Here's the first in a series of shots to show our twin belly progression each month...I suspect a lot of growth over the next few months!
4 Months
Happy Trails,
Leah
October 25, 2009
October 21, 2009
Twice Upon A Time....
We had our 15 week checkup yesterday...it was quick and painless...no ultrasounds to report on, but we did get some numbers from the fetal heart monitor.
- Baby A: 152 bps
- Baby B: 156 bps
I know there is no 'medical' correlation between fetal heart rates and baby gender, but an old wives tale states that rates above 140 are most often female, and less than 140 are most often male...I guess we'll know for sure in 4 weeks when we go in for an ultrasound!
Anyone care to place any bets? JR says I'll have 2 girls just to spite him...I say he's probably right ;)
I guess it's about time to start shooting some belly pics...I'd like to get a nice progression series lined up from 'barely showing' to 'Ungodly Ginormous'. this weekend marks our 4 month mark, and a slightly protruding baby bump, so stay tuned! If you can 'stomach' it...haha...get it? 'stomach it'? ...I kill me!
PS...I've gained 5 lbs in the last month...I guess that marks the beginning of the end. For the morbidly curious, that means I'm at 136lbs...that also means I can expect to hit 175 or more before it's all said and done....Lordsy Mercy! Doc says 1lb/week thru the second trimester should be expected...with the majority of the chub coming on in the third...I imagine I'll look something like this, less the perky little breasts...sorry, just keepin' it real!
Lord help us all...Gangway!
Happy Trails,
Leah
October 20, 2009
Farewell and Fair Travels Gpa Craig!
Gpa Craig left for the long haul back to California this weekend...we sure are gonna miss the old man...
..and he took Blue-Dog with him! He needed some company for the road trip, and Blue has really taken to him...
So with a "Load Up!"....
..and a GIANT hug...
Gpa Craig was on his way...
..and he took Blue-Dog with him! He needed some company for the road trip, and Blue has really taken to him...
So with a "Load Up!"....
..and a GIANT hug...
Gpa Craig was on his way...
We hope the year flies by...the house is awful quiet without him around...no air compressor startling me awake in the middle of the night...no chain saw melodies all the day long...no automatic air gun or sawzall chorus....and certainly no flaming explosions!
...yes, he did make a full recovery.
...yes, he did make a full recovery.
Happy Travels Gpa Craig! Thanks so much for all your help around the place...we love you and miss you!
The Punks
PS...pics of Gpa Craigs 2009 projects to be posted shortly! Stay tuned, you'll be amazed what one handy-man Gpa can get done in a few months...
Let's play a game....
Question: Who do YOU think is capable of doing more damage to a leather sofa...a Toddler or a Teen?
WRONG! How about their angry father...The permanent marker the toddler decorated the couch with came off with some spray on sun screen...and the exterior primer the teen wiped all over it probably would have too...had not the man of the house gone into a scrub frenzy at the sight of said primer....and the icing on the cake? The warranty would have covered replacement of the cushions for either incident, but will not cover husband-caused trauma...ain't that a kicker.
Happy Marriages,
Leah
Coyote-Ugly!
We had this uninvited visitor over the weekend...he was prowling the property all day long and ignored all attempts to chase him off into the woods...I think he was doin' him some kitty huntin'! This guy was HUGE...like, German Shepherd HUGE...I'm not sure I've ever seen a coyote this big before...he could have easily taken out the cats, and the dogs! We had some help lined up on day 2 if he returned, but he must have gotten the hint...he did not show himself again...*shudder*
Happy Trails,
Leah
October 09, 2009
The Virginia State Fair!
While JR and Gpa Craig were busy stripping paint off the old buildings, I opted to take the Little Brat to the NEW & IMPROVED Virginia State Fair! The State Fair has officially moved from it's prior home in Richmond to The Meadows event park in Doswell....that made it even closer and more convenient for us to get to! What a terrific time we had! After we parked, we took a shuttle to the front gates to get our entry tickets...we had to navigate through a couple of these cool tunnels....LB loved that!
Then, it was straight to the rides...the kiddie rides were right after the fair food and conveniently consolidated in one circular area so we could just go to one...
after the other....
after the other!
Once we got up high in the Ferris Wheel, I was able to get some great shots of the layout and festivities..this is the new equestrian center, complete with new Barnmaster barn, multiple riding rings, and plenty of parking...a HUGE improvement over the last location where the single riding arena was not so conveniently located next door to the demolition derby area (often going on at the same time).....
..and this shot is out over the kiddie area and back towards the parking fields...
But there is such a thing as 'too much of a good thang'....the operator of this ride probably thought the kids would LOVE the extra 10 minutes in these small plastic cars going around a 10 ft loop....I think he was wrong...and I think you can read LB's feelings about it by the expression on her face...one child actually fell asleep....
Eventually we had exhausted ourselves on all the rides and had to acquire some sustenance before we both passed out! Fair food is the BEST! Well, maybe not the best FOR you, but just LOOK at all those fries....and if we are going to enjoy corn-dogs once a year, the fair could not be a more appropriate place!
After our tummy's were full, we mosied on down to the 'Heritage Village' to explore days gone by...LB got a hand made bead necklace, and a spin in a chuck wagon pulled by Colton the Ox! She even got to sit in the driver's seat!
This wild band of Indians passed by at one point....the good mother that I am, this is where I reminder LB that those were the EXACT people that would be coming to get her when she was naughty and I threatened to 'send her back to the Indians'...is that wrong? In my defense, my mom said it to me!
This old steam engine captivated LB's attention...you could pull the chains and play 'Mary had a Little Lamb'...and she did!
..and once we had toured the entire village, we headed for our last stop of the day, the agricultural tents! Just look at those baby chicks...LB wanted to bring them all home, and I'm sure the dogs would have LOVED that idea too! mmmMMMmmm
this calf was born just 6 hrs prior to us arriving...could he be more precious?
Here's one animal we haven't had as a family...I did raise several sheep as a youth for 4-H though...not my favorite animals...they aren't real 'thinkers', if you get my drift.
...and what fair experience would be complete without a useless novelty gift that made an obnoxious noise? At least they aren't known for 'quality'...this particular horn broke the next day.....oh darn!
How do you know when your fun bag is filled to the top? This is how you know...I hadn't even pulled out of the parking area yet....
I have gone to the State Fair at least 5 of the 9 years I have lived here in Virgina to enjoy the horse show and festivities.....it's never been as great an experience as this time around though...the new facilities was well equipped for everything hosted there...the restrooms were clean, the grounds were well kept, the layout was logical and easy to navigate too! I never looked at a map, but easily found my way around....It was a super good experience for LB's first fair (that she will remember)....We look forward to next year!!!
Then, it was straight to the rides...the kiddie rides were right after the fair food and conveniently consolidated in one circular area so we could just go to one...
after the other....
after the other!
Once we got up high in the Ferris Wheel, I was able to get some great shots of the layout and festivities..this is the new equestrian center, complete with new Barnmaster barn, multiple riding rings, and plenty of parking...a HUGE improvement over the last location where the single riding arena was not so conveniently located next door to the demolition derby area (often going on at the same time).....
..and this shot is out over the kiddie area and back towards the parking fields...
But there is such a thing as 'too much of a good thang'....the operator of this ride probably thought the kids would LOVE the extra 10 minutes in these small plastic cars going around a 10 ft loop....I think he was wrong...and I think you can read LB's feelings about it by the expression on her face...one child actually fell asleep....
Eventually we had exhausted ourselves on all the rides and had to acquire some sustenance before we both passed out! Fair food is the BEST! Well, maybe not the best FOR you, but just LOOK at all those fries....and if we are going to enjoy corn-dogs once a year, the fair could not be a more appropriate place!
After our tummy's were full, we mosied on down to the 'Heritage Village' to explore days gone by...LB got a hand made bead necklace, and a spin in a chuck wagon pulled by Colton the Ox! She even got to sit in the driver's seat!
This wild band of Indians passed by at one point....the good mother that I am, this is where I reminder LB that those were the EXACT people that would be coming to get her when she was naughty and I threatened to 'send her back to the Indians'...is that wrong? In my defense, my mom said it to me!
This old steam engine captivated LB's attention...you could pull the chains and play 'Mary had a Little Lamb'...and she did!
..and once we had toured the entire village, we headed for our last stop of the day, the agricultural tents! Just look at those baby chicks...LB wanted to bring them all home, and I'm sure the dogs would have LOVED that idea too! mmmMMMmmm
this calf was born just 6 hrs prior to us arriving...could he be more precious?
Here's one animal we haven't had as a family...I did raise several sheep as a youth for 4-H though...not my favorite animals...they aren't real 'thinkers', if you get my drift.
...and what fair experience would be complete without a useless novelty gift that made an obnoxious noise? At least they aren't known for 'quality'...this particular horn broke the next day.....oh darn!
How do you know when your fun bag is filled to the top? This is how you know...I hadn't even pulled out of the parking area yet....
I have gone to the State Fair at least 5 of the 9 years I have lived here in Virgina to enjoy the horse show and festivities.....it's never been as great an experience as this time around though...the new facilities was well equipped for everything hosted there...the restrooms were clean, the grounds were well kept, the layout was logical and easy to navigate too! I never looked at a map, but easily found my way around....It was a super good experience for LB's first fair (that she will remember)....We look forward to next year!!!
Happy Trails!
Leah
October 08, 2009
Justa Schwangin'!
Gpa Craig has fashioned many a cool things around the farm since he arrived a couple months back...none appreciated so much by the Little Brat as this schwanky schwing though! It's tethered to a branch about 20 feet up in an old walnut tree...I'm not sure Gpa Craig realized how much of a workout he would be getting after he built this swinging thing for her....EVERY day, when we get home from work, this is how it goes....
Take a seat...
This has to be the bestest tree swing ever!
...and when she faces the other way and swings out over the back hill, it's like being on top of the world! Those are electrical lines under the swing, but not to worry, they are still far far away....Little Brat exclaims, "I can see EVERYTHING from up here!"...
You done good Gpa Craig!
Take a seat...
then up, up...
and away!
This has to be the bestest tree swing ever!
...and when she faces the other way and swings out over the back hill, it's like being on top of the world! Those are electrical lines under the swing, but not to worry, they are still far far away....Little Brat exclaims, "I can see EVERYTHING from up here!"...
You done good Gpa Craig!
Happy Trails,
Leah
Babies and Bad Words...
Doesn't this happen to all of us eventually? Despite our best attempts to shelter our spawn from the evil, muck, and goobers of the outside world - they learn...and absorb...and eventually, pick up a few not so fashionable things along the way. It happens! For the most part, when the Little Brat has snuck in a foul word here and there I have been able to bite my tongue and minimize my reaction to the situation. Like when we were driving down the road and it started to drizzle..."D@mnit, it's raining!", she exclaimed. Or when we went out to feed a month or so back and the temperature had dropped to a chilly level..."It's Freakin' cold!", she shivered. In both instances I was able to maintain my composure, and not make any acknowledgement to the matter beyond "Let's not speak like that honey. BLANK is not an appropriate word for you to use." Since then, those words have never found their way back into her vocabulary...low-key was the ticket!
Then came this conversation over dinner the other night. Gpa Craig is in town and helping us renovate several of our aged out buildings. He's a man's man....rough around the edges and calls it like it is....he does not have a terribly bad mouth, but can let the occasional 'informal' curse out in conversation now and then....we hardly even notice....MOST of the time.
Then came this conversation over dinner the other night. Gpa Craig is in town and helping us renovate several of our aged out buildings. He's a man's man....rough around the edges and calls it like it is....he does not have a terribly bad mouth, but can let the occasional 'informal' curse out in conversation now and then....we hardly even notice....MOST of the time.
- Gpa Craig: "You know, once we get these sheds done, Leah will have a place to store all her sh!t, JR will have a place for all his sh!t, and all the automotive sh!t can finally be put together!"
- We all nod our heads in agreement and continue eating.
- All of us except for the Little Brat.
- Little Brat: "Where will I put MY sh!t, Gpa?"
October 01, 2009
Diaper Envy....
Has anyone SEEN these cute little buggers called G Diapers???? How innovative...they are new and improved alternative to Gma's ole' cloth diapers...good for the environmentally, good for the baby, and not so bad to look at either...just feast you eyes on the cuteness of the RUFFLES!
One of my coworkers brought these dandy little creations to my attention not too long ago, and I am intrigued...As I recall, the first few months can do some damage on the diapers...however, I am looking at using these as an alternative to pull-ups, and perhaps even before that...I'd like to hear what others have to say though....
Happy Trails,
Leah
In trouble with the law...
I am USUALLY a law abiding citizen...really, I am! So when I got my summons to appear for Jury Duty Orientation, I willingly accepted my fate as a soldier for the court...it was my HORMONES that had other plans...cuz they are makin' me real forgetful as of late...the mornings are the worst..if my head were attached I'd forget it on my pillow when I get outa bed...my family, bless their hearts, doubles checks I've turned off all the burners and oven after making dinner....not without good cause either...The little brat has to sleep on daycare sheets half the week cuz it takes me that long to remember to take her sheets to school.....EVERY WEEK.....I can't take my computer home after work because I'll surely forget it there when I go into work the next day and have to work in the conference room on the community computer....seriously, it's that bad!
So, when I failed to make my jury orientation appointment, I was far from surprised. I remembered it, just several hours too late....so the saint at the courthouse did my orientation over the phone for me...
Then, when I failed to make my jury selection appointment last week, again, I was not surprised one teensy weensy bit....I remembered it, several hours too late....when I called this time, the saint at the courthouse couldn't help me....although sympathetic to my struggle with complete and total memory loss, the matter was out of her hands....
So, I tried to get a picture of the deputy that stopped by the house this morning to issue me my shiny new summons...but he appeared under the cover of darkness....I am required to now appear before a judge and be whooped with a wet noodle 23423534 times in the public courtyard...I suppose I deserve it....but, I PLEAD PREGNANT!
So, when I failed to make my jury orientation appointment, I was far from surprised. I remembered it, just several hours too late....so the saint at the courthouse did my orientation over the phone for me...
Then, when I failed to make my jury selection appointment last week, again, I was not surprised one teensy weensy bit....I remembered it, several hours too late....when I called this time, the saint at the courthouse couldn't help me....although sympathetic to my struggle with complete and total memory loss, the matter was out of her hands....
So, I tried to get a picture of the deputy that stopped by the house this morning to issue me my shiny new summons...but he appeared under the cover of darkness....I am required to now appear before a judge and be whooped with a wet noodle 23423534 times in the public courtyard...I suppose I deserve it....but, I PLEAD PREGNANT!
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