Is it April in Texas, or January in Ohio??

I remember years ago having a snow day on mom's birthday - April 6th - in Ohio, and even that was a little rare. However, snow in Texas, in April? Not heard of. Snow in January in Texas isn't even a usual occurrence! Today we left Marc's parents' house in Bryan, TX, where it was 41 degrees and sleeting/raining. As we drove the 2 hours home to Killeen, the temp kept dropping and the rain gradually turned to snow. By the time we reached Killeen, it was 33 degrees and snowing - hard! It was big, wet snow. So, as soon as we got home, we all changed and went out to play! I was pretty surprised that noone else was out playing in the snow too. It reminded me of Ohio winters... not Texas springs! Just Tuesday it was almost 90, and I got a slight sunburn. I wanted to capture the bluebonnets covered in snow, but don't have any right by the house. Here are some photos from our little blizzard. Not the best photos - hard to capture good shots when the snow is huge and your 3 year old won't stand still since he's rarely gotten to play in snow! I love Marc's expression in the photo of him laughing, so had to add that one. And yes, we put our one month old baby in the snow. I promise she was wrapped well and only out there for a minute! We had to have a photo of her in her first snow. The only problem with playing in the snow for us is that we have no gloves, so our poor hands were very red and freezing!

Mia, 3 weeks

Happy Friday!

This week is finally over thankfully! It's been a long week. Luke woke up late Sunday night and was so hot - a fever over 102. So he was up most of the night, Mia was up most of the night fussy, so that meant I was up ALL night! At one point Sunday night both kids were just screaming, and Marc just looked at me and said "We have two kids now!" At that point, I was about to start screaming! Luke stayed home with me Monday but seemed to get better. Then Monday night at the exact time he got a fever Sunday night, he had the same high fever. So we went in to the doctor Tuesday and he had Strep. He was home Monday-Wednesday and I had to keep him and Mia apart as much as possible. Wednesday Mia went for her 2 week appointment. She's very healthy, weighs 8lb 12.5 oz and is 21" long. She's in the 90th %ile, so she's a big girl, but the doctor thinks it's because she was a week late, so she's not THAT big! Now that Luke's healthy and Mia's sleeping a little better, I have been able to get a few things done the past two days.

Tomorrow Luke and I are going to see "Meet the Robinson's" just to give us some time together. Then we'll just get ready for Amy, Jacob, and Jenna's visit next week.

I have some cute photos to post, but I'm way too tired to battle that now, so I'll get to it this weekend. I think I put comments on everyone's blogs that I just ran some updates on my computer, and realized that everyone has been blogging this week, but my computer wasn't showing me the latest, so sorry for being silent all week on your blogs... but I didn't know you had written anything new!

Favorite moment

I forgot to post my favorite photos when I added more the other day. This was taken on one of Mia's first days home. Luke was asleep in his bed, and I laid Mia next to him, so they both were really asleep at this time. I love how protective Luke looks of her, even while sleeping!

More Mia!

Ok, by popular demand, here's more Mia (and Luke) photos! She's had a busy week... I've exposed her to some of the finer things in life, like IHOP (ok, so maybe IHOP isn't one of the finer things in life, but it's good!), outlet mall shopping, and Starbucks. She seems to be enjoying life. And I want to take a minute to give a shout out to Aunt Barb, who gets the "coolest person around" award for the week. Thanks for the gifts for the kids - and you did so good with Luke's gift - Curious George UNO! He thinks it's the greatest thing, and I appreciate when you all think of him now too, not just Mia. As for Mia's new tricks, she can pick up her head, and flip it from side to side, and sucks on her fist. Yesterday morning she had somehow moved her whole upper body off of her wedge that she sleeps on, and then after I put her back, she was on her side a few seconds later. She's way too little to be moving that much!

The first photo is Mia today, in her new bunny outfit from Jenn. The next one was Thursday, when she was hanging onto her paci. The one where she's with mom was too cute - she layed with her mouth open like that for so long, I had to get a photo! Then there's Mia with grandma and grandpa, and then finally Luke feeding Mia (notice her bib?). I must say, I have two good looking kids! :)

Life with two kids

I am not about to battle the photo issue right now (it's not been working right at all!), but I'll put more photos of Mia and Luke on later when I have some patience. I did want to update everyone on how things are going now that we've been home for a while. Mia is doing well. The past 2 days she's been very fussy, and last night she didn't want to sleep. But once she fell asleep at midnight, I had to wake her after 5 hours to eat! She wants to be held alot, and that's just something that is okay by me right now. It's hard to resist holding her at this little age. She's so squishy - she still is all balled up and rarely stretches her legs out. She reminds us so much of Luke and looks more like him each day to me. She is way more alert than Luke was at this point. Luke would eat then go right back to sleep - a perfect little baby. Mia is awake and looking around a lot during the day and even at night.

Luke is being a great big brother. He tells me several times a day still "I'm glad the baby's out now" and "She's so cute!" and "I love the baby." He is good at squishing her head with his face while giving her love too!

I'm doing good, and enjoying seeing my kids across the street out at recess but not having to be there with them! I've had very little time away from these kids this year, and it's so nice to get this long break. I had decided to go back to work after 6 weeks, but then yesterday I found out Luke's daycare doesn't have a spot for Mia. I was not happy with them, because I'd been told it wouldn't be a problem, and they weren't very nice about it. But things are falling into place today. I called a lady whose daughter I taught 3 years ago and who lives 2 streets away and has an in-home daycare, and it turns out she'll have room for Mia at the end of April and then in May if I want to send her. I can't believe how that worked out. I think I'll take off all of April then just go back for May. How hard is May for an elementary teacher anyhow, besides all the end of year paperwork? Who really teaches at that point in the year still? (Be honest teachers...) So now I just decide if I even want to go back!

And one more thing to say before I end... I had a moment of triumph today as a post-pregnant mom. I am wearing all REAL clothes - nothing maternity, and not even pants with elastic! I actually zipped and snapped a pair of real jeans today, and they aren't a ridiculously large size either! I felt so normal, and so not pregnant. What a good feeling.

First Photo

Mia was supposed to get her first baby photo taken at the hospital on Monday, but her clothes hadn't arrived yet, so we opted to wait until Wednesday, when we had to bring her back for a follow-up appointment, to have her first photo taken. You can go to the website and see her first "official" baby photo.
www.growingfamily.com/webnursery/default.asp
Her birthday is March 11, and the password is "Minatrea".

Last ones... for now!

There will be more added daily I'm sure, but here are the last of the photos that I want to share now! Luke has been so good with Mia - he keeps saying how cute she is! These are all from today - Tuesday. In the second one she's wearing her bear slippers from my friend Jenn - they were Mia's first baby gift!

Still more...

Here are some more photos - Mia in her first outfit, coming home from the hospital (Luke gave her the giraffe that keeps appearing in photos), meeting Molly, and napping with big brother.

More Photos!

Photos!

Technical Difficulties

My computer and camera system decided for the first time ever to have some serious problems and not let me get to my photos on the computer. Nice timing, huh? I have so many great photos I want to share, so don't think I'm just slacking and not getting them on my blog! I'm about to try the laptop and see if I can make it work there, so keep checking back for those photos I promised! Mia just keeps getting cuter in each photo too!

Mia Isabella

We just got home, so this will be short. I've slept about 6 hours since Friday night, so it's time to rest! But here are the basics... Photos will follow later today. Mia Isabella was born at 9:39 AM Sunday, March 11. She weighs 8 lbs and is 20 and a half inches long. She has some hair, and blue grey eyes. She's very pink and I think very perfect! She is also very quiet - barely cried so far, so I'm hoping she'll be as great as Luke was as a baby. I'm also doing very well. I'm a big fan of the 8 hour natural labor, versus 20+ hours of induced labor! Check back later tonight for lots of photos.

This Just In...

The TAKS scores came in yesterday for our students, and in third grade, we had 93% of our kids pass the test the first time, and 41% got commended, which means out of 36 questions, they missed 2 or less! I only had 2 not pass, and I knew they wouldn't - both have already been retained a grade and one came to me just 2 weeks before the test. And just to brag on my grade level a bit, the fifth grade students also have to take the test, and they only had 78% passing the first time, and 25% commended. Yay for us!

In baby news, Marc and I went to my appointment today, and the doctor once again pointed out that our family has stubborn cervixes, because nothing is happening. Unless a miracle happens the next few days, we will go in Sunday night at 10:00 to get induced, so we're looking at a March 12 birthday.

And yes, I'm still at work. Notice I said that "I'm at work", not "I'm still working." I'm here, but am questioning how much I'm actually working! :) Hey, it's the week before spring break, so even those not pregnant aren't doing that much work right now!

Just waiting...

That about sums up my life right now. Just waiting... I should say waiting, while very tired! I'm trying to use up time as much as possible. Last week I had an appointment and the doctor said this baby doesn't look like it wants to come out, and there's no more room in my belly. Cool. I'm still working, although each day gets a little longer and harder to make it through. Luckily, our big TAKS time is over with so teaching is more relaxed and fun these weeks anyhow. I'm not sure if I'm going this week still or not. I will probably go tomorrow, so I don't sit around all day thinking about how it's my due date and yes, I'm still pregnant. After that, who knows. This is a 3 and a half day work week, with a day and a half of inservice before Spring Break, so maybe I'll just grin and bear it and keep showing up each day! Yesterday Brenda and Carsyn met Luke and I at the mall (Marc had some training all day for work), and I managed to stay distracted with shopping and a pedicure for a few hours. Today mom and dad are arriving, so that'll add something new to my daily monotony! I go back Tuesday morning to the doctor, and he'll set up my inducement then if need be. So that's what is happening here. We are all ready to get this whole labor/hospital stuff over with and just be home with our family!

Thanks, Uncle Scott

Luke stayed at Carsyn's house last night, and had a great time from what he says. However, since he's come home today, all I keep hearing about is the new baby name Uncle Scott helped to think up... Poo Poo Head. So we have been discussing baby poo poo head all day. Awesome. At least Luke thinks it's a silly name, and didn't take it too seriously!

Happy Weekend!

I'm thrilled to have Monday off. I haven't had a day off pretty much all year, and each day at work is getting harder as I get bigger and closer to having this baby! My class has been very "trying" this year (teachers reading this, you can interpret my real feelings about my class I'm sure!) and they are just wearing me out! Tuesday is the much anticipated TAKS test day -the day my third graders take their big reading test that they have to pass to go to 4th grade. So lots of stress on me for that too. After Tuesday, I'll be ready any day to start maternity leave. This weekend has been fairly relaxing so far. Friday was Marc's birthday but he didn't feel well, so we just stayed home and everyone went to bed early. Yesterday I went to get my hair done - shorter, darker - and then we ate at Red Lobster for his birthday. I hate seafood, so that's my sacrifice once a year for his birthday. This afternoon is all about cleaning and doing little things, like I hung up some stuff in the nursery, cleaned baby bottles, wrote thank yous, etc. Nothing too exciting, but things that have to get done. I'm determined to fit a pedicure in my plans too!

Today I woke up and my whole face is puffy, not just the usual eyes. Nice. I have a photo of me that Marc just took, but don't be too critical! My belly has blown up the past weeks too. You may not be able to tell in the photo, but Amy, you need my shirt - it says "Rock Star" since you claim to be one with the guitar these days!

I feel like my cousin Jessica now -the photos I just added have a mind of their own, and I can't move them around like I usually can. So, here's what they are about... you are hopefully smart enough to figure which caption goes with which photo! Me, very pregnant, with 2 weeks to go. Luke sitting in a baby bathtub with his "cuter" - the day we pulled the tub down from the attic he sat like that for about an hour playing! Luke in the car watching a movie with his big headphones. And the one of Luke on the bench was just taken when Marc took my photo - he said he wanted his too, so there it is!

Have a great long weekend everyone!

Still going...

I'm still alive and trying to make it through each day! Three weeks to go. I've had so many comments from coworkers this week about how my belly just popped out. I thought it was already out! I'm glad people think I look like I'm ready to pop, because I'm really feeling it. I'm a bit jealous today because Marc's basketball assistant's wife had her baby this morning, two weeks early. I still think the 21st would be the perfect day - basketball should be over, and it's the day after the big TAKS test. And now that I think about it, the day before parent conferences. Who wouldn't love to miss those?? And I will say that we are very close to have a name for this baby, so stay tuned for that. I won't say anything for sure yet, but I think this weekend we're making our decision. Marc and I also are putting our bets down for the day of the actual birth... He says March 7, and I say March 8. It's sad that we don't even consider anything BEFORE the 5th, but hey, look at the history of babies in my family! I'll be sure to put another photo on soon, but not right now. Currently I'm squeezing myself into my Trimmier Elementary shirt, which is so not meant for a 9 month pregnant lady, but it's the only way I can wear jeans on Friday. Not the outfit I want to capture this stage of pregnancy in! I'm off to the 2nd to last basketball game.

Baby Shower

Today my third grade team had a baby shower for me after school. I feel very blessed by these great friends, and by all the things I was given at this shower. Even Luke got a few gifts! Here are some photos. A special thanks to my friend Katricia for taking the photos, but I must say, most of them qualify as the most unflattering photos of me ever! :) I've included a photo of my team that had the shower for me, and a shot of all the "stuff". I even ended up with $175 of Target gift cards, and most of you know how much I love Target! I will give $50 to the first person who can accurately name every gift in the photo... :) (Somehow I see Nancy as the one who would try!)

From the mouths of third graders...

Sometimes my third graders can be great for my self esteem, like when they say I look like Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson, or think I'm 20. Then there are days like today. I started reading with my kids a little book printed off the computer about Harriet Tubman. On the front is a photo of her at about age 90, in a wheelchair. One of my boys asked "Mrs. Minatrea, were you born the same time as Harriet Tubman?" Seriously? I knowI'm not looking like I'm 18 anymore, but do I really look like a little frail 90 year old lady?

Pregnancy Must Haves

Last night I was laying in bed thinking about some of the things that I couldn't have survived this pregnancy without. Because I have nothing else to blog about, I thought I'd share my list!

1. Shoemaker Grey Wolves sweatpants and hooded sweatshirt - This is worn daily, as soon as I get home from school. I call it my "what not to wear" outfit, because surely, if Stacey and Clinton from TLC saw me in this outfit, they'd take me to NYC for a shopping spree immediately. But, it's the most comfortable, warm thing I have right now!
2. Slippers
3. Tums - The candy for pregnant women with hearburn. I also discovered acid reflux the past few weeks. Awesome.
4. Fruit
5. Eye makeup - To help try to hide the bags I've been carrying under my eyes for 8 months
6. Jenn - My coworker/friend who has taken my kids for me on several occasions of running late for school, not feeling well, etc.
7. Long, hot showers - I used to be a quick shower person, but now I turn the water on as hot as it can go and just stand there for at least 10 minutes.
8. Cold tap water, with lots of ice, in a plastic cup - This is unusual because normally all I drink is Ozarka, and definitely not cold. I can't stand ice in my water any other time.

So, all you moms out there, what things did you have to have in order to survive your pregnancies?

5 Weeks To Go!!

Hard to believe I'm down to just a few weeks of this pregnancy. Here's a picture of me now for those who asked. Let me tell you, I didn't enjoy having it taken, and I don't like it much, but here it is anyhow! It's good for the self esteem of those who read my blog - you'll feel so small after looking at me! :)

Just saying hi...

It's been a while again since you've heard from me, so I just wanted to check in and say hi. There's not much going on here - just more cold weather! We had a snow day (ok, an "ice" day if you want to get technical) on Wednesday this week. It was nice to get a day off, but down here you have to make it up later in the year - no freebie bad weather days! I managed to find some time for myself and do some scrapbooking and relaxing, which was much needed. Marc and I have been on the hunt this week for our definite baby name choices, and we're getting close to a girl name. I'm excited to have a busy but enjoyable day tomorrow. First I get to have another massage... ahhhhhhhh... Then I'm off to a baby shower for Marc's assistant's wife (due 10 days before me), and then to a basketball game that was rescheduled due to the weather. It's probably one of the team's most important games to win all year, and I get so into them, that it won't be a relaxing time for me but hopefully a good game with a good outcome! I'm still thinking I'll end up going into labor at one of his games due to how worked up I get at them! And for anyone else who is counting, I'm down to almost 6 weeks to go. My coworkers were talking today about where they want to go for spring break, like cruises and vegas, and they laughed when I said I just wanted to go to the hospital! I am ready to get this baby out. Hopefully everyone is doing great and keeping warm, whether you're in Ohio, Texas, or Poland!

Christmas Photos

Better late than never, right? I didn't realize I never put photos on from Christmas, so here they are. Thanks Aunt Barb for the blue light up thingie! :)

Updates

We have been very busy! When mom and dad were here, we did get a lot done, including the nursery being painted (thanks dad!!), curtains hung, etc. The room is very cute -lilac and pink, with little touches of lime green. Even Marc likes the color. Luke got a new bedroom set too, and he thinks his captain's bed is the coolest, because there's a door on the footboard and he can crawl under the bed and hide! And of course, the large boxes that the furniture came in were also a big hit! Today I missed work for jury duty, and was one of the very few that didn't have to stay for the week, so that worked out great. The baby has been going crazy the past few days. I'm really not sure what all she is up to in there, but I don't remember Luke being this hard on me, especially at night when I want to sleep! The countdowns are on - counting down to my kids taking the TAKS test (in TX, third graders have to pass the reading test to go to 4th, and it's on Feb. 13th already!), the remainder of basketball season (which also officially ends regular season on the 13th!), and of course, baby. Less than 2 months to go! We have everything ready except a name. Here are a few random photos of things mentioned in this blog. Don't mind the mess on Luke's bed -- and the nursery isn't ready - we just have things sitting in there now, so it'll look better when it's put together correctly! I just put out everything for the effect!






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Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a fun night last night. Marc and I saw a movie and ate dinner while mom and dad kept Luke. We were in by 7:30 though, and asleep by 11:15! I did see the ball drop, but only because we can see it at 11:00 here. We have 2 more days off of work, and I'm desperately trying to finish up my gigantic TO-DO list and maybe rest a little in the mean time. Right now one of the last on the list is being accomplished - dad is painting the soon-to-be nursery lilac! So if this girl turns out to be a boy, hope he likes purple! I thought I'd list everything I got accomplished this break so that I can feel like I have a reason to still be tired after having 2 weeks off of work!
1. Celebrated 6 year anniversary
2. Had 3d/4d ultrasound
3. Finished Christmas shopping and wrapping gifts
4. Bought new furniture for living room - Tv, tv stand, curtains
5. Rearranged rooms - cleaned out the spare room and moved things to either the study or garage
6. Shopped for and bought a new car
7. Celebrated 3 Christmases (Is that how you spell the plural of Christmas??)
8. Went to 4 basketball games
9. Bought and assembled Luke's new bedroom set and rearranged his room
10. Bought baby bedding and painted nursery (Ok, so I didn't paint, and this is still a work in progress, but it will be done hopefully!!)
11. Had several doctor appointments - for me and Luke (He has another new skin problem... Pityriasis Rocea... never heard of it!)

I'm sure I missed some other things, but that covers most of it! Nowhere in there did I get to scrapbook, which was supposed to be a priority. But, maybe with all of the big things done now, I can make some time the next 9 weeks to do some pages. Only 9 weeks left till baby!