"This is a story all about how my life got twist-turned upside down..."

Seriously!  The birth of Genoa Winter Peel 2 weeks ago has left me with zero time, unlimited happiness for my children and slightly sleep deprived :)

The birth itself was rather uneventful, especially compared to Branson's.  We were scheduled to go into St. Mary's at 5:30 am on Dec. 7th to prep for the c-section.  And we did.  As soon as I was hooked up to the monitors, I actually went into labor, having contractions 4 minutes apart.  So either way, she was coming that day!  So.  Our amazing friend and photographer, Jessi Lemay (check her out, www.jessilemayphotography.com) was wonderful enough to show up that early and catch the prep on film.  If I have time I'll post pics.  Funny thing about the pics, you can SEE the nerves that Ryan was experiencing.  I personally was not nervous at all, but poor Ryan was a slight mess.  He said it's a scary thought to have your wife go into major surgery like that, because you never know what will happen.  Awe!  Too sweet babe.  Love you long time.  Anyhow.  They took me back to the OR around 7:30, gave me my spinal (which later gave me a nasty spinal headache, AGAIN), and then the only bad thing of the whole day happened, I got nauseous from the anesthetic  Thought I was going to throw up, but I didn't (thank God, not sure how I would have pulled that one off laying flat on my back and numb from the chest down).  So the nausea passed, they let my husband come in (still nervous) and got to work. And apparently it was hard work.  As with Branson, they had to use a vacuum assist, and the assistant Dr. was (what felt like) jumping on top of me, grunting saying "I literally can't push any harder!".  So our kids have big heads, so what!!!???   At 7:55, they pulled my beautiful baby from me, she cried, I cried, Ryan cried.  She was a little "wet", meaning she had a hard time clearing the mucous and fluid, but other than that she had a complete clean bill of health.  They wheeled me into Recovery, my momma came back and stayed with me while Ryan was with G in the nursery getting cleaned up and what not.  Then they brought me my baby girl, and I got to nurse her.  She was a PRO.  This girl knew EXACTLY what to do.  Quite the opposite of her brother.  We bonded immediately.  Something I did not have with Branson because he was taken to the NICU right away.  Once in our room, family came in, and we all rejoiced and loved on her.  It was such an amazing feeling to be able to be with my baby immediately after birth.  I always felt guilt for not having that with B, even though it was completely out of my hands.  Of course my bond with Branson now is stronger than anything I've ever known, but he wasn't as tangible for the first 6 days of life, due to him being in the NICU and me having had a c-section followed by a spinal headache.  With Genoa, the connection was instant and much needed.  I love that she needs me.  She wants to be in my arms, hear my voice, and smell my skin.

Now at almost 3 weeks old, we are starting to semi- establish a routine.  Genoa, like Branson, has pretty bad acid reflux so we are dealing with that.  But she is still a great sleeper and eater, and the only time you will hear this baby cry is when she is impatient about getting fed :)  And I must say, this is the first year that I am glad the holidays are over!  I love them and always have, but there was just so much adjusting and going on this year.

With that I leave you all with a wish of a prosperous and beautiful new year filled with love and friendship.

it's almost baby time!

I'm WAY behind on my blogging, lots of catching up to do.

Branson's birthday was again bitter sweet, I mean my baby boy turned 2!  And when he did it was like he transitions from baby to toddler immediately.  We spent his birthday just the 4 of us and it was so nice.  We took Branson to the Squeeze In for breakfast, where he got to see his favorite restraunt lady MANDA!!!  Wow he loves her.  And she was kind enough to put a candle in his sausage link (ha!) and we all sang him happy birthday.  He blew out the candle, and then discovered how fun it was so we had to do it again :)  Too cute, really.  That weekend we had a birthday party for him.  His whole family came, plus his friends Wyatt, Mary, Wes and Emerie.  There aren't many better things in life than a houseful of happy, yelling, sugared up kids!!!  We had pizza from Eclipse, Branson's favorite, and then cake from the Biggest Little Cake Shop.  Branson got his very own Mickey Mouse cake.  Let me tell ya, black frosting is a doosy!  But it was so much fun.  I'm pretty sure he was hyped up on sugar for a week straight.

Like I said though, Branson immediately grew up.  He is now counting to 10, saying (most of) his ABC's, singing songs, and holding conversations.  He is also in his "terrible two's", something that 9 months pregnant mommy is having a hard time coming to terms with.  One minute we are happy and coloring, the next we are throwing the tempertantrum of the century for no reason.  I'm trying really hard to just soak it in, and know this is part of the whole process, but some days I feel like sitting in a corner sucking my thumb.  Thank GOD for my husband.  Ryan has really stepped up, especially when it comes to the kids.  He gets up every morning with Branson, and then they take Keenan to school, then Ryan comes home and feeds B breakfast and the animals too.  I can't tell you what a load of my back this is. 

Keenan is doing great too.  He tried out and made rifle team, something not many freshman get to experience.  The kid is a natural shot for sure.  He is very involved in school, and we could not be more proud.  He even marched in the Veteren's Day parade with his ROTC group.  It's a great feeling to have your heart sweel with pride and joy over your kids!  And, did I mention his grades? All A's and B's.  Thats something I sure didn't accomplish in high school (and of course now I'm kicking myself for not trying just a little harder).  We promised him if he got all A's, we would get him a season pass to Mt. Rose.  Even if he doesn't, I know his mom, dad, and myself couldn't be more proud.

The last few weeks have been pretty crazy.  We moved Keenan into the old office, had that room painted and Branson's new room painted.  Next is the nursery, but we aren't in a rush for that.  The baby will be in our room for a while.  It's been fun to wash clothes and bedding, and put together bassinets and swings.  Our house looks like a total kid house now!  I love it.  Baby G will be here in 11 days, we can not wait to meet her.  In other news, Reno survived a pretty nasty fire that actually swept through town.  We were on evacuation warning, and most of Ryan's family was too.  We are so thankful and blessed to have come out compeltely unscathed, something that can't be said for everyone.  Beautiful homes were burnt to the ground, and people lost everything.  I think the final number was 30 something homes damages, and 20 something completely damaged.  So devastating.  It really humbled our family and made us count our blessings.

So I'm starting this blog 5 minutes before I am supposed to leave to go pick K up from school.  I'm simply starting so I can force myself to continue it later, hopefully today.  You see, I'm about to lose my mind.  And this blog is supposed to be about what is going on with ME in my world, right?  So bare with me on this bumpy ride of a blog entry. 

I know everyone says that they are super busy, super stressed, super tired and super whatever else, but if you add up all those things plus adding super pregnant to them, it gets a whole lot worse.  I literally can not sort out the thoughts in my brain.  Half the time I can't even think of 1 simple, silly (and often stupid) word to use in a sentence.  There is so much to get done, and not just the daily so much, I mean SO MUCH.  There is a list I can list on here, and a list too personal to list on here (though, that list would make for a much better read, I might add).  This baby is coming in a maximum of 7 weeks.  We don't even have a nursery.  B is still in the nursery.  And K is still in the room that B is going to move into.  And the room that K is going to move into, the office, is a disaster of half packed boxes, half crap, and half baby stuff that I have no where to put.  Once I get the office cleaned out, I have to get Ryan to move the furniture out and pack up the computers and printers.  Then I have to find someone to come in and paint the room.  Not an easy task, considering 1 whole wall has built in shelving/desk with holes and what not that I wouldn't even know where to begin if I were painting it!  And the color of the office and K's current room is this atrocious greenish brown.  It's so dark, ugly and nasty.  They have to be painted.  Once the office is painted (dear lord please let that be done by the end of the month) then K can move in there, and then we have to do the whole thing all over again with B's new room.  Then, maybe when G is 15 years old, she can move into her  nursery.  Ugh.  Sigh.  But, moving on!  We recently got rid of our dining room set.  The plan was to make the dining room a temporary (loooong temporary) game room.  Well, we've moved 1 piece of furniture in there.  We still need to move the pinball's from the breakfast nook into the dining room, move B's toys into the nook area, move the piano somewhere, and find somewhere to put an office desk area.  I feel like screaming.  And don't even get me started on the garage or master bedroom.  And to top it all off, I've discovered that as much as I love animals, having kids has made me realize I don't really have the time and patience to dedicate to them.  I feel so so so guilty about this, but our dogs are so high maintenance, and quite honestly I'd rather spend my energy on Keenan, Branson, G and Ryan.  I mean, Honey killed a skunk a few weeks ago, and I can still smell it on her.  And she rolls in everything, kills whatever cute animal might be living on our property, and barks and barks and barks.  She especially barks when B is sleeping.  And she wants out in the middle of the night (I'm already sleep deprived), and she gets out into the pasture, or out the front gate, or jumps on all our guests, climbs on the table to eat Branson's lunch.  The list goes on.  I love her, she is a beautiful wonderful dog that I just don't have the time to dedicate to.  

Anyhow.  Add to ALL this (probably seems like a really short list to you, huh?) that I have a super busy 2 year old that undoes everything I do at the house, and a super busy 14 year old that is going in 20 different directions 20 times a day, and I'm pretty sure I'm having a mental break down!  Who is going to pick Keenan up from school after G is born?  Not me with 2 kids!  Can't take the bus, it doesn't stop near our house at 4.  How am I going to grocery shop?  How am I going to make sure K and B feel loved, when most of my time is going to be spent with a newborn attached to me?  How am I going to make sure my family has at least 1 meal a day?  Can't clean the house for a while with a c-section incision, can't drive, AGHHHHHHHH!

I feel slightly better.  And FYI, this blog has taken 3 days to finish.  Record timing really.

PESTO PASTA

So, made a yummy pasta tonight. Ryan is running his big race this weekend in Illinois, so we are having pasta all week.

Tonight I made fussili pasta with fresh veggies and pesto. Recipe as follows:

ingredients:

fussili pasta

2 zucchini

2 yellow squash

1/4 green bell pepper

1/4 red bell pepper

1 cup cherry/grape tomato's

1/2 cup artichoke hearts

pam or olive oil for sauteing

1/4 cup pine nuts

3 tbls prepared (or home made if you have time) pesto

Parmesan cheese to top it off

directions:

boil pasta as instructed. While pasta boils, chop zucchini, squash, and bell pepper into into 1 inch pieces. heat oil in non stick pan over medium-high heat. Add squash and bell peppers. While those cook up, cut tomato's and artichoke hearts in half. Once squash is browned, add salt/pepper to taste, add the rest of the veggies and saute for another 2 or 3 minutes or so. When veggies are cooked and pasta is drained, combine with pine nuts in a large bowl, and add 3 table spoons of prepared (or home made, I personally like home made but didn't have time tonight) pesto. Toss, top with Parmesan and serve!

BABY SHOWER #2

My MIL and SIL threw me and Ryan and amazing baby shower. It was beautiful, with wonderful food and good company. It was much smaller than our first one, but just as memorable.

SEPTEMBER

September is proving to be a crazy month!  Keenan is getting settled into his freshman year at Galena.  Let me tell you, our school system is slightly messed up.  I mean, it's week 3 of school, and the poor kid has had his schedule changed 3 times.  I understand funding is shifted, and not everything is settled before school like we parents would like it to be, but dang this is a lot to keep up with!  Speaking of Keenan, we are so happy to have him here with us this year.  He brings so much light into this house.  He is a wonderful student, delving deep into his love and passion for ROTC.  I can't wait to start attending his competitions and events.  He is a wonderful big brother, playing with and looking after Branson.  And of course, he's an amazing son.  He helps me out immensely, considering my ever growing belly is making it more and more impossible to do things like, bend over and pick up toys. 

Anyhow, back to September.  The month started with me visiting the hospital for kidney stones (*see previous post), and hasn't stopped since.  Our dear friends Adam and Ginger came to visit, and brought their beautiful daughter and cute (but highly anxious) dog Jerry Bear.  They came up last weekend for the balloon races.  The balloon races always bring me to a nostalgic place, but once you have kids of your own it becomes a whole new experience.  We woke up at 3:30, and were at the park at 5.  Branson, Kayla and I'm pretty sure even Keenan were taken by the whole thing.  I think it's safe to say we adults were, too.  After we walked to my moms for her famous pancake and sausage breakfast.  If there is 1 thing (OK, there are many, but this is one of my faves) that my mom is good at, it's cooking and making you feel at home.  The boys dozed off on the couch, we girls (both preggers) sat on our butts and my mom graciously fed us, entertained our kids, and then cleaned up.  I hope one day I turn out just like her.  She's pretty damn amazing.

This weekend is even more crazy.  Chrissy comes in Saturday morning, we are all going out to the air races, then we have a birthday party for Branson's friends (twins! 1 year old!) Wesley and Emery.  Sunday is our baby shower.  I can't believe it's already here.  My dear mother in law and sister in law have planned the whole shebang, and all I have to do is show up.  Our first baby shower was really great, but our house was filled with 60 people.  This shower will also be at our house, but with half the amount of people.  We decided to keep it more intimate, since it's our second, we aren't expecting gifts, and it's more just a celebration to welcome the first baby girl into this family. 

Moving on....the weekend after we go to Walley's through the end of the month.  We will spend a whole week out there with my mom, experiencing the Candy Dance, hot tubs, relaxation and lots more.  We will also be shooting our annual family pictures out there with Jessi Lemay (check her out, she is amazing www.jessilemayphotography.com).  I'm sure after that trip I will have much to report, if not at least great pics.

Oh sh*t.

It happened. The deal breaker. The one thing I SWORE would keep me from ever even thinking about having unprotected sex again. I got kidney stones. Yep. Hospital stay and all. Not fun, just like last time. Last Wednesday I got up at 2 am, took 3 hot showers, and waited as patiently as possible to see Keenan off to school so I could go in and get something for the "GOD DAMN PAIN!". We took Branson to my moms house (woke the poor thing up at 6:30, sorry mom!) and was checked in by 7:15. By 8 I had my first does of morphine. I realized that morphine doesn't do jack for the actual pain, but it did make me pretty much care less about it for 30 minutes or so. The second time I took it in the shot form, and it lasted about 1.5 hours. But let me tell ya, your booty gets sore from being poked every 3 hours. So, we had an ultra sound, they told me there was complete blockage in my left kidney, and I needed to see the urologist. That was at like, 10 am. Finally at 3 pm, someone informed us that the urologist wouldn't be seeing me until the following morning, so I may as well get comfortable. At first I was PISSED. But then realized that it would give me time to hopefully move the stone, and have monitored pain management. My OB checked in later that evening and also let me know that it looked like they would have to put a stint in. Oh hell no. Uh huh. No way. No surgery, and, I've heard those things can be more painful than the actual stone. If that's even possible. I mean, I've never had to labor, but with kidney stones I've mentally written my will every time. The things flippin hurt. Longer story short, I stopped needing pain meds about 1 am, and obviously the stone had moved. Thank god! The urologist showed up sometime around 7 or 8, and I got to go home. 2 nights ago I passed the stone. I have to give it up for testing, so they can see what it's made of. I already know, its just calcium and I'm just one of those people that get them while pregnant. So excuse me, while I go down a gallon of lemon water. And in a few years, when I catch baby fever, please remind me of the god damn kidney stones.

a Branson update

I feel like since Keenan arrived Branson has doubled his vocabulary. He repeats super cute things like, "awesome" (sounds like "awe yum!), "epic", "dude" and more. He is also learning to count, 1 2 3. He has known his colors for a long time, and now identifies everything he can that has a color - Blue sky, red/green apple, purple crayon and so on. he knows probably every animal and their sound, as wells as anything with wheels. He is identifying people outside the family now, not just grandma and grandpa but Mary, Laura, and whoever else we introduce him to. One of the cutest things he just started doing is yelling for Ryan or Keenan. Maybe he got it from me... The other day he grabbed Ryan's face (gently) and yelled "Ryyyyyyyan!" and then gave him a kiss. It melted my heart. And whenever he wants to see his "bubba" he yells "Keeeenan!" down the hallway. I mean. He is only 21 months and the kid speaks better than most 3 year olds I know. And no, I'm not bias at all so don't even go there. He also likes to love on his baby sister. He pushes up my shirt to grab and kiss my belly saying "hi baby". Sweet, sweet boy.

We are still battling most dinner times. Usually he just is too busy to eat. or he thinks he doesn't like something, and then the next day when I'm eating left overs for lunch he helps me finish it. I've taken to sneaking veggies in his smoothies, quesadillas, and mac n cheese. But he is always only offered one dinner with the rest of the family. He really only has an honest aversion to Mexican food. Which is strange, considering we all love it. But he does like things like Thai food, sushi, and quinoa. Pretty amazing, this kid.

BABYMOON

There is kind of a lot to catch up on! Ryan and I just returned from our first ever babymoon. We missed it with Branson because of my not so friendly kidney stones. Being in and out of the hospital wasn't conducive to flying to Maui for a week. Anyhow. The trip was much needed and amazing. We arrived, we rested in our beautiful cabana at THE ADULT POOL. Say what? Yes thats right, we got to hang out at the adult pool. Of course if you've ever been to the Grand Wailea you're probably asking why in the hell we would forgo the kids pool, you know the one that is pretty much a beach side water park? Well, I'll tell you; because for the first time ever I COULD. We still enjoyed the water slides and virgin pina coladas in cute little pineapple cups, but its so much more relaxing at the adult pool. It was quiet, we got our food in a timely manor, we napped, we walked around, we played in the grass. We just did whatever WE wanted to. It was so nice not having to entertain kids, go up for nap time, find something everyone could eat, change diapers, reapply sunscreen, chase sun hats, and be up in the room and ready for bed at 8. Oh wait, we were still doing that last part. But we got to eat at nice restaurants uninterrupted, we got up early to watch the sunrise and then went back to bed, we watched movies every night, we both got to swim in the ocean at the same time. I guess this is what adult life without kids is like. I never realized! All fun aside, there are no words to describe just how much I missed B. I was almost sick over it every day. We got home at midnight on Monday and I had to get him up and hold him. And he has been a mommy leech all week. And I'm loving every single minute. No more babymoons for me. All the kids are coming with next time.

Moving on! Keenan is here! And Keenan is going to be here and living with us for his freshman year of high school. I'm shocked every time I think of him turning 14 in just a few weeks. Then I'm even more shocked that he is going into high school. But we are all so excited to have him here. He is such a strong point of our family, he makes everyone smile. Especially Branson! My god the child loves his big bro. He hasn't stopped saying "hi bubba!" since he got up this morning and discovered Keenan was here. Keenan is a trooper with him too. He has no issue entertaining Branson with childish games, goo goo talk or just chasing him around the house. They are both keepers and I'm happy to call them mine!

I don't think we've told the web world, but we are having a girl this time around! I'm STOKED. I can't wait to shop for adorable clothes. She is very active, just like Branson was. I feel her hundreds of times a day, and she really enjoys dancing when mommy is ready for bed. I've gotten mostly past the nausea and headaches. At lease enough so that I'm able to eat some real food and keep it down. I still get morning sickness, and still have to take my anti-nausea medicine, but I'm so much better. I've found that I can control my headaches through diet - heavy sugars and salts are a big no no. Of course if I get stressed one pops right up. I'm also starting to nest. My husbands to do list is never empty, and I'm constantly thinking of things that need to be done before the baby comes (like clean out my junk drawer. that makes sense, right?). Ryan has been so supportive. He rubs my back, neck, feet and tummy whenever I ask. He sits silently (or maybe he is just a heavy sleeper) while I toss and turn and all night. He goes and gets me donuts or Taco Bell, whether it's right after dinner or at 11 pm (did I mention no sugar and salt already?). He listens to me cry and complain about what ends up being nothing, and he consoles me. I've got a good one on my hands here.

Really, all in all, my life is very blessed. All the cliches are true. You learn that money isn't everything, if anything. Smaller is sometimes better. I'm even enjoying the cooking channel and the news! I'm turing into my mom, which we all swear we won't do when we are 16. (mom for the record, I'm happy to be like you <3 I'm trying to remember to be mindful, especially when a little negativity or manipulation tries to creep in. There will always be outside factors trying to penetrate their way in, but if you keep to your mindful core, there is no effort in keeping them out.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

This 4th of July was really great. Ryan got up early with Branson, and I attempted to sleep in. Even though I didn't really go back to sleep after he got up, it was nice not to have to rush around with the morning routine. It can be hectic, I mean get up, change Branson, give him his milk, cuddle on the couch for a few minutes (the BEST part of the morning), put the dogs out, feed the dogs, hush Branson from screaming since I'm not sitting with him anymore, fix Branson's breakfast. And then the day starts: the vacuuming, laundry, dusting, scrubbing, playing with Branson (the next best part of the morning) until it's time to do it all over again at lunch time. Whew! Anyways. So I laid in bed for an hour and a half listening to my 2 boys laugh and play together, then I got up and joined the festivities. Ryan has a much more lax way of doing the morning routine. There isn't really a time frame, and yet everything (well, the important stuff at least) gets done. So I woke up to blueberry pancakes! This was the first breakfast Ryan had ever made for me, so it was a good thing to have. We all sat at the table and enjoyed it. The day continued on, Ryan's parents came over to visit for a while. Then Branson went down for a nap and Ryan and I finished building his train set. Have I mentioned this? Holy cow, what a chore. This thing took 3 days to fully get built. Then of course, right when we Branson woke up we let him play with it. MISTAKE #1. We had to tear him away 20 minutes later to go to my moms for a BBQ. Let me just tell you there was a catastrophic melt down at the Peel house. Thank god we got to Momo's and he saw his cars and the pool, and the train was forgotten about for the time being. We enjoyed watching Branson and his friend Mary play in the yard and make a mess of their all-American food. (Side note, Branson put the food down! 1 and a half hot dogs, a whole bun, a whole head of corn, a few bites of watermelon and potato salad, a raspberry desert and a strawberry ice cream cone. WHAT????) Ryan made the most amazing grilled corn on the cob, and his famous burgers. My nana and mom who are the best cooks I know, made the potato salad, macaroni salad, and dessert. And I just sad there and watched the kids play. Our little family was home and in bed by 9 pm, and quite happy to miss the fireworks this year.

BBQ SEASON IS HERE

Wow it's been a while since I've posted. I've been rather busy, with a toddler, animals, husband and being sick all the dang time. This pregnancy might kill me. If it does, someone please put something witty on my blog.

I'm still on anti-nausea meds, and now I've added migraine medicine to my cabinet. A 3 day long migraine is no fun for anyone, but try chasing an almost 2 year old with one.

Ryan has been running. And running and running and running. I admire him. I get out of breath just walking around outside with Branson most days. Speaking of which, he is AMAZING. He is talking like crazy, running around like crazy, and smarter than any little boy ever. (I know, I might be a little bias). He is growing like a weed and can now reach counter tops. That's not always good, considering I have things like knives and hot pots on the counters. He loves to read books. He has a favorite 4 or 5 that we read 200 times a day. He loves the water, and last week we got season passes to wild waters. Whoopi!

Ok, sorry folks but that's all I have time for today. Happy 4th to all! We will be celebrating at my moms with a bbq. Everyone please be safe!

IN THE NEWS TODAY

This morning Branson grabbed his diaper, said "poo poo!" and ran to his room to get a clean one. Guess it's time for potty training! Yay! Except I'm not sure where to even start...

In cuter news, I love that every morning the first thing I hear from his room is, "momma!?". Melts my heart.

In exciting news, I got a new car. A brand spankin new denali! I never thought I would own a new car. But, we were smart with my last car, paid it off and it was still worth what we bought it for, so the trade it was killer. LOVE IT.

THE HANGOVER...

I finally feel human enough to write. The last 3 weeks have been HELL for me. Imagine your very worst hangover, having it all day, every day, for 3 weeks straight. The only time I didn't feel sick is if I was sleeping, but ironically, I couldn't 't fall asleep due to the nausea, and once I did, it usually woke me up shortly after. I've never felt so un-human in my life. I was definitely a terrible mom, all I could do was sit on the couch and watch Branson play. I wasn't capable of cleaning, cooking (still can't do that one, but hey I'm trying), laundry, playing with my child, loving my husband or walking. Sometimes I was pretty sure breathing would cause me to puke. I even had a trip to ER for dehydration, where they hooked me up to an IV and gave me anti nausea meds. The Dr. said that I was to the point where even if I had tried to rehydrate myself nothing would have stayed down. My diet consisted of only crackers, toast, and sometimes broth. Once in a while I would try to drink a Gatorade or have a pedialite pop, but those usually didn't stay down. Last Thursday we had our first baby appointment. And today all the anti nausea meds have finally built up enough that I'm able to function. I've done the dishes, paid bills, fed branson and the dogs, all with out puking! Oh the happiness this brings me! I guess this is what I get for saying how miserable and sick I was with B. That was nothing compared to this one. Everyone is saying I might be having a girl, since I'm so sick. I say whatever it is better come out walking talking and changing it's own diaper after all the hell it's put me through. (Kidding. Kinda). (****special thanks to my Mom, Nana, Dad and Ryan's parents and sister for helping me out during this awful time. )

Mothers day was lovely. Pretty quiet and mellow. I was pampered by my hubby, and loved by my baby.

I better go before the sickness returns. This is the first day I've tried reading/writing in a few weeks. Even that made me sick...

FOR THE RECORD

Pregnancy is really a connundrum. When I was preggers with Branson, I remember being MISERABLE. And I remember thinking, "I can't ever do this again. I HATE being pregnant." And then 9 months later Branson was born, and that old cliche of, "oh, you'll forget" was so true. Well, now I remember. I thought this pregnancy would be different. I wasn't nauseaus, not throwing up, all that good stuff. I thought it was completely different. With Branson I had an aversion to food right away, this time I'm craving it all day. With Branson I was throwing up for 5 months straight. Last night was my frist actual PukeFest, but other than that I've just been nauseas as all get out. With Branson I didn't show until I was 12 weeks. - I'M ALREADY SHOWING - And this time I have the headaches and the weird dreams to boot. And I'm remember exactly why I hate pregnancy. It's not fun to feel sick all day. It's not fun to just sit on the couch because that's all I can do. I haven't mopped in - too long -, I just don't have the energy. I'm hoping the morning sickness (all day sickness I mean) will not last as long this time. And I'm hoping soon I'll get to the point where I look pregnant, and not just fat. And I hope I can find a little energy to keep up with B.... Lord help me. And this time it's documented. I HATE BEING PREGNANT. It's not fun. I feel terrible.

ANOTHER BUN

With baby number 2 on the way, I'm watching Branson closely every day. He is growing so fast, and doing so many new things. I have fears of not being as good of a mom to him when the baby gets here, and an even bigger fear of not loving the baby as much as I love Branson. Of course I know this is NOT possible, but, it is still a very real fear. Branson is doing so many amazing and cute things. His vocabulary grows everyday. Yesterday he learned where an elbow is and how to say it. And, when is wakes up in the morning he says hi to everyone, "Hi dodo's, (dogs), Hi momma!, Hi dada! Hi mow! (cat)". And he loves to say bye bye and go bye bye. Just the other day, he brought me a DVD and when I told him we weren't going to watch it quite yet, he then grabbed his shoes, sat down on the floor and tried to put them on. I helped him, and the promptly got up, walked to the door and said "bye bye momma!". The kid knows what he wants! He can open the cupboard door and pick out EXACTLY what "nack" he wants to eat. Usually it's "coco's" (cookies). He can ask for his water and milk, and can really give a good lecturing to anything that is a "no no", like the outlets, or the dishwasher, or daddy's vitamin bottle. Oh he is so cute. He runs the entire yard. this kid is an outdoors man for sure. It is a meltdown every time we have to come inside. And when it's time to go "night night", he can either tell you no, or say "night night!" and walk right over to his crib waiting to be put in it. I love him more than anything. He seriously makes my world go around. I wish it would turn slower.

KID FRIENDLY FOOD? UGH.

I hate to admit this, but I'm totally one of those moms that stresses at every single meal that her child isn't eating enough. I read somewhere that Branson should be getting 1300 calories a day. WHAT???????? That is CRAZY. But they also said that you should look at it all spread out over a week. I could bore you with all the studying I've done on this topic but I won't. I will bore you with what I do that seems to be working. Number one, if I sit back and think about it, I'm pretty damn proud of how good of an eater my little man is. An example: yesterday we went to sushi. Of course Branson didn't get any raw fish, but he did eat cabbage salad with walnuts (ok, so he ate mostly the walnuts), edamame, shrimp tempura, veggie tempura, and sticky rice. Pretty darn good for a 17 month old, in my opinion. One of my tricks when cooking at home is to hide veggies. In everything. Eggs, mac n cheese, grilled cheese, quesadilla's, mashed potato's. I also offer veggies in their natural form at least twice a day, so he knows that they will be served and they are expected to be eaten. Usually he just eats around them or feeds them lovingly to the dog. But every once in a while, when he thinks I'm not looking, I'll see him take a bite of broccoli, celery, or something else "healthy". And there are veggies that he loves: cheesy broccoli, sweet potato's, beets, hearts of palm. I also refuse to make more than 1 meal. If he doesn't eat lunch, he's SOL until snack time. And usually the snack is raw veggies with ranch (I'm evil) and maybe some crackers. But hey, if he's hungry he'll eat it! Speaking of ranch, this kid loves anything dipped in ranch or ketchup, including but not limited to asparagus, raw veggies, meatloaf, veggie corn dogs, eggplant meat balls. So I'd say all around I'm pretty lucky. He loves his fruit, tolerates his veggies, and of course he thinks bread and dairy were put here just for him. I think so too.

JUDGEMENT DAY IS EVERYDAY

So here is the thing. I really hate being judged. Of course as human beings I think it's almost natural for us to judge others, some people are better about not doing it than others. I try really hard not to judge, especially those that I don't know. Being judged as a parent is almost as bad as being judged in like, middle school. You know how in middle school you want so badly just to "fit in" with everyone? it's that age where you still are young enough to want to please your parents (and excuse me, but parents I think are very judgemental, and rightfully so), but you also so badly want to please the "cool kids"? Well being a parent of a toddler I'm not at all trying to please anyone, but I feel the same hot-cheek feeling of everyone who has an opinion about what I'm doing as I did in middle school. "he's hungry", "it's too cold", "he shouldn't play with that", "he shouldn't eat this or that or the other", "why isn't he talking more?", "he talks too much", "he isn't using a utensil diligently at every single meal, for every single bite???". You get the gist. So frustrating. I try really hard not to butt into anyone else's parenting style, unless I am asked or if the child is in danger. It is so not my place to judge someone else, especially since I can barely figure out how to be a mommy to my one little monster that hasn't even hit the terrible 2's yet. (or maybe he has, temperament wise, not age wise). You'd be amazed at how many people, most of whom I don't even know, have something to say! Like in the grocery store, the lady that sees him fussing for 2 seconds and says, "oh, he needs a nap!". Please. He doesn't want to be sitting in the lame ass cart anymore lady. Ok. rant over. Thank you and come again.

A LITTLE TIME AWAY MAKES FOR A HAPPY MOMMA

Ryan and I finally went on our first out of town vacation with out Branson. I missed the little guy SO flippin much, but it was so nice to just be a couple again, and not have to worry about being Momma and Dadda. My mom was kind enough to come stay with Branson at our house, where he would be most comfortable. Of course it didn't go of with out a hitch. Right as we were boarding the plane to Sin City, we got a phone call. Branson has smushed a bee, and had been stung. I'm sure any parent would be worried at this point, but since my mom is DEATHLY allergic, my heart dropped into my toes. Thank God, he isn't allergic. And after calling the bee "caca", Momo saved the day and made it all better. On to the vacation. We arrived at Ceasars, we ate glorious food, gambled a little, and got to see my bestest friend in the whole wide world, Chrissy. Chrissy, Chris, Ryan and I dined at Sushi Roku, my most favoritest sushi place ever. That's the one thing I seriously look forward to in Vegas, the food. Serendipity 3 is my new favorite place. They are famous for their Frozen Hot Chocolate, but honestly I could do with out it. I had an amazing mochachino, followed by even more amazing Mac N Cheese, the best chicken sandwich I've ever eaten, and I forgot to mention they brought us frozen cheesecake on a stick because we are "diamond" members. This place has awesome food, so much so that I am inspired to create a Yelp account and give them a bazillion stars. (we ate there twice, it was THAT good). The second best part about Vegas is my ability to sleep. For some stupid reason, I sleep SO MUCH BETTER in hotels than I do at home. I've always been that way. But since I've had a baby, I can assure you I slept like the dead both nights at Caesars palace. I wasn't even bothered by Ryan's restless legs or snoring (sorry babe!). The third best part about Vegas? Coming home to my beautiful baby boy. And he was so happy to see us. A big thank you to Momo for watching over our little compound. Dealing with our animals is a full time job in itself.

On a less positive note, Branson has croup again. It's not as bad this time, but it's lingering. I took him to the Dr. yesterday to have a wart burnt off (caused by eczema, who knew? not me), and he not only has croup but an ear infection as well. Poor baby! So he is on a steroid and an antibiotic. I wish we could have had the steroid shot opposed to the oral liquid. He had his first does last night, and despite being EXHAUSTED, he was up playing until 1 am, and then up again from a coughing fit from 3 am to 5 am. Needless to say I didn't get any sleep. And now it's almost 1 pm, and he is napping his little head off. Of course! Because he probably sleep until like 3 pm and then be totally off his schedule. Wish me luck...

DO IT LOCAL.

Since I grew up in a home where my parents owned a small local business, and now my husband owns a "small" "local" business, I try my hardest to support these people. People who started with nothing, or maybe a little something, and are working their butts off to make a nest for their little family. I know personally, Ryan started literally with nothing. At the time he borrowed a few bucks from his mom, got a business license, and off he went. Thank GOD he has the business brain of a genius. Not many people can say they have done that. I was going to school full time and had 2 jobs, so I chipped in where I could with everyday costs. Now, even though he is still considered a small business (and, pretty much local) he also does business world wide. He has friends on every continent, and people know and LIKE him. And he works hard at that. And, it is rewarding to work hard. We have had the opportunity to help out many friends and family members that have needed it. It makes you feel good to be able to give back. I always say, even if you have just a little to give, you should do it. Because one day that person who has nothing might be you.



When we go out to eat (not to often anymore, now that we have a 16 month old monster on our hands!) we try our very hardest to chose local. And despite what people say, Reno really has some GREAT local places to eat. We order our produce from a wonderful local business called Basketcase Organics. They deliver local produce to their customers on a weekly basis. And get this, it only costs me $22 a week. I can't even walk into Whole Foods for that price. And while I do buy most of Branson's clothes at Baby Gap, we also try really hard to support local company's. Rockaboo, and Scrunch Nose are 2 of our favorites. I'm trying every day to be more conscious of where and what I buy. Sundance book store? YES PLEASE! Eclipse Pizza? Supper yes! Squeeze In? Duh, we could live there. We always donate to the Local SPCA and Humane Society, and local schools as well. This last year we did the Angel Tree through a friend at Christmas time. We were able to donate Walmart gift cards of a substantial amount to 2 local girls who have nothing. I've never felt better doing anything in my life.



Of course we all have our vices. I can't help but buy my coffee at Starbucks. I just love the taste of the stuff. I've tried all the nearby local places, and I just don't like them. So, I spend a few bucks a week on my lattes and Via's. But, I almost always see this young kid (maybe 18?) sitting outside in the cold, and it's clear that he might very well be homeless. I always buy him a latte or hot chocolate, and sometimes a bite to eat. You have to give back when you can. And if I can afford an extra $5 added onto my starbucks order, I'll do it.



Bottom line, we are blessed. We live within our means, but if we have a little extra we don't mind sharing with our local friends and family, and those in need. Branson has everything, so I can't wait to teach him about giving back. Starting Local is the best way to do it.

I know I don't have a bazillion followers, but I'm going to give a list of some of our favorite local joints below. Visit them if and when you are in Reno, these places ROCK. And they have earned or are trying to earn their way in this community, and this economy.

Resaurants:
www.squeezein.com (the BEST breakfast anywhere. On the planet)
http://silverpeakbrewery.com/ (great for beer and a little bit nicer pub food)
http://sezmurestaurant.com/(a really great upscale dinner joint)
http://www.renogrill.com/ (a nice in between restraunt)

Baby stuff:
http://www.wix.com/scrunchnose/web
http://www.rockabyereno.com/

Other:
http://basketcaseorganics.com/index.html (local produce delivered to your home. A. Mazing)

FOOD. I LOVE IT.

Sometimes I really want to write in my blog, but don't have much to write about. Then it hit me: FOOD. Duh. I love food. Perhaps a little too much? I consider myself a foodie in the simple fact that I really, really, love the stuff. So here goes!

Last night Ryan made me dinner. And not only did he make me dinner but he cleaned up the kitchen after as well. Normally I would think this is super super sweet, but if you have ever seen a kitchen after Ryan cooks, it's literally like bombs over Baghdad. I mean every dish, every appliance, every condiment, everything you could get out and dirtied is out and dirtied. So it was more than super sweet. The poor guy got home about 5:30, started cooking and when all was said and done it was after midnight. But the meal was. A. MAZING. As follows:

Appetizer: caprese salad and stuffed mushrooms

Main Course: Pork chops (he makes the best, I promise), asparagus with Hollandaise sauce, blue cheese twice stuffed potato's, and garlic pesto bread.

Dessert: donuts or German chocolate cake. Buuuut neither of us had any room :)

Ryan is an amazing cook. It is one of the many ways he won my heart. I know he loves to cook, and even when he thinks he has overdone something or ruined it, the meal is spectacular.

Thanks babe :)

ONE STOP SHOP? NOT.

How come there isn't one store that has all my weekly needs? I mean, I have to go to at least 2 different stores every week to get everything I need. Usually it's Walmart and Whole Foods. Because walmart doesn't have organic produce. Or good meat. But, Whole Foods doesn't have everything else! And Whole Foods is ridiculously expensive! And sometimes I have to go to Trader Joe's or Raley's too! Have you ever tried to go to more than one grocery store with a 15 month old? not the worlds easiest task. And, what is it with Walmart not carrying normal things? Like Panko Bread Crumbs. Or my favorite brand of hand lotion. Oh and note to self, Scolari's is a waste of time. They don't have anything.

that is all. That is my rant for the week. Thank you for coming.

UP!

Well, Ryan made it home safe. He and Branson have had a hard time separating since, it's pretty cute. I couldn't imagine having to leave our little angel for more than a day. Or 2. Ok MAYBE 3 but that's pushing it.

Now that I officially have a toddler, I also officially have no time. Like getting house work done? Forget it. If I vacuum, I end up sucking up little toes or fingers trying to help. If I do dishes, He climbs in the dishwasher. Same with laundry. Scrubbing toilets...do I really need to paint the picture for you? Branson is so active. He always has been, but since he was a late walker this is pretty new to me. Ryan was always trying to rush him walking, but I wasn't. I think I was semi aware of what was to come. While it is wonderful and amazing and cute and all sorts great, it's also so. darn. tiring. I spend my day putting him "up" in his big boy chair at the table, only for him to climb right down and demand to be put back up again. Or I have to watch him right by his side because climbing on the couch is great fun! buuuuuut falling off head first into our slate floors is not. The other part of my time is spent climbing over the dog gate to retrieve toys (or food, shoes, clothes, remotes, phones etc) that Branson so lovingly shares with our furry friends. And, as you can see from the picture below, the piano is a great display for his toys! Except somehow he can get them up there, but can't get them down. So mommy does. Ah. I'm kinda tired just thinking about it! Of course there are the fun times too. Like playing outside. Watching him walk around our entire property is pretty awesome. Until we have to come in because his little fingers are blue and on the verge of frost bite. Then there might be a meltdown.

Today also marked our first pediatric dentist appointment. Two words: NOT. FUN. he screamed the whole time. I wasn't going to even make an appointment until he was 18 months, but the poor guy chipped his tooth. Sad! His gorgeous, straight, white, amazing teeth! Very, very sad day for mommy. "But it is just a baby tooth." And "it gives him character." And "you can barely tell. Kinda." None of which make me feel better. Anyhow. He checked out fine at the dentist, a little florid for Branson and xanax for mom. Kidding!

BABY FEVER

I have baby fever. Pretty bad. It's so amazing to watch my child grow everyday, and I can't wait to keep experiencing it with him, and experience it again with other kids. Today we had dinner at the "big boy table" (a little Fisher Price table that has been around for 15 years). It's pretty awesome to watch Branson grow into a young man. He sat quietly, eating his bowl of Mac N Cheese (which I of course snuck in tomato's, spinach and butternut squash), drinking his water and talking about Elmo (I think). So yes, I want more. Soon. They are so amazing! And I love watching him interact with his grandparents and Great Grandparents. He loves saying "Momo, Nana and Poppa". And the best part is he knows each and every person individually.

Sadly this week he is missing Ryan. Ryan is away on business for 10 days, and the first few days were really on hard on Branson. He would point at the garage door or bedroom door and yell, "dada?! dada?!", and in the mornings he would cry, saying dada over and over trying to crawl to Ryan's side of the bed. It really breaks my heart. We have been able to see Ryan everyday on Skype, but I'm not sure Branson gets it just yet. He sees dada, but then because of the bad Internet connection in Timbuktu (aka Bolivia), the video freezes and then it just looks like a picture. I cannot WAIT to pick Ryan up from the airport, and for him and Branson to be reunited. And it will feel so gooooood!

IT'S OFFICIAL.

I was right. 27 is old. I'm legally blind. Says the Eye Dr. Apparently it's more common than one would think. (Is that supposed to make me feel better?). And not only that, but whatever idiot told me I could start wearing contacts at the age of 12, is just that; and idiot. My eyes now have imprints and there will come a time not to far away that they will actually REJECT contacts. Ugh. Oh, and I have to have plugs put into my tear ducts due to my severe dry eye. All of this on top of having my eyes dilated, poked, and prodded. I got home last night with a terrible headache and unable to see. And today I still have a headache. I'm also wearing a pair of glasses that is about 3 years old (and a bazillion prescriptions too weak) since I can't wear contacts. *sigh* I'm having a pity party today.

I'M FROM PLUTO

It's never been my intention to have this blog in order to vent. But, sometimes you need to vent. Especially us girls. We need to vent, a lot. It has something to do with us being from Pluto and men are from Earth or something. But, I also could never allow myself to write something so public that would negatively affect someone so directly. Therefore, I can not properly vent. So I will just say, that I think it's BS that even as adults the drama doesn't end. In fact it only gets worse. There should be a class in high school that teaches you all about this. Like how to deal with it without turning into a 2 year old brat throwing a temper tantrum because someone hurt your feeling. Well, my feeling has been hurt. But I'm not the only person in the world with this problem, So I'm trying to mentally push passed it. Trying to focus on what matters. Like me being a mommy and a wife. I love my husband and my baby and it's important for me to not let other people effect me to the point of questioning myself. After all, I cannot control other peoples perceptions of me, but only my reaction and presentation. That is so much easier said than done.

On a good note, Branson is finally walking. Holy cow I thought this day would never come! He has had the ability and skills to walk for months now, but has finally decided that maybe he will actually do it once in a while! In the last 2 days he has gone from refusing to take 1 step, to walking everywhere (within 15 steps or so). I know what comes next and I'm fearing it....running. Dear Lord grant me the ability to keep up with the adorable monster on wheels!

Branson has also decided Elmo is the greatest thing ever. Anything furry and red is "ELMO!!!!!" and my mom whom we call "momo" has lovingly become "Melmo". Cuteness!

JUST A QUICK NOTE

Well Christmas break is officially over. And I'm totally ready for it be. I'm ready to get down and dirty and clean my house. Except it's not that easy with a toddler chasing me, the vaccum/swiffer/mop/dog/cat around all day. So maybe by this time next month I will have the floors mopped...