one year ago today...

True story about one year ago today, I went to see my favorite doctor.  It was my 37 week appointment.  I was scheduled to deliver a baby, via C-Section in roughly 3 weeks.  I was super excited to see my doc, and was quite positive she was about to admit me to the hospital immediately, and deliver the baby.  I was so ready, and I was certain she would have some big numbers for me.

Nope.  Nothing.  Like not even a fraction of a one.  Doctor Regan informed me that all was good, but I was not showing any signs of having a baby any time soon.  She told me she would see me at next week's appointment, but it looked like this baby, unlike the brother, was patient. 

I was devastated.  I cried on my way to the car - cried like people stopped and asked me if I needed help.  "No thank you," I responded with tears pouring down my cheeks, "we are all good."  I called AP and cried.  I called my sister and cried.  I called my mom and cried.  I emailed Renae & T and cried.  I texted Shelly and cried.  I could not believe I had it so incredibly wrong, anymore than I could believe that I had to be pregnant for three more weeks!

Then, I realized the crying was not helping, and quite frankly I was about out of tears.  I sat on the couch and I recited my petition.  "Dear God, Mother Nature and the Universe - this is my formal request.   I need my baby's birthday to be tomorrow.  Thank you."

Bob

We recently completed our first round of swimming lessons.  This has been a topic of discussion in our house for months.  AP was not sure if Bennett actually needed to attend swimming lessons with his access to lakes, rivers, and my history of lifeguarding (if you can call working at the Warren Community Swimming Pool from 1994-1998 "lifeguarding"...).  However, when Shannon called and asked if we would be interested in taking lessons with JAYDA!! discussion was over.

Enter BOB.  On the first day of swim lessons, Bennett told me all about his instructor named, "Bob".  He then proceeded to tell me about how he put his whole body under water.  Being a certified lifeguard, I know this is also known as a "bob".  What a coincidence, right?!  I was pretty certain the instructor was NOT named "Bob", and that Bennett was mistaken.  I was more certain of this error when Bennett was practicing his back float, and "Bob" told Bennett to stick his tummy up in the air, and Bennett proceeded to stick his tongue up in the air...

A month later, Bennett and Jayda successfully completed their PIKE course.

Look closely...  Instructor:  Bob Simonson

What's a burning barrel, Mommy?

I should probably officially blog about Easter 2011 prior to the Fourth of July 2011...

Easter 2011 was a pretty great holiday.  In addition to having the best looking kids at church,

and spending some quality time with family,

there was, of course, the Bunny and baskets...

but, the best part of the weekend was the GATOR.

The GATOR was not the best part of the weekend because it is an incredibly cool toy, nor because it came in an incredibly big box.  It was the best part of the weekend because I was able to experience my childhood through the eyes of one little boy with a big imagination.  On that GATOR, Bennett, Grampy and I walked the land.  We raced to the burning barrel, threw rocks in the big ditch, and checked out the ridge.  On that GATOR we looked in culverts, and ran around the grain bins.  We explored the well house, and the quonsets.  That GATOR traveled many years on it's maiden voyage.

The Belt

Weekly, Bennett attends karate lessons. This was his idea, and I must admit, it was a great one.  Not only does karate teach fine motor skills, coordination, respect and responsibility - it allows AP and I to see our son in a classroom setting.  Much to our delight - and relief - Bennett is a pretty good kid.  (Sometimes, there is a really naughty boy there, and those weeks Bennett looks like a REALLY good kid.)  Recently, Bennett passed the yellow belt, and was honored with a green belt.  It was a big day in our world.

Where's my lightsaber?

 Grammy came to visit, and a visit from Grammy usually means a whole lot of fun.  This particular trip included a stop at the local Build a Bear.  It only took a minute to pick the actual bear.  STAR WARS! for Bennett and a kitty for Harps.

 A heart was placed in each bear.  Bennett rubbed the heart on his arm (to make it strong), and blew hot air on it (to make it warm) and tucked it safely in each bear.

The animal selection was an easy process, however, as Grammy and Bennett began selecting accessories... We could have been there all day!

Izzo and BizzA

Latest photo shoot with T...  She always makes Izzo and Bizz A look like the cutest kids in America.

Saturday, we braved the mix of rain, snow, sleet, ice, and flood water to celebrate year four of our favorite "cousin" Izzy.

 

We arrived at the Cariveau residence, and the chaos began, and only increased when we arrived at the waterpark.  We took over that place; we slid and ran and swam.  Two babies, and three crazy toddlers are a lot of work -  the lifeguard only had to rescue one (mine, of course).  We played hard, and crashed hard.  Thank goodness for chicken nuggets and babysitters.

Despite the weather conditions,  the lack of AP, the major sugar high/tired kid meltdown, and the need of a lifeguard rescue, it was worth every single minute - 

 for this.