Raising the white flag

It's down to hours before my Mom comes and the house isn't as organized and put together as I hoped. I warned Ashley about the messy house as she was bringing Little Brian home. She's like " Becky this is not messy" She only saw the living room. She didn't see the catch all piles in the computer room, toys across the floor in Little Brian's room, and stuff piled high leaving a little path to the bed and bathroom in our Bedroom.

I've seen before and after pictures on a fellow preggers blog that was going thru the same thing that I am. It was pretty motivating but I couldn't bring myself to take pictures.

I had so many hopes for a clean house for when Mom got here but it looks like that's not going to happen. I'm outta breath and feel like I'm going to pass out after only feeding the dogs and carrying a load of clean laundry in. Granted that they are towels and a few heavy sweatshirts but still. So I'm retreating to find comfort in blogging and throwing in the towel. (It's clean I just washed it) My Mom knows me and loves me and will be here to save the day. I hope that Brian's not embarrassed about my Mom cleaning. I can see him telling me that Mom's not here to help clean but to watch Brian and see the baby. But then again I could be totally wrong and he'll not say anything.

My goal for the day is to at least clean the guest sheets and comforter (its smells like dog) but I have to wait for Brian to wake up and remove the old computer monitor off of it. oh yeah. we got a new monitor. I'll post a picture once the rest of the computer desk looks decent. One of Brian's computer buddies got a bigger one and didn't want his old one which is in perfectly good condition. Score.

I'm off to go fold laundry and dust then empty and fill the dishwasher. Meanwhile all the piles of clutter will be starring me down. I feel like those things listed above don't count cuz they are everyday repetitive things and I'll still have doors that I can keep closed to keep Little Brian out of. Eventually I'll have to face the clutter cuz he'll soon be able to open doors and drawers. Luckily I wont be facing it alone cuz Mom will be here till the 29th. I'm hoping that it'll look like the HGTV show called Neat in the end. My Mom, my Hero.

Good friends, good movies, good Irish grub

I realize that with Baby Taz (that's what I call him cuz if he's the complete opposite of Little Brian aka Tooters and if he's anything like his Dad growing up then the name is very fitting) we are coming down to the wire, in the home stretch, and my social life will be put on hold for awhile. Sunday night we got together with the Murrays for dinner and games. They made a Cafe Rio Salad that was amazing. Rice, grilled seasoned chicken, black beans, lettuce, and cheese. The best part was the homemade dressing and tortillas. We were in charge of dessert and unfortunately it didn't work out. The cherry cobbler burned and the homemade icecream didn't set except for the top layer. I was so disappointed but I had brought other icecream toppings just in case and we enjoyed our milkshakes. The Murrays are such good friends and we still had a great time.

Little Brian spent a few hours with the Copas girls so Brian and I could go to a 2:00 showing of Eagle Eye. It's a thriller action movie and we both really liked it. It was hard to watch the nice expensive cars get mangled to pieces and blown up. After that we ran over to try out an Irish Pub restaurant that Brian heard was really good. We liked it. We ordered the appetizer Pot of Gold (loaded potatoes) I got the Dubliner (philly cheesesteak sandwich) and Brian got the Ruben(cornbeef sandwich) With the pregnancy I find myself eating things that I would never eat and actually liked the corn beef. Going to a movie while everyone else is working and at school is the best way to go. There were only a handful of people in the theater and they had a wee little baby. Not sure if I would bring our baby cuz of the noise however if he was in the sleep for hours on end stage and his ears were protected from the noise. Then maybe.

I'll close this post with a question....

When do you think that Baby Taz will make his appearance?
He's scheduled for the 8th.
Little Brian came 3 days early.
I don't see him coming after the 8th.

Grandma Mitchell says the 3rd
Come on, let me hear your predictions. What and when do ya think?

Ice water tug a war

All I wanted to do was talk on the phone and drink my ice water. Little Brian had other plans for me. He had his own cup of water but I guess mine looked more appealing. The full glass had by this time had some condensation on it making it rather slippery. He tugged and then yanked the full glass outta my hand and upside down in my lap. The white stuff on our hideous pink carpet is crushed ice. My phone conversation with Kristy was temporarily put on hold. Thankfully she understands and it's just water. It could've been a whole lot worse and Mom just had a freezing wet lap. Little Brian tried to help clean up by eating the crushed ice while Mom went to get a towel.

Meanwhile Big Brian is sleeping but later we'll go out looking at double strollers and window shopping. I don't know if I know what I'm getting myself into when going to the mall on a Saturday. That just might be asking for trouble. The walking will do me good.

Cute little guy

This is just something that Little Brian does. He reaches out with his finger and we'll touch finger to finger. He giggles and laughs everytime.

I knew that she was up to something.

How sweet is this...

Unbelievable

How lucky are we??

She did it again.

Something so thoughtful and fun for us.

I wanna brag about my Sister in Law for a moment. She is one of the most loving, caring compassionate people I know. She and her wonderful hubby Jim have been trying for their own little one for quite a while now and have been thrown a hurdle or two their way. No matter how much they struggled they've always been extremely supportive to Brian and I. She has such a deep love for her family and is always putting us first. I know that it's gotta be difficult sometimes to want something so bad and be told that you have to wait. She is such an amazing woman and I can't wait for the day when I get a phone call saying they have a baby on the way. In their case it might be babies but we'll see.

Yesterday we got a huge surprise in the mail. She put together a shower by mail. So Clever!. She and my Cousin Stephanie both pitched in so we could splurge on a .... get this... a deluxe Sit and Stand stroller. Boo-yah. I'm totally touched that they'd do this for us. Lara has been busy researching looking up the best models on several websites, testing, comparing, and emailing, calling different stores. For the past few months she has put a ton of thought and energy into this. We are so excited and so grateful. Thank you Lara, Uncle Jim, and Stephanie!!. We'll totally be thinking of you guys when we are out on our walks and cruising the malls.

awe I'm totally feelin the love.

I'm still trying to get over the generosity, love and support that Baby Mitchell and I have received tonight. The very sweet Ashly and Sara hosted us a baby shower and I couldn't believe the out pour of love You can't get a general idea of how many ladies came because they were behind the camera but it was such a fun evening visiting and munching on delicious treats. I know several ladies wanted to come but due to illness and other commitments were not able to make it. It was just fun evening all around. Pictures include...

- the Noah's Ark cake that Ashley's girls help make. It was strawberry - my favorite.

-Sara's girls picked out and decorated the gift box. It was a big box with 2 outfits from Target inside (which the girls also picked out) Thanks Girls I love it!!

-It's been 2 weeks since my last picture with Amber and her baby girl (due 3 days before me) We probably shouldn't have stood in front of a dark couch.

-Opening gifts with the help of Jen who kept the flow of the gifts going. She is due with baby #7 in February. She's my Hero. She home schools and does it all. The last quilt she sewed was for Little Brian. I told her that if she suddenly gets the quilting bug I put Baby #2 name on the list.

- The party coming to a close and Sara and Ashly both in yellow shirts made it all possible. Thanks guys. I loved it and love you.

- Like I said before the ladies were sooo-o extremely generous. We received long sleeved items, washcloths, photo albums, diapers, wipes, etc. The seasons were the opposite when Little Brian was born so I'm grateful and it will all come in handy. I'm thrilled that we got washcloths cuz we needed those.

Feet? Before the baby shower I went and had a pedicure done. Big Brian watched Little Brian. It was wonderful. I was thinking of treating my Mom when she flys in but she has ticklish feet so that wouldn't work. So far every time I've gotten pregnant I've gotten a pedicure. I was thinking that if I had a job then I make it more of a every couple of weeks thing. Nah- I'd much rather be a stay at home mommy.

I wish that I had my camera at the time cuz it was pretty hilarious when they had to bring out an actual sander tool. My poor feetsies needed it bad and I should come up with more reasons to spoil myself.

Fall is here

I can tell that Fall is here cuz this morning Brian pulled out a blanket. All summer long we have sheets only on the bed with the ceiling fan going. We still have the ceiling fans going but now it's a few more layers on the bed. We love it. Hooray for Fall. I'm ready for Brian to bring down the Halloween decor so I can get started. I heard that my Sister in Law already started her Halloween stuff. I better get crackin.

Preggers pic and LB's 15 months!

Mom's update: It's taken me forever to take and post a belly picture. I quickly change out of cute clothes and into comfy not-so-cute clothes asap. Brian's shirts are the most comfortable. I do the laundry so he never worries about running outta something to wear.

I'm loving that the weather is cooling off.

It seems like I'm huffing and puffing around the house. Big Brian has been a huge support cuz running after a 15 month old isn't easy. As you can see in the picture above he's definitely on the move. I've been getting the rest that I need/want thanks to Lil Brian's 2 naps a day. Although it's really messed up my nighttime sleep schedule. I sleep for long hours during the day and wide awake at night. You would think that this is a great opportunity to get some things done around the house right? some how my To Do list isn't shrinking. My only hope is when my Mom comes out to get rid of all the stuff. Although I don't think that I can part with church, scrap booking, craft, school, stuff. Maybe I can downsize. This could be a whole other post.

My Dr's appointment went well this morning. He says that I'm measuring perfectly. Everything sounds and looks good.

Brian has been the best husband and Daddy. He's pretty much taken over the dinner prep over the past couple of weeks. I just tell him what to make and I do the clean up afterwards. We've had more than our share of take out. Brian teases me and says that he's looking forward to some of Grandma A's cooking so he can get a good home cooked meal.

Little Brian update: He turned 15 months today. We go to his well Dr's appointment on Monday.

These pictures were taken tonight right before bed time.

He shares his Mom's love of crushed ice.

He loves getting down and crawling all over the dogs.

His favorite clothing/accessory: USC hat. He'll bring it to you to have you put it on him.

Favorite foods: fruit and carb type meals.. sandwiches, bagels, etc just like his Mom.

Not his favorite foods: craisins, veggies, he's pretty burned out on cheerios.

He enjoys people watching. We went to the park yesterday and he'd rather watch people than eat.

He's very curious about everything and loves to explore. Lately it's been cords. He'll follow them, unplug from the wall, and wrap them around like a shawl. Cords to the alarm clocks, radio, etc. He likes to keep Mom on her toes.

He's just a joy to watch. He's so smart and I'm sure that he'll be an awesome big brother.

Thanks

I just wanted to say thanks for the all the very thoughtful comments and well wishes. I'm grateful and blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.
I'm thrilled to report that we are happy and healthy here in the Mitchell home.

No sign of the Braxton Hicks since they attached the IV at the hospital. No complaints here. Just an itchy belly. I'll post pictures of it (covered) later. Stretch marks aren't attractive.


I'm giving Obiwan a new brand of dog food hoping that it'll relieve some of his allergies symptoms. He's just so itchy. It's more expensive but if it works we'll try it.

A few days ago Little Brian had a surprise for me after his morning nap. I walked in to see a bare baby's bum and his sheets soaking wet. In a hour and a half he discovered how to take off his diaper. It's been pants or shorts on from then on.

I came across a quote today...

"Pregnancy is the happiest reason for ever feeling like crap" - Author Unknown

So true.

I don't have a weekend wrap up cuz we didn't really do anything. Hopefully this up and coming weekend will be more productive in getting the house ready (cleaned/organized) for Baby. I know we don't have very many of those weekends left. It's time to whip up a Honey Do List and I have a list of things that I'd love my Mom to help me sew when she gets here on the 1st.

Braxton Hicks

Over the past day or two I've discovered that stomach bug equals dehydration equals braxton hicks. Braxton Hicks is awful. I've never had Braxton Hicks before with Little Brian.

Thursday late afternoon I felt lousy so I asked Big Brian to take care of Little Brian for me so I could sleep off what ever it was that was bothering me. As time went on I only felt worse and got B to give me a blessing. I haven't felt that sick in a long time and I didn't know what my body was trying to tell me at first cuz contractions started. I knew that it was going to be a miserable night if Brian left for work.

To make a long story short. I couldn't get hydrated cuz my body rejected everything so we went to the ER. The wonderful Murrays took care of Little Brian overnight. It wasn't long before I am in a hospital gown with an IV in me which made my night cuz it stopped the contractions. We listened to the baby's heart rate all night long. I could never get tired of listening to it. They kept me over night and poor Brian tried to sleep in the uncomfortable hospital chairs. He forgot his PSP game at home so he had nothing to entertain himself with. He must've asked if I needed something like 50 times. He was wonderful.

Our good friend and nurse Karen Brazzelle stopped in and gave me the low down on why the contractions started. They gave me Phen a something for the nausea which makes you really drowsy. Little Brian stayed with the Murrays until 4:30 the next day so we could get some sleep. I'm sure that Little Brian was disappointed to leave his buddies. Mom was useless to play with and Dad was taking care of dinner and Mom. LB gives the dogs lots of attention whether they like it or not.

Brian says that the guys at work were surprised to see him on a Friday night after taking Thursday off. This experience reaffirms my testimony on how miraculous and precious our bodies are. I'm feeling a lot better and we are just taking it easy this weekend.

Baby Blessings and Baby Showers

Sunday we were able to drive over to Enterprise to attend Caleb's baby blessing. That was a treat. The Rasmussen family had a sweet spirit about them. It was fun to visit with them for awhile afterwards. Kate (not pictured) was in Nursery at the time. I'm grateful that we have the sacred priesthood keys restored on earth so we can witness these special blessings in our lives.

Tonight Big Brian watched Little Brian so I could attend Amber's Baby shower. She's having a girl and is due a short 3 days before me. Amber is a trooper and working right up until her due date. She is a teacher and I don't know how she does it. We are both at the unable to sleep/ sleep deprivation stage but I get to take naps while Little Brian naps. She is a good sport for sticking with it. I'm always good for a night out with the ladies. It was fun.

Happy Grandparents Day!!

To Grandma and Grandpa Anderson & Grandma and Grandpa Mitchell

Happy Grandparents Day!!

My smile can't help but grow when I have such wonderful Grandparents who love me so.

Little Brian would call but he's already in bed. We love you and appreciate all you do.

who's driving who?

I stopped by Ashley's house to drop some stuff off and we visited awhile. Brian fell in love with this car. He didn't hesitate to jump in and start turning the wheel. Normandy (seated in Brian's lap) is also quite attached to the car and wasn't about to let him go for a joy ride. She climbed in and tried to push him out. Not pictured was the 2nd attempt to take over the car when Brian saw Normandy coming and he dove out the window of the car. So cute. According to the girls Normandy kissed Brian but I didn't catch it or I would have gotten it caught on camera. Ashley is a sweetheart and is planning the babyshower for Baby Mitchell in September. I'm excited to see what surprises she has in store.

Brian's First Carousel Ride

We finally introduced Brian to the carousel at the mall. Let's just say it wasn't his cup of tea. He wasn't impressed.

We gave him his binky to see if that would help.
Dad Can I get off now?
Okay

We'll try again later.

weekend wrap up

Our weekend started on Friday since Brian had Friday off. I don't think that we did anything exciting cuz it's all a blur so I'll move onto Saturday.

Saturday we went to a One year old's Birthday party. It was Brian's work partner Eric's little girl. It was great to finally meet the man that worked with Brian 5 days a week. Brian says that he feels like he spends more time with Eric than me so they know each other real well.

I tried to get a picture with the Brian's but Little Brian was more interested in watching the Birthday girl.

I accidentally deleted the wrong picture of Little Brian climbing up the rock wall. He played with the balls and didn't care so much for climbing on the animals.

He loved his cupcake.

Sunday the Murray Family came over for dinner and games. Brian did ribs and corn. It was good stuff. It was a good weekend.