Oops - I missed baby boy’s 2 week b’day post! It was quite a busy day (in my defense). I was the last one up in our group at 7:45 AM - and my main mission was to get everyone fed, dressed, and out the door to visit my mom before pictures at Target.

Yep, we have found that Target is the BEST source for pictures for us! We have taken each child on their 2 week b’day to have their picture made in the coming home outfit my parents have gotten them. Only one child was a day off, not sure what the reason was anymore….

Anyway, it’s the best deal for us. No sitting fees, $3.99 portrait sheets, as many people as we’d like - and this time we even received a coupon for $20 off of $75 or more! We’ve never spent over $50, but this time, we set a record - almost $295 before savings, $107 final price. Of course, my parents came along to order some themselves too, so we didn’t spend this much on our own.

These have been a lifesaver for us, you can’t find pictures that cheap elsewhere - at least not with all the options they give us (we haven’t found better prices, they could be out there I guess). Be aware, only the basic pics are that price, and you have to have a coupon for them (shouldn’t be hard to get on their mailing list, or check coupons in the paper maybe?). Any upgrades cost extra, so we usually forgo those.

Okay, back to our day. The baby would NOT take a nap for anything! I couldn’t believe he was so awake all morning long - until after 11, I think it was! I finally had to turn on the TV for the older ones, so I could put the baby in the playpen while I showered.

It only took 6 hours to get everyone ready (since we had to add lunch in now), get the clothes picked out for our pictures, loaded up and out the door. By this time, we only had 2 hours at my moms. I used this time to iron our clothes. I soon discovered why I gave up ironing years ago - it’s not fun!

We made it for our photo shoot only a few minutes late - pretty good considering I’m still fairly new to 4 children! We even got our 50 shots made in an hour. Perfect timing, cause the baby was ready to eat just as we finished. Should I mention it took over an hour to pick out our favorite pictures? Yeah, don’t ever ask me to make a decision quickly.

Actually, it seemed pretty quick for us. We ended up saying yes to more pics than we usually do, although many are the smaller sizes. But we’ve got some REALLY good shots - some of our best ever! DD has one that should go in a magazine!

It was funny, baby boy was SO alert AFTER the photo shoot - I guess he’d slept long enough by then, plus had a full tummy. Oh well, I think we had one pic with his eyes open.

Stats - on our basic digital scales, he’s at least 8 1/2 lbs. - anywhere up to 9 lbs. That’s 1 lb. since last Thursday. So eating is going well!

Sleeping - He sleeps GREAT, when he’s sleeping next to me or in my arms. LOL. DH says he can’t blame him, that he has it made. I guess he does! Part of me would like him to sleep in the playpen at night, but he hasn’t made it all the way through the night in it yet (not that I’ve tried too hard).

And yes, I keep mentioning the playpen because we don’t have him a crib set up. We have a crib, but just don’t have it up. For one, I don’t want to have to get up and go to another room every couple hours during the night to feed him. And two, I don’t trust leaving him with the little ones just yet.

They would never want to hurt him, but don’t understand how offering a blanket or toy could hurt him - especially if it was thrown over the side of a crib. SO, we’re just using the bassinet on the playpen in our room for now.

We’re holding our breath and praying for God’s protection right now. My grandfather visited the other day, but didn’t mention beforehand that my grandmother had been sick. (Or else we would’ve asked him to visit with her later) She didn’t come, just him, but he held the baby for a while, as well as asking the other little ones to give him hugs.

Well, the next day, yesterday, my grandmother finds out she has pneumonia. YIKES!! This is highly contagious, and you CAN be a carrier WITHOUT having it yourself. I am SO mad at myself for 1) not asking if everyone was well first and 2) asking him to wash his hands when he walked in the door.

I usually am pretty firm about health things, but didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Now, I’m having to suffer through the worry of wondering if we’ll all come down with pneumonia - it’s not a fun feeling. Esp. when I think that I  could’ve made it less likely. It also doesn’t help that the world is starting to get panicked about this swine flu thing.

Come on people, if you are sick, or someone in your house is sick - STAY home and away from healthy people!! A runny nose or sore throat isn’t always just a simple cold or allergy - it can grow and mutate into something worse. That was the case with my grandmother. She was just tired and had an earache. Nothing was wrong when she went to the dr. last week, but one week later she has pneumonia.

I’m really having a hard time fighting off the worry, though I am better today than yesterday - thanks to some sleep last night and praying about it.

Other news, child #3 has made changes since baby brother came along. Friday, we moved him from his baby bed to a toddler bed. At 20 months, he was ready! Of course, he still likes big brother’s bed, but has done much better with his bed than the crib. It’s also helped that we have a Finding Nemo “fish” pillowcase and quilt on there. This was a great find at Wal-Mart with our oldest son years ago for only $9!!

Can you believe they charge over $35 for these things!!! We watched this one for ages as they kept marking it down, finally snagging it at $9 - we were thrilled! Not that they know who Nemo is, but they like fish.

Okay, my little ones are in from playing outside, so my time is over. Until next time,

“Little Mommy”

PS - We have a new home on the web, for ‘family’ highlights. Give me a shout at Candace @HeavenInOurHomes.com, sharing a little about yourself and how you found us, and ask for the link!

OB appointment today…

Gained 2 lbs., still around 1.5 cm, think he said I’d thinned out a little more (don’t really remember)…

Overall, today’s visit was really good! My least favorite doc in the group years ago is my favorite one this time - he’s open to listen!

So, as he was about to run out the door after a quick visit, I began sharing some concerns with him. He pulled up his stool, sat down, and was all ears! Okay, now THIS is a doctor I like! I had pretty much decided NOT to go to this hospital to have the baby if there was time - unless this doc was on call.

Last week, I had asked the doctor to check my anticardiolipin levels (for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome). She put up a huge fuss, and after fighting for 5 minutes, she did finally order it for me. I mainly wanted it since I’d tested positive for 3 pregnancies and one miscarriage.

I learned during my last pregnancy that APS carries HIGH risks for mother and baby the last few weeks - with blood clots developing and killing one or both. This pregnancy, early on, I tested negative.

The doc last week said if I DID have it, it would always be positive - that I must’ve had a false positive. (For years??)

Anyway, I kept telling her it was only for my peace of mind, since it was near the end of the pregnancy. She tried to get me to have a stress test instead, or fetal growth test. I stayed insistent on the bloodwork - since that would give a definite answer.

Before she surrendered, she spoke these words…

Now you know that if we do this test, and it comes back positive, that you’ll be subjected to weekly tests and monitoring from this point out. Are you willing to do that?? (Picture this said with a very smart-alecky look and tone).

Well, YEAH!!! If it’s positive and there’s a problem that could jeopardize my baby’s  or my own health, you’d better believe I’ll do whatever is needed! What is this lady thinking?? Sadly, I have faced drs. in the past that would say ‘well, you’ve only had 1 miscarriage, and even with the blood work, you aren’t technically diagnosed until 3 miscarriages’.

CRAZY!! Here were drs. telling me not to take meds, until I’d lost 3 precious lives/ souls - THEN they would acknowledge this and advise me to take meds…. Uh - NO!!

Okay, well, this has been prayed over - a lot! I have such a build up of aspirin in my body that now I react to it, as well as foods in the same family - like grapes and food colorings….

I believe the Lord has healed it - and the results came back negative again!!

Well, the dr. today was clearly shocked when I shared this with him. He could’ve gotten a kiss on his forehead for telling me that if she was on call when I had the baby, and it was during the day on a day when he was in the office - that I could ask for him and HE would come over and deliver the baby! He’s not even my dr!!

So now, I feel much better about going to this hospital for the delivery - since I have him open to my birth plan (which he said was a piece of cake!!) and willing to listen to me (unless of emergency, and then he said I would just have to trust him - which I would… him, not the others so much).

He was saying how he was happy to discuss anything I had concerns about - better now than when I’m in labor! He even claimed ‘dictatorship’ over the nurses, when I mentioned some problems with them with the kidney stone. So, as much as you can love an OB, he’s great!

Sadly, I only have 2 more visits, and he’s not on either one of them… My dr. is supposed to see me those times. I haven’t seen her in ages, so I hope she’ll be just as open.

My prediction right now is that I’ll either be 2 or 3 days EARLY - OR - 3 to 4 days LATE. Don’t ask me why - that’s just my thoughts. I have started writing my letter to this precious little one, and hopefully will have it done by the time it’s born.

Time for bed - don’t forget to keep checking out the contests all week! BTW - I did add the link for Cutzie Patuzie site - sorry for the blunder…

“Little Mommy”

Welcome to Day 4 of our Blogging Giveaway Week! Each day will bring a new contest - each being open for 7 days, so check back daily! Be sure to check out our giveaways at www.HeavenInOurHomes.com and http://Sonbeams.com blogs as well!

Today’s Great Giveaway: Sleeved Bib (Value - $10 - $12)

Offered by: Angie from Angelic Baby Creations

A way to keep not only the front of your child’s shirt clean, but also their sleeves! Bibs tie in back, making it more difficult for little hands to pull it off.

Winner’s choice of bib, and open to US Residents only.

——————————-

Alright, How this contest works! Each contest is open for one week (from starting date of that contest). You can receive entries based on the following:

*1 entry for leaving a comment about something you love on the sponsor’s website

*1 entry for adding the ”Nine Months or Less” text link to your blog or website (Leave link back in comment)

*1 entry for blogging about this contest on your blog (Leave link back in comment)

*1 entry for each $5 purchase from our Baby/ Children’s Product Page (Before tax and shipping charges)

*1 entry for joining me on Facebook (Mrs. Candace)  and plugging our site on your page

You MUST leave a separate comment for each entry. Comments will be totaled, and Random.org will choose the winning comment number! This contest ends March 30th at 11:59 PM (CST). Comment button on lower right side at end of the post.

Let the fun begin! Thanks for visiting!

“Little Mommy”

Welcome to Day 2 of our Blogging Giveaway Week! Each day will bring a new contest - each being open for 7 days, so check back daily! Be sure to check out our giveaways at www.HeavenInOurHomes.com and http://Sonbeams.com blogs as well!

Today’s Great Giveaway: Bow Band Set (Set of 3) - Winner’s Choice in Stock or Custom

PLUS 25% off any other purchase ($15 Value - Bow Band Set)

Offered by: Cutzie Patutzie Shoppe

These super stretchy bands fit babies up to adults! The winner of this giveaway will receive their choice of ‘in store’ or custom bow bands - where are a perfect gift for that brand new baby in your life! The bows are attached to that bands so there is no worry about them coming apart.  

Open to US Residents. All others are invited to join if you are willing to accomodate extra shipping charges above US rates.

——————————-

Alright, How this contest works! Each contest is open for one week (from starting date of that contest). You can receive entries based on the following:

*1 entry for leaving a comment about something you love on the sponsor’s website

*1 entry for adding the Nine Months or Less text link to your blog or website (Leave link back in comment)

*1 entry for blogging about this contest on your blog (Leave link back in comment)

*1 entry for each $5 purchase from our Baby/ Children’s Product Page (Before tax and shipping charges)

*1 entry for joining me on Facebook (Mrs. Candace)  and plugging our site on your page

You MUST leave a separate comment for each entry. Comments will be totaled, and Random.org will choose the winning comment number! This contest ends March 28th at 11:59 PM (CST). Remember, the comments button is faint - just above and to the right of the 3 dots below!

Let the fun begin! Thanks for visiting!

“Little Mommy”

Sorry to Facebook friends for repeating myself - it’s so…. weird. All of a sudden tonight, I was washed over with this urge to cry! Why? Who knows!

We had just finished dinner, and all of a sudden, I’m emotionally unstable. My only thoughts are that there is SO much to do in the next 2 to 3 weeks, like WAY more than I would normally do, and I have no clue how it’s all going to get done!

Mainly, it’s website stuff. I know, I can hear some saying to just forget about that for now, but I LOVE this - it’s my release (besides the piano). I love to write, to communicate with readers via email, and am quickly finding out that I enjoy Facebook.

Well, for the most part. I don’t like the freedom it gives the world to look into your life - and the lives of those you know or don’t know but are on your friend list. I found out right off that I had to set limits - you must be an approved friend to see me. But feel free to write me sometime about it - I love the new friends I’m finding!!

While we accomplished cleaning the kids’ rooms and school/ play room yesterday, I didn’t get to my bedroom/ bathroom like I’d hoped. I forgot all about the air conditioning guy coming, so today had to focus on the living room and kitchen.

Since I was also doing more loads of laundry, I didn’t make it all of the way through - but I did get the dishes loaded and washed, the table cleaned off, and most of the living room done. In better words - it looked good for a house with 3 children and one very pregnant mommy!

I’m thrilled that Day 2 of hubby’s 12 day work schedule is down - only 10 days left (unless I can prompt this baby to come early).

I am more tempted than ever to peek inside that envelope to see what our surprise is! Imagine how much more I could get done/ prepared if I knew!! Uh-huh… hubby’s not buying it. I’ve made him wait this long, he’s going to have me wait a few more weeks. Only thing is - he doesn’t know where the envelope is and I do! Ha!

“Little Mommy”

Oops - I missed posting on my 36 week day! (I can’t imagine why I’d forget????)

The Lord has been watching over this little one this past week for sure. I had contractions for 3 days straight - strong ones - anywhere from 3 to 20 minutes apart. I would be up at night til after midnight, unable to sleep because of them.

Let me tell you moms, STRESS is the absolute worst thing you can have in your life while pregnant and nursing! I learned this with my first child, and it’s been the same each pregnancy/ after birth. While I try not to overstress myself, we can’t always control what outside stressors come our way!

Well, I had really - REALLY - been praying that the Lord would at least give this little one another 2 weeks. While it’s lungs should be fine now due to the steriods a few weeks back, there are SO many other things going on these last few weeks that are just as important!

The Lord heard my prayers, and I hadn’t changed AT ALL! Thank you Lord! I just knew I’d be at 6 cm or something from all we’ve been through this week. So, still around 1.5 to 2 cm, 25% effaced, and I’m not sure about station #. I know it’s head isn’t engaged yet - no pain constantly yet.

I was at 144 lbs., still 12.5 lbs. away from my usual delivery weight. I have to remember that I did start this pregnancy nursing a LOT, and around 6 lbs. lighter than usual.

I am really excited because today I got my order of Cheeky Maiden soap in!!! My hair is now happy. I’ll let you know when I get a chance to use her baby bottom spray - but if you don’t want to miss out on a sale price, click on her button on the right sidebar to get that now! She also runs deals for 3 bars/ $12, and shipping is only $2.99 for orders over $25.

This was easy for me, since I had two MAIN products I knew I wanted - and wanted to stock up on. As I’ve mentioned before, soaps can be very harsh on babies skin. My DD is the worst - even her poor head turning firey red when we used children’s shampoos on it.

So, this baby will be different. We will use only Cheeky Maiden’s all natural soaps! I chose the Plain Jane bar this time, mainly because I’ve never used it - and it’s fragrance free. This should be great for all the children to use.

Today, I also tried to snag a great deal at Walgreens (sorry, I meant to post this for you all earlier in the week). They had Huggies diapers at $10/ pack. When you combined online coupons, rebates, and in-store coupons - these were FREE.

Somehow I managed to mess up - costing me $11! I didn’t realize the $3 instore coupons were IN the pharmacy, and they were closed when I got there tonight. I also didn’t realize the online rebate coupons were for specific sizes - only 1 of my 3 packs was the right brand/ size. Then the online coupons only allowed me 1 instead of 2 printings, and I didn’t realize I would have to use another computer to get the 3rd $5 off coupon.

Still, I got 3 packs of diapers for $10.50 plus tax - I’m just bummed they weren’t free like I thought they would be. We didn’t have any newborn diapers, so those will be nice. My babies have all been under 8 lbs., so they are too small for size 1’s for at least 2 weeks.

I’m still hoping to find some great deals on unbleached prefolds and diaper covers for daytime use. I had found one site, but when I went back - it was down! I’ll let you know if it comes back up.

Everyday now, the children talk about the baby coming! They even stick baby dolls in their shirts and talk about having a baby in their tummy/ coming out of their tummies.

Did I mention the girl name “Sarah” has stuck with DD? That name is a consideration for us - one, it’s a Bible name (we all have first names that are in the Bible), and two - it’s my grandmother’s name. There are still other ones in the running too though. DS is liking “Moses” for a boy - well, it IS in the Bible.

Last thing I want to remember….

I began packing my bag on Thursday morning, since the contractions were picking up. Once I finished my things, I discovered that I hadn’t been very clear with my children. They thought I was packing to go to the hospital RIGHT THEN to get the baby…. Poor little things - they were so disappointed!

I then mentioned that we would be going to the hospital on Friday, to see the dr. To this they responded, “To get the baby?” Oh, they are SO ready! Me, I am, but I’m not! There’s still so much to do!

Don’t forget - next Friday starts our giveaway week!

“Little Mommy”

I made it through the night, I think it was close to midnight before I was able to relax enough to fall asleep. Some ‘extended family’ matters have me a little more than stressed, and with my autoimmune conditions, these are only multiplied for me.

At least hubby is great to stick with me, learning years ago how I REALLY can’t handle tension. I just hope the contractions won’t affect the baby coming early! I’m still paying attention to the timing, since they are stronger today than yesterday.

I feel better that I’ll be going in for a visit tomorrow - me and all the kiddos. This did get me packing my own bag today! Plus I’ve alerted my family to be on guard to meet us at the hospital to watch our little ones.

“Little Mommy”

- I’m on Facebook now! - (Mrs. Candace)

I’ve been sitting here this evening having contractions on and off - kinda afraid to go to sleep. I don’t like the idea of going into labor while I’m asleep, since I have such quick deliveries anyway. What if I slept though most of it and we didn’t make it to the hospital! I guess I’d have my home birth wouldn’t I? Ha!

It’s late, but I wanted to post this in case we DID go in tonight and were there for several days - everyone would have an idea of what was going on.

Mainly, I’m really stressed out right now. So much for my energy burst - it left around 2 today. We have two sick ones, one teething one, and I myself not feeling so hot either. I think it’s mainly from being outdoors so much the past two days in all the pollen.

Plus, DH’s boss is making it impossible for me to have him here when needed. He’s having to work 12 days straight starting next Monday - saying that he had to give a 1 mo. notice for taking a day off. (It’s his turn for weekend rotation next weekend)

Needless to say, I’m a little irked at the guy right now! I’m REALLY glad I’m not his wife - he doesn’t seem to have a clue about how hard it is to be a mother to three young children, plus pregnant on top of that. I need my husband here some too!

He did say he could take off a day before the baby comes (as long as it’s a month out). Well, the baby is due in less than a month! I could cry - well, actually, I did break down today… I reached my point of stress and buckled. My oldest watched helplessly, trying to wipe my tears - but they were falling quicker than he could wipe. He has such a tender heart!!

For 1st time mommies…. What do contractions feel like? How do you know if you’re having contractions?

For me, it’s not so much my stomach hurting, but first my chest starts getting tight, making it hard to breathe. My stomach then begins to tighten, like a hard rubber ball being inflated inside. I’ve never really had painful contractions until maybe 6 or 7 cm? And then they were manageable, as long as my water hadn’t broken.

Tonight, they aren’t on a consistent time frame, so I’m not calling the dr. yet. Just called family to alert them in case they received a call tonight.

“Little Mommy”

The day ‘almost’ past me by before I realized that “Hey! It’s March 10th, and my EDD is April 10th!”

This pregnancy has flown by - it seems like it hasn’t been any time at all. But looking forward, I can’t see it happening either. How can it be so short in hindsight, but so far away looking ahead?

It’s actually been a surprisingly normal due - especially after yesterday’s adventures. I had energy right off - cleaning in the kitchen, starting a load of clothes (of course I never got them moved to the dryer…. but hey!), and picking up the living room. Guess that nesting thing is true - you get unreal energy near the end!

I have been trying to get in bed earlier, usually lights out now are 10:30 or 11, vs. 11:30 or midnight a few weeks ago. This has helped some - though I feel I’m missing out on my ‘own quiet time’.

Pretty much, 11:30 is bedtime with a new baby around here, so I won’t be losing sleep in that regard…. only waking up at 1, 4, and 7′ish to feed the little guy (or gal) again. In all 3 past babies, I’ve never been able to get any sleep before that last late night feeding around 11. Why go to sleep only to wake up 30 minutes to an hour later?

Anyway, I figured I’d better get some pics up soon - before the baby is actually here. Since we were experiencing warm temps (low 80’s) after last week’s snow here in Alabama, I choose a sleeveless shirt for our afternoon outdoor time. (I’m whiter than white!)

I noticed in my reflection on the back door that - straight on - I didn’t hardly look pregnant at all! It was SO weird! I guess it’s true that vertical stripes ARE slimming.

So here’s my 1 month out from due date pics and stats!

I’ve gained only around 24 lbs. to date. I’m bothered by that somewhat, but believe some of it is due to healthier eating. Where I used to get extra calories from juice, milk, and sweet tea - I now pretty much only drink water. Where I used to eat snack foods and prepackaged foods - I now prepare homemade snacks and more homemade foods - plus fruits.

Sure, I’m DYING for Cheez-Its and milkshakes… but I know what they do to me, and it’s not worth it (except on occassion). I did get a craving for orange sherbert today (low fat anyway), and hubby was so sweet to pick some up on the way home.

My children have had it made this pregnancy - getting to eat all the goodies I’ve craved! I can’t eat it and not let them…. Homemade whole wheat chocolate chip cookies (sounds gross, but these are great!), Homemade cinnamon rolls, Homemade sugar cookies, Banana Bread (only 1/3 wheat), Orange sherbert, plus more!

The baby is still mainly in the front. I’m now beginning to see that it is starting to expand on the sides a little, but from the back I don’t really look pregnant. (This being the main reason I think it could be a boy)

The baby is still high overall (being my thinking it could be a girl), but has started making my right leg cramp the past 3 or 4 nights.

What’s left to do?

*Pack my / hubby’s bag and cameras/ video camera/ extra batteries.

*Make list of basic info on the kids (in case of emergency)

*Put carseat in van (waiting until I am done with one or two more baby visits - so it’s easier to crawl to the backseat to buckle in the older ones)

*Make some extra breakfast and snack foods for the freezer. We went through most of what I had the past couple of weeks when I slowed down. Chewy granola bars, banana bread, frozen fruit slush, whole wheat waffles, homemade cookies - hey, I still enjoy junk food! At least I can kinda justify it since I use fresh ground whole wheat flour.

Okay, pics:

Front View (Sorry, no make-up…)

Side View (No denying I’m pregnant this way!)

Note - I’m finally joining more of the modern day world - I joined Facebook. You can find me there as “Mrs. Candace” from Birmingham, AL network. Send me an email if you’d like to be added to my list, so I’ll recognize your ID. (candace @ HeavenInOurHomes.com).

I might would have to say - YES!!

We noticed last Thursday night that our (almost) 19 mo. old finally had his first bottom canine tooth cut through. BUT - it looked flat, like a back molar. Was it broken, could a tooth come in chipped?

After Googling, I found that it COULD happen, and needed attention quickly. On top of that, it looked like it was bleeding in the center of it. Hubby saw that, but we weren’t sure if it was the tooth, or a piece of lasagna from dinner.

I couldn’t brush it off, and he was SO fussy….. Well, really he’s been fussy since my kidney stone ordeal two weeks ago. He slept on my dad the nights they kept them, and in our bed with us every night for a week and a half once we came home.

I knew it wasn’t spoiled behaviour - Mom’s just know when something is really bothering their baby! He fidgetted and fussed all night - even in our bed. Well, once I began wondering about bleeding teeth, more research led me to abcessed teeth.

Children CAN get these! I couldn’t really tell though if this could be it. Basically, an abcessed tooth is when infection goes into the tooth, down the nerves, and causes lots of pain. Well, his gums are extremely red/ purple colored under this tooth, and VERY swollen. So maybe?

Today was the first visit I could get with any pediatric dentist - at 9 AM. HA - we don’t even usually start breakfast until 8:15 or 8:30!! I figured we could handle it for just one day, since he’s obviously been in so much pain for two weeks. THEN I realized the time change - great… this means it’s really like an 8 AM appt.

Up until 6:38 AM this morning I debated what to do. I’ll admit, it was hard - I could get up and be sure that he was fine (which he probably would be), or sleep another two hours (since the little ones usually sleep until at least 7:30 old time).

We made it to the dentist, just a minute or two late - I missed the exit since they didn’t tell me the exit name (just the road name). First off, I wasn’t wild about this place - it was on the 2nd floor, and I didn’t see an elevator! So up 20-24 steps we went - the kind that you can see thru. I could just see my tiny 3 yr. old daughter slipping and falling right in that gap!

We made it, the older two walking SLOWLY, me behind them, carrying 29 lb. / 19 month old baby - plus being 35.5 weeks pregnant. Yeah, lovin this office. (not too much) Once at the top, it’s clear that had we parked on the other side of the building, we would’ve been ground level for this office. (Can I cry??)

In we went, only to be separated. I have NEVER heard of a children’s dr. office that wouldn’t let you stay with your child. My oldest, 4.5, was in tears - he didn’t like his baby brother going off with this strange lady. Plus, he could see my concern.

Turns out, nothing was wrong they said. The tooth did look more pointy today, but I still went in since it was still so red and swollen at the gums. Plus, he woke up with a really strange rash on his face today.

She said the gums were just really irritated, and that canines were some of the worst teeth to cut through. My first two children never had problems like this, and he hasn’t with his first two canines. He’s got the 4th one about to break through in a few days.

Due to the rash and red/ swollen gums, I am glad I took him. It just didn’t look normal. We probably won’t be back to that office though, since it really bothered me to leave my baby with strangers. We were able to sneak peak through a crack in the door, and it nearly broke me heart to see him confused, looking around for us. He did fine though, I never saw or heard him cry.

Due to missing the exit, we went one exit too far - which passed our zoo. Guess what our 4 year old has been able to do for over a year and a half?? READ!!

I’m glad that I had already secretly planned to take them to the zoo afterwards - should I feel okay. We had a lunch packed and wore appropriate clothing. (Except I forgot hats!!)

We slowly strolled through the zoo, looking at the main animals on the basic path. Even avoiding side trails and indoor animals, we were there 2.5 hours!! Just TRY and imagine the looks we got - a very pregnant lady pushing a double stroller with a 4.5 and 3 year old and 19 month old! How many times I’ve been asked the past few weeks if ‘they are all mine?’!!

We did take a lot of breaks, and ate our picnic lunch while inside. I was surprised at the number of pregnant moms there. One lady appeared to have me beat - having 4 stair step children and pregnant again. I really wanted to talk to her, but couldn’t muster up the energy to get up and walk over there.

It was all I could do to stay awake on the way home. Only 1 of the 3 went back to sleep once home, so I missed my nap today. Was I crazy messing up the first day of our new time? Here I had it where my children would sleep in til 8:30 AT LEAST, and I woke them up early - we left shortly after 8:15.

All in all, the day went pretty well. I’m a little sore when I stand and walk, and could go to bed now - 7 PM. I am very grateful that DS doesn’t have a chipped tooth or abcess. I’m also glad that I was able to spend the day at the zoo with them, they were SO excited! Since I hadn’t told them about going there, they thought it was their idea that I agreed to.

This will probably be my last trip there until after the baby (we have a yearly membership), but maybe Daddy can take them sometime. He was going to do this last weekend, but we didn’t have anyone else to go with him. (DD is now potty trained - and I’d rather her not go to the men’s bathroom). Plus, I’m not sure how well he’d do by himself with all 3, especially at potty time.

To this concern, he quickly replied - Yeah, and you’re pregnant taking all 3 there by yourself! Ha!

Note - I am really getting excited about the giveaway week - it starts in 11 days!

“Little Mommy”

?? Do YOU think I was crazy today ??