Cold and flu season

Wanted to quickly update how things have been over here. I have been battling a horrible cold since last Thursday. The coughing, sore throat and sinus pressure has kept my from getting a good night sleep and even caused me to cancel my appointments this week. This is probably the worst cold I can remember ever having. I am just praying Whitney and Andy don’t get this, I feel so miserable I can’t imagine one of them getting it. Every day I ask the babysitter if Whitney seems to be acting “sick” and every day I get a good report, so, so far so good. Whew.

This past Saturday Andy had off so we were going to head to Wilmington for the day but the weather was cold and rainy so we decided to stay home instead. We spent the morning at the children’s museum, where we had never been before. It was so great, Whitney loved it and it was neat to see her interact with the other kids and play with all the new things. Since Andy is home with her at least once during the week he ended up going back and getting a season pass. It will be a great place he can take her to get out of the house when I’m working from home.

These past few weeks have been really great with Whitney. She has had minimal tantrums and is just being a really good girl. She is starting to play with her toys again and is getting better and better at communicating with us. Words are coming at a really fast rate and she is comprehending so much it’s insane. The funniest thing is how she is in the imitating stage. There are so many things she’ll see us do and a few seconds later she’ll be doing the same thing. Putting lotion on, combing hair, cleaning the dogs eyes, cleaning the toilet…everything. It’s so endearing and just melts my heart that she is watching us so closely.

As for the baby, feeling good these past two weeks. I think since I’ve been sick I haven’t had quite the appetite I usually have so I’ve been eating less and feeling less “full” (and feeling great!) I guess since I’ve been concentrating on my cold, the pregnancy has been going pretty smooth, except for the fact you cant really take much for relief. I already know this second baby is going to be a lot different than Whitney. It is moving around constantly, I swear this kid doesn’t sleep (yikes!) With Whitney I hardly ever felt her move, seriously hardly ever. Now this child is all over the place, makes me wonder what it will be like when he/she arrives.

Speaking of arrivals we have our date set for June 4^th. It is very strange picking a birth date and I don’t like it one bit. I know it’s the necessary evil with having a c-section and all I want is a smooth delivery so it really isn’t that big of deal, still it is strange. My parents booked their flights to come and help when the baby is born and I cant help but be anxious about that day. I just remember going in with Whitney and thinking all was going to be OK and then it wasn’t. Here we are again, making plans, and praying once again everything goes smooth. Except this time, I REALLY hope things go smooth. Two more months to go!

A perfect spring day

Today was one of those days I really needed.

After a long work week and a long winter to boot the forecast was calling for sunny and almost 70 degrees. The weather didn’t disappoint, I knew it was going to be a good day the minute I stepped outside to let the dog out. The few minutes I was outside the sun was already warming my back, and it felt glorious, and I couldn’t help but think, could spring really be on its way?

Andy had to work today, as he does most weekends, which is very disappointing, but it also gives me so much time to relish with Whitney. After breakfast and skyping with my parents we headed outside around 10:00 and didn’t come back in until noon. We trimmed some bushes, went for a wagon ride, played with chalk, went down the slide and talked with some neighbors. The sun was shining and warm, it was an instant mood lifter. Everyone was talking about how great the weather was and I know even Whitney could tell. She was totally happy just walking around the house playing and enjoying her time NOT wearing a hat, gloves or bulky jacket.

She is definitely happiest outside. Even in the winter (I know, I know, “winter” in S. Carolina is reeeeal brutal…) she prefers to play outside. She’ll walk me to the door when we’re inside and want to go out and it’s so dang cold out I can barely bring myself to go outside, but she loves it so much.

So now hopefully spring is here, or almost here, and we comfortably enjoy the outdoors.

We had such a great day. She had minimal breakdowns and was in a great mood all day. Ate good lunches and napped good too. All things that make a Mom super happy. We even had to run errands after her nap and she tagged along like a trooper. She has always liked shopping, but now she gets bored with it pretty quickly. However one stop was Toys R Us to get a new slide and she of course LOVES that place.

I broke down and got one of those outdoor slides. I had cheapened out and gotten a less expensive version a few weeks ago in hopes that it would work or I could find a used one at a consignment store or on Craigs List, but I had no luck doing so, and the slide I got would have been too small and flimsy for her when she gets a bit older. So I bit the bullet and got a Step 2 slide, we haven’t put it together yet, but I have a feeling it will be much better and will be able to grow with her better too.

These past few days I have noticed her adding to her vocabulary and getting much better at vocalizing what she wants. Whether she is talking, pointing, making motions, or even using the little signs she knows (more/help etc) everything is becoming more clear. Maybe that is why her tantrums were at a minimal today, I could actually understand what SHE wanted. She’s growing up right before our eyes. It’s true what people say that this time goes too fast. With baby #2 coming less than 3 months away I hardly remember Whitney as a baby. Possibly I worried that time away, too many tears shed, possibly the time just drifts away from us, now just photographs in albums and scrapbooks. I do remember that time, it hasn’t been THAT long ago, but remembering that little tiny baby stage I really do struggle with.

My parents came to visit last week too. We had such a great time and it is always so nice to have them come visit. They always stay really busy and we try to add up household projects for them when they come. This time they helped us move my old office to a different room in the house and we painted my old office and got it ready for Whitney, when she moves into her new big girl room as the nursery will remain a nursery for the next baby. They painted grey walls and I’ll have her accent colors pink and teal.

The week was not without disappoint though when my uncle (Dad’s brother) passed away from cancer. They had to cut the trip a week short and we rebooked some flights back to WI. The news was disappointing on so many levels but dealing and managing with disappointment is something I have been trying to work on. Definitely something you cannot plan for, and we did get to enjoy their time for a whole week, so I’m grateful for the time we DID get with them.

I know I haven’t written in so long and there is so much I’m forgetting. For now, I’m leaving you with some photos from the past few weeks.