhouse that came with accessories.  I finally found this dollhouse in November.  Rob and I figured it didn't really matter at her age when we gave it to her since she didn't know any better.  So there it is.  She loves it and so does Ky.  There have been many fights over it--meaning it is a good toy.

We celebrated Grandma Jan's birthday in November.  We had a really nice Mexican lunch and Nana took the kids on a walk to a new playground.  It was a nice relaxing afternoon--and yes I fell asleep that is how relaxing it was.  Extended family does not get better than that--you feel so comfortable you can just fall asleep. 

And finally--the homemade pine cone bird feeders.  When we were learning about birds, we made bird feeders and hung them up on the tree in the front yard.  Ky was so excited to see the birds get the seeds.  But we never did...the squirrels stole the feeders....so we made two more..and so the squirrels stole two more.  I give up.  The squirrels win.  Ky is crying.  There isn't much more we can do.  Sorry old chap...back to the old fashioned bird feeders it is. And that is that!  I am not making anymore!  Squirrels! UGH!  They totally ruined our fun!

And that was November in a crazy blur! Now don't forget to check out the video! Alaina decided she was getting married...hmmm...

Wrapping up October

The Saturday before Halloween, we had a wonderful visit with our Aunts and Uncle. They drove up from the Chicago area and spent the day with us.

The first thing on our agenda was to go to the Farmer's Market. The Farmer's Market had only one more week outside and it was a very nice Saturday considering how late in the season it was.

And of course the produce, cheese, and bakery was divine! Ryan was in town celebrating homecoming, so he actually met up with us on the square and enjoyed all the yummy goodness with us.

We bought two loaves of Stella's Spicy Cheese Bread (to last us through the winter.. Of course they really only lasted us until mid-November--but it was a nice idea.) And then some other produce like spinach and garlic.  If you have never been to the Madison Farmer's Market--there really is no other market that is better.  Give me a call and we will schedule a visit.  I KNOW you will find it all worthwhile.

Ky and Alaina enjoyed the extra attention from all the relatives--though Alaina was being a little standoffish with Ryan--which was weird.  Towards the end Ky had fun playing in the leaves and putting them on everyone's head--well actually only Uncle Ryan and Aunt Linda's heads!  HA! 

From there we returned home and had a nice dinner with Uncle Tom, Aunt Sue, Aunt Janice, and Aunt Linda.  At some point during the visit, Ky brought up the new baby and pointed out the ultrasound on the fridge.  We were planning to tell everyone at dinner---but hey--that worked too--and I think he was getting used to telling everyone.  :)  We all had a wonderful day and look forward to getting together again.

The next day was Halloween.  I have been having personal battles with the "holiday" myself and feeling really torn about the whole thing.  Up to this point, we had not ever gone trick or treating--and honestly I think calling it trick or treating is somewhat wrong in itself.  If you don't know my history, I grew up never trick or treating.  We were taught that it was a bad holiday and that the whole concept was wrong.  This year was the year we needed to decide what to do with the kids and trick or treating since Ky was now 4 and had heard from everyone else what happens.

Rob and I talked about it and I looked into the history of the holiday.  We also spoke with our church group about it.  Here is what I learned and what I decided about the holiday...

Pumpkin Carving--in England it was to represent the souls captured in purgatory. In America it was developed as a separate tradition during the reaping of the harvest NOT Halloween originally...I have no problem with pumpkin carving assuming my children are not making things that look demonic and such...and well we don't believe in purgatory, but hey I grew pumpkins this year, so let's celebrate the harvest!

Trick or Treating--can in fact be dated way back to Christmastime in England when people dressed up and went door to door caroling and then received treats.  It can also be taken back to All Saints Day when the poor would go door to door and pray for lost loved ones to receive food.  And in Ireland people would dress up and perform tricks for money and food.  It is actually difficult to see the true roots of trick or treating--much like the true roots of Halloween in general (there are so many different countries that have done different things.) While I don't think any menacing tricks should be played on people--the fact is, they rarely are (or it is teenagers who would do it any other night..)  And who hasn't paid to go see circus clowns perform--this is pretty much the same idea--payment in exchange for entertainment?  Anyway, I guess I pretty much was able to come to the conclusion that I was okay with the kids trick or treating as long as they weren't going to dress up wearing ghoulish things.  So right now that is where my thoughts lay with it all.  There was no DIRECT connection with evil or pagans--much of that has come in the last century through horror films and such.  So for now we will treat it like another fun day such as Valentine's Day or St. Patrick's Day.  We will not go overboard with it -but enjoy the day when it comes and make sure to keep everything else in perspective. WHEW!--so there you go.

So the kids did go trick or treating for the first time ever this year.  We went with our church group which was nice.  Ky was Diego and Alaina was Boots from Dora the Explorer.  We made homemade costumes (which I would love to do every year--but at the same time, I may not put forth the effort if I can find a second hand costume for a few dollars and save myself the stress.) 

We had a nice potluck with our church group and then we went out.  A friend brought an extra duck costume which was warmer than Alaina's Boot's costume so we put that over hers.  It was getting pretty chilly.  We put Ky in pants.  Alaina started off in a pretty crabby mood (make sure you see the video---it is a hilarious duck screaming!)  Once she realized that she was getting candy for knocking on doors--she quickly changed her mood.  (Go figure.)  The kids had a good time and Rob and I had fun sorting through their candy and taking a small "chaperon/costume making" fee.  :)

October!

October! 

I will catch up on my blogs!

Early October my play group decided to go apple picking--so it was round 2 of apple picking for the Schnake's.  I think we had picked 70lbs the first time--though most of it was canned by the time our playgroup went.  So we picked a few new varieties, but thankfully I only left with about 10 lbs.  And yes we ate them all! 

One day Alaina was playing with the fridge magnets and when she was done she left a bunch on the stool.  I went to pick them up and was surprised to see that my girl had spelled out "nuts" and "corn".   A GENIUS!  That's what she is!  I keep wondering though if she meant to spell out "corn nuts".  HA HA!

Alaina had her 2 year appointment in October.  The nurse was new--and I believe she messed everything up.  She had Alaina weighing in at 35 lbs (and I know that she had weighed around 30lbs a week or two before.)  And then she had Alaina's height SMALLER than her last visit.  I wasn't concerned, but the nurse seemed very concerned.  I laughed it off with the doctor later--because according to those measurements Alaina is overweight--which she definitely is not.  She is average for a girl her age--and a little tall (already in 3T clothes!)  Oh well--I am not sure what to even put in the baby book!

October was a busy month for Ky as well.  He had soccer and swimming.  He did EXCELLENT in both.  He is my little soccer star!  The boy really enjoys running the field now and chasing the ball--so much different than his other experience!  His team was 4 & 5 year olds--and I would say Ky did AWESOME! 

As far as swimming-it took Ky a while before he would let the instructor let go of him "again."  However, by the end of the session he was swimming on his own (with a floatation device) and had no problem sticking his face in the water.  Hopefully we will be able to get him into a swim class this winter....though who knows since we are on multiple waiting lists.

We went up to Devil's Lake mid-October to enjoy the leaves changing.  I think we were one weekend too late though.  The trees were still pretty though.  We did a mountainous trail and Ky did really well.  He walked almost the whole thing himself!  I was very proud of my boy.  At the end the kids threw rocks in the water and got pretty wet.  On our way back, Alaina fell and got a nice cut on her lip.  She was fine, however the blood was pretty nasty (especially when we were a decent distance still from the car.)  She cried a lot--which always tells us when she is really hurt.  She is my tough little girl and she doesn't cry to just any fall. 

October was a big month for Alaina.  We moved her to a big girl bed (since she was crawling out of her crib.)  That went really well for a while.  We did find her on the floor a couple of times, but for the most part she stayed in.  Just recently (December) she has begun getting out of bed at night and wandering.  Of course she started all of this while daddy was away on a business trip!  BLAH!  We have now told her that we will take away her nuk and she will not have it at night if she gets out.  We only had to take it away once--and that seems to have gotten the message across.  (Part of me was hoping she would keep getting out so I could just get rid of the nuk!) 

I also potty trained Alaina in October.  She had all the signs--however she has not taken to it like Kylan.  She is too easily distracted and does not want to stop playing to go potty.  She is fully capable of going when she needs to, she just doesn't always WANT to go.  UGH!  I guess this is pretty typical of many kids--so we just have to hang in there for a few more months until she gets things better under wraps.  Otherwise, she is in underwear during the day and I take her to the potty often.  (However if I don't take her and she is too "busy" to go--she will have an accident.)  At night she is in pull-ups.  It has been nice overall to get rid of the diapers.  Two less loads of wash a week (assuming we don't have TONS of accidents.) And when I see a good disposable diaper deal I stock up for the new baby. 

One Sunday we were in church and Ky was playing with his cars.  He then came up to me in tears.  His Tow Mater had broke.  He was so sad.  It was really touching to see his fondness of that toy and how upset he was.  I talked to Rob that night and we devised a plan for Ky to earn money to get a new "Tow Mater".  I made a chart of different chores he could do.  Every time he did a chore he would get a car sticker.  When the chart was full of stickers, I would take him to buy a new Tow Mater.  I figured this list would take Ky a couple of days, but he did it all in one day!  So the next day we went to Walmart so he could pick out his new Tow Mater.  Well, we couldn't find one, so he decided he was going to pick out a different car--and you know what he picked!  Lightning McQueen!  This wouldn't be a big deal BUT--the boy already had 3 other Lightning McQueens!  And the one he wanted was an EXACT duplicate of one of the ones he had at home!  I tried to talk him out of it--but he had earned it, so if that was what he wanted, that was what he was going to get.  So I purchase Lightning McQueen the FOURTH!  And he was so proud.  He told everyone how he had worked to earn it!  It is really neat for Kylan to see what hard work can result in.

Since we have an AWESOME membership to the Rockford Children's Museum, the kids and I made a fun day trip of it mid-October.  We had a great time!  We left a little late, but the kids had four hours or so to play.  I packed a lunch and we ate there.  I love that museum.  I will probably buy another membership next April.  It has been so handy--getting us into the Milwaukee Museums for free as well as the Madison Children's Museum.  So Cool!

After the museum, I stopped at the Salvation Army in Rockford and SCORED!  All kids clothes was $0.50!  I bought several dresses for Alaina and pants and shorts for Ky.  Can't beat those prices!  I then got all of us a giant soda to share for the trip home.  They were so excited!  (We don't drink soda often.)  It was a really fun trip!  I am going to try to go once a month now--it is so totally worth it.

Whew!  Done!  Next blog--Halloween and early Nov.... 

Alaina's 2nd Birthday!

On Alaina's actual birthday, I worked--BLAH!  I figured that we would celebrate afterwards and we had somewhat already celebrated the day before at the farm.  So daddy took the kids and subbed at the local high school.  HOWEVER, once I got off--we all headed to Culver's to get Alaina here birthday ice cream.  We went to the register to order and when we turned around, Alaina had pushed forward a high chair and crawled into it.  She was ready to eat! :)

Alaina enjoyed her ice cream as well as Daddy & Ky.  I had a burger--I know--me turn down ice cream for a burger!?  But with the pregnancy, burgers was one of my serious cravings.

That night, Rob and I worked to make Alaina's Dora cake.  Alaina LOVES Dora & dresses.  I had found the doll at a garage sale and purchased her just for this cake.  I figured this time around Rob and I would get to make a cake that was a little easier.  My friend Cindi loaned me her bundt cake pan, and that became Dora's skirt.  we then simply decorated with icing to look like a dress and "VOILA!"  Nice and easy--and Alaina LOVED it.  (Well let's be honest she would have loved any sugary cake--but you know what I mean.)

Alaina's party was the next day.  The normal family came to it--Grandpa, Grandma Debi, A. Lisa, Devan, Jordan, Dominic, U. Kirk & A. Barb, Nana, G'ma Jan, & Carol.  Of course our little girl had quite a good time with all the attention.  And successfully did not look at the camera for almost ALL of the pictures I took.  ARGH!  Kylan was not this difficult!

For dinner we had "breakfast."  An egg casserole, pancakes, fruit, sausage, etc...She received a Dora princess set from Grandma Debi and quite enjoyed her new wand and princess attire she received.  In fact everyone got into the spirit by trying on Alaina's new earrings and tiara. 

Unwrapping gifts was NO problem for Alaina.  She was happy to do it.  She received a Dora doll and Dora pj's as well as a Dora video (do you sense a trend?)  She also received a bench and some books and puzzles and clothes.  She was one HAPPY girl. 

When it was time to sing "Happy Birthday" she wouldn't take her eyes off the cake.  (Hence all the pics with her NOT looking at the camera.)  And then she would try to swipe tastes with her fingers.  Some things never change...

The next day we had her open Uncle Adam & Aunt Liz's as well as G'ma & G'pa Vander Heyden's gifts.  She LOVES here new baby set.  She spends a lot of time changing her babies diapers and feeding them.  She also LOVES her new purse and shoes.  In fact, for days all you could hear was the "clop clop clop" of her shoes as she walked around.  She is too cute.  She takes her purse and puts on her heels and says "Bye Mom, I go to work!" 

So TWO years old.  They have passed by SO quickly.  Alaina is so different from Kylan--she is truly her OWN self.  She likes to be girly and wear dresses, but she also likes to climb and be a tom boy.  She plays cars all the time with Ky (in her heels of course.)  At the same time she is so nurturing to her babies.  She wraps them in blankets and then "Shushes" them as she bounces them up and down gently in her arms.  She already has a "mommy's touch". 

She speaks (and has been speaking) in full sentences.  She uses words that surprise me.  Shortly before her birthday she told me "Look mom, he's upside down"  and sure enough she was pointing at a picture of a boy doing a cartwheel.  I haven't worked with her like I did with Ky.  There has been no need to.  She picks up things really quickly watching her older brother.  I have Ky practice tracing and writing his name several times a week.  She also then has to practice writing her name (of course it is just scribbles right now...)  She can count past 10...she gets somewhere around 13 or 14 before they start getting jumbled.  She has been singing the alphabet FOREVER.  She LOVES to sing.  Today she sang "Old McDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-N-G-O and Bingo was his nam-o"  (Too cute, I know!)

Alaina loves to shop and gets excited when I tell her we are going shopping.  She pretends to have coupons (that's my girl!).  She also likes to race Kylan. And she likes to growl...yeah...don't ask. Lately she has been crawling out of her toddler bed at night (we converted her crib since she was just crawling out of it anyway....)and wandering the hall.  She still likes her nuk--yeah, I haven't figured how I am going to break her of that one.  The bed was a big transition, so I didn't want to take away her "comfort".  And now with a new baby on the way, I don't want to take away her nuk and give it to the new baby...I think we may have to wait until closer to her 3rd birthday.  The nuk is just a nighttime thing right now anyway.   

8th Anniversary Trip to San Francisco

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my husband!  He is truly the best. 

At the beginning of the year, Rob asked if he could plan a special get away for our 8th anniversary.  He then told me it would require an airplane. 

With Ky and Alaina being young, and with my frugality--it is always hard for me to splurge--but he kept on me and I said "YES!"  After all--isn't one of the most important things for a healthy marriage is investing TIME in each other.  It really was the perfect idea--no kids and just the two of us.  Isn't he romantic!?  (And PERFECT!)

A few months before, he let me know we were going to San Francisco for the Ghiradelli Chocolate Festival (does he know me or what!).  We then booked our flight and room.  We were staying on Fisherman's Warf which meant we were in the heart of the city and touristy area, as well as near Ghiradelli Square and we would not need to use public transportation or rent a car. 

Thursday night was hustle and bustle to pack.  I honestly don't remember what all was going on, but I was unable to pack until late Thursday night--which means--OF COURSE I forgot something....

We got up EARLY (4 AM) on Friday morning to drive to the airport.  I was dragging.  On our way to the airport we then also got lost thanks to detours due to construction.  As we were waiting for our shuttle and praying we weren't going to be late, I quickly realized I forgot my coat.  YUP--not a good plan, end of September and on the ocean.  Hey--I was already chilly in Milwaukee!  UGH!  I quickly decided my souvenir would be a coat in SF. 

We were fortunate that the security lines were very short at the airport and were able to make our flight without a problem.  I guess at this point I should add that I am pregnant--pretty sure I am pregnant and am feeling EXHAUSTED!  I know I was not the best company.  I slept a little on the plane, but really needed a nap.  When we got to SF, Rob had already purchased tickets for a shuttle to take us to the hotel.  (We were able to save money by doing it in advance--and we also figured we would know exactly what to look for.)  Well we were WRONG again.  We waited an HOUR for our shuttle.  There were so many other shuttles that came and went in the time we sat there.   UGH!  Note:  In the future do NOT purchase shuttle tickets in advance--it is NOT worth it.  So there I was TIRED, and now HUNGRY and feeling Nauseous (isn't pregnancy wonderful?!)

It was not a good start to our romantic getaway and I really felt bad for Rob, I know I was not the best of company.  (Yeah--I was complaining...)

We got to our hotel (after driving with a disrespectful passenger--He made a poor comment about someone who was biking--hmmm--we are from Madison--big "Bike" your way around city--and visiting SF--another big "Bike" the city--you know I made a comment back.)  And I honestly don't remember if I collapsed on the bed for a nap first or we went to get food first.  I was pretty hungry.  Either way, I was pathetic and took a nap.  We then went to walk the warf and find food and a coat for me. 

We were hungry so we stopped at a small seaside walk-up.  We ordered a crab sandwich & chips.  We are not big fans of fish, but we figured that since we were on the coast, it was the only honorable thing to do.  The sandwich was not bad.  I wouldn't eat it all the time, but it was fine.  That was when I decided that I must be a fish snob--perhaps I only like fish when it's fresh and not shipped halfway across the country? 

We walked by the Boudin Sourdough bread store.  They had neat loaves of bread shaped like just about every animal you could imagine.  The lines inside were also outrageous, showing what a tourist trap it was. 

I did find my coat.  I just bought a fleece coat to keep me warm.  I bought it from one of those outside flea tent things.  The ladies did not seem to happy with me pawing through their merchandise--it was kind of weird, like they just expected me to tell the my size and color and then they would get it for me.  But I don't shop that way.  Anyway...

For dinner we walked around the warf and ate a surf-type joint.  We ate outside.  It was chilly, but most of the restaurants have heat lamps to keep it warm.  The food was fine--nothing special.  We got burgers. 

Afterwards, we walked around the warf some more.  Check out the pictures of the seals--and the video!  They were fun to sit and watch.  One of the seals looked dead--but we weren't sure.  The rest were singing and talking to each other.  Really cool!

We stopped and got ice cream at Norman's.  This place was voted best ice cream in San Francisco several years in a row.  Honestly, we weren't that impressed.  We have definitely had better--but then again we come from dairy country (happy cows in California do NOT = better ice cream!)

Rob found a Lefty shop.  He was VERY excited.  They had lefty notebooks, scissors, coffee cups (if you grab it with your right hand to drink there is a hole and it spills all over you), pens (I guess the ink dries super fast so your hand doesn't smear the ink as you write)--and lefty everything else.  It was a fun story.  Rob was in LOVE! and purchased a lefty notebook for himself before we left. 

We did not visit Alcatrez, though we could see it just fine from the warf.  We chose not to spend our limited time or money on touring a jail cell--somehow it just wasn't romantic :)

There were all sorts of street acts.  My favorites was the men that were painted in metallics.  They would stand really still and then scare tourists as they walked by.  There were also plenty of painters, musicians, and even some acrobatic acts. And of course MANY homeless. 

That night we slept in our comfy bed.  The next morning we went to Johnny Rocket for breakfast.  It was pretty yummy food!  We listened to oldies and watched the people walking by.  We then decided to explore uptown before the chocolate fest. 
If you haven't been to SF, it is VERY hilly.  The warf is naturally at the bottom of the hills.  As you walk up it is VERY steep.  There are signs posted reminding cars to park with their tires pointed towards or away from the curb (in case they "run away!) You will notice that I took a lot of pictures from on top of hills.  It was really neat looking down and seeing the bay and the GG bridge.  Of course the bridge was ALWAYS foggy, so you couldn't truly see all of it.  We did learn that the bridge can sway up to 28 feet and is made that way.  Isn't that incredible?!  (Doesn't really make us want to go on it--though I am sure it is safe--but I am just saying.) 

We didn't take any trolleys while we were there.  The trolleys seem to be mostly for tourists and the lines to get on are OUTRAGEOUS.  Plus we figured we could walk most of the trolley route. 

We walked down the windiest street in the world--Lombard St.  There were a lot of tourists driving down it and taking pictures. 

After our walk down Lombard St. We hung out by the water waiting for the festival.  The water was COLD!  And there were people swimming--mostly in wet suits--but still! 

After that we were off to the INCREDIBLE lines at the chocolate fest.  The place was crowded but well worth the wait.  Chocolatiers from all over California sharing their chocolate goodness.  We had tickets with 14 punches--meaning that each of us could sample 14 different chocolatiers--and taste we did!  (As well as squirrel some away for later.)  My stomach still wasn't feeling up to par--but I did well despite that.  MMMM--mmmm!

The festival was 2 days, but Rob and I had decided that we would just try to use up all our ticket punches on Saturday and spend Sunday in China town.

On our way out we stopped at a small brewery where Rob enjoyed a few local brews and I appreciated the architecture. From there we returned to our hotel and prepared for our Italian dinner at Capp's Corner.  This place was recommended by our concierge.  It was okay, but honestly I wasn't overly impressed.    And that was about the end of our Saturday.

Sunday morning, we returned to the Italian area because I had seen some AWESOME looking bakeries that I wanted to try (check out the pics) for breakfast.  MMM!

From there we walked our way to China Town.  Very cool area of the city!  Most signs were in Chinese--they even had a Chinese YMCA!  We stopped in a lot of the shops and browsed, and of course I bought some chop sticks!   For lunch we stopped in a Chinese Restaurant (Hang Ah) that had Dim Sum.  The food was DIVINE!  I loved my Lotus rolls!   The best part of the restaurant was our fortune cookies.  They were TOO ironic!  At this time we had a pretty good hunch that I was pregnant, but did not know for sure.  My fortune said "A short stranger will soon enter your life with blessings to share."  And Rob's said, "You will soon receive and unusual gift."  How funny!

From China town we walked towards the baseball stadium (Rob was bummed that they weren't playing otherwise we would have gotten tickets.)  But OF COURSE, we stopped at another local brew pub for Rob to try on our way.  And he got to see some of the Packer game.  We walked around AT&T park and then down the warf and back towards China town.  The water was gorgeous! 

Back through China Town we walked down the "less touristy" roads.  We got to see more of the "True" Chinese culture.  There markets were so neat.  Tons of dried fish, mushrooms, ginseng--you name it (don't forget the salted pig parts!)

From there we walked back to the warf and had a soup bread bowl at Boudins.  It was just the thing we needed to warm ourselves up.  We spent our evening walking the warf and enjoying each others company.  And then of course topped the night off with a Ghiradelli Fudge Sundae.  YUM!

Monday morning we were up early and returned to the warf for breakfast.  We shared 2 crepes.  One was stuffed with egg, cheese, tomatoes, etc...the other was stuffed with chocolate, bananas, strawberries, & nutella.  YUM!  We then returned to our hotel to pack and leave. 

Thankfully our trip back was uneventful and it was good to see the kids again.  We picked them up from Nana's and drove home.  We were all pretty tired. 

What a wonderful trip and a wonderful way to celebrate 8 GREAT years of marriage...now we just have to get back to planning our 10 year Hawaii Anniversary Trip!