Catch up - part duex

It has been awhile since I've blogged...and even longer since I've done a catch up blog on what's happening around these parts!  So here you go!  Enjoy!

The boys got their daddy a new hammock for Father's Day and love to hang out and swing with him in it.  (I do too...shhh!)

We went strawberry picking at Basse's.  I was smart this time and dressed the boys in red shirts (not white!) to avoid strawberry stains.  After all, who can resist a berry or two while picking them?  The boys did a great job filling up our baskets....

It was a good thing we wore our boots too!  It was pretty muddy out in the fields...

Sitting in the big chair at Basse's Taste of Country

When we got home I got right to work prepping strawberries for eating, for freezing, and for making jam with...

Of course we saved some to make some strawberry pie with too!!

The boys got busy giving the dog a bath...

And vacuuming out my car!  (I made sure to get my feet in this shot to reiterate that I did NOTHING).  :)

We went swimming with friends on our days off.  Sam has no fear of the water and scoots himself around like its his business....jumping off the side...off the diving board... dunking his head under the water.  He's our little fishy.

Max loves swimming too, he is just more cautious than Sam is.  Sometimes I like that better ;)

My little buddy hanging out with me on the hammock.  Doesn't look so little here anymore, does he?

The boys sing a VBS song they learned at school.  So cute!

I finally started painting the nursery (it is now finished).  New color on the left - BM Blue Grass.  Old color on the left.  

Shiloh is still hanging around these parts.  13 years old and going strong.  She tolerates so much from these boys and overall she's a good cat...

Lots of playing outside with the beautiful weather we've had this year.  Our swimming pool has gotten a lot of use!

We've gone to a few weddings this summer -- this one downtown with my parents.  Don't they look great?

The boys requested "begs and agels" for breakfast so Daddy made it for them.  :)

Sam and I on a morning 'date'

Sam's doing awesome in swimming lessons and is ready to move up to Level 1 as soon as he is 4.

The boys got their hair cut and both requested Mohawks.  LOL

Whatcha doing Sam?  

Sam: "Digging for rubies, Mom"

Yeah...wonder where he learned that!

Sam also loves beer.  LOL

Starting to buy a few cute things here and there for McTrois.  Aren't these TOMs just adorable?

And we're still lucky enough to get to hang out with Grandma Jan and Grandpa Dave from time to time!

Summer has been busy and fun and I can't believe it is almost over already!  School starts at the end of the month!! Yikes!

Catching Up

A lot has been going on over the last few weeks, and as a result blogging has taken a back burner.  I apologize because I know some of you who follow along here aren't on Facebook, so this is one of your only ways to stay current on the boys.  

So, I'm going to cram a lot into one post just to try to catch you back up on some of the going-ons around here!  Enjoy!

Sam enjoys watching his big brother at Tae Kwon Do.  He even gets into part of the workout!  We're not going to let him start officially for at least another year, but he's getting a great introduction to the basics just through observation.  And, he's got a great push-up down already!

Sam also really enjoys fishing with Grumps!  Last weekend, his Uncle Fran posted a picture online of a nice sized striped bass that he caught, and Sam was amazed by the picture.  The rest of the day he talked about catching a big bass like Uncle Fran.  The next day, knowing that we were going to Grumps' for dinner, he woke up from his nap and the first words out of his mouth were "I'm going to catch a fish as big as Uncle Fran's bass."  I think he succeeded!

Sam was very proud of his fish but he wouldn't touch it.  In fact, the minute it started moving he got a little squeamish.  Guess we'll have to work on that!

Sweet Sam.  Lover of all things boy and all things sports.  This kid keeps us on our toes and makes us laugh a million times a day.  But he's got the sweetest set of brown eyes (and super LONG lashes) that make you forgive him anything in a heartbeat...

And he's got a great throw already! Future quarterback?

Or future musician??

Big brother Max also is getting more and more fun each day!  I love seeing him so proud of the things he is learning at school and putting all his new knowledge into practice.  One morning I took both the boys with me on a shopping trip, and he insisted on bringing along his notebook and pen.  I caught him doodling this inside!!  He sure is smart! :)

Outside he is getting more bold and adventurous.  He can now swing completely unaided (thank the Lord!) and he loves to try doing the monkey bars.  He can't do them by himself but he can do one or two on his own with a spotter.  He's also super excited by the two-wheeler my parents have at their house for him to ride -- this surprised me a bit because he doesn't always like to ride his bike (with training wheels) at home...  

For the most part, these two are inseparable.  Sure, they annoy the crap out of each other a lot of the time, but if you try to separate them they throw a fit!!  They love sharing a room, and they really are the best of friends...

Last week marked the last week of school for little Max in 4K.  His class celebrated with a fun class picnic, which included a rousing game of duck, duck, goose (not duck, duck, gray duck you silly Minnesotans)!  Even Sam tried to play along!

Max made a lot of friends this year at 4K.  Any hestitations he may have had at the beginning of the school year were long gone by the end.  He even had a best friend (who he called his Best Dude).  His teachers were also phenomenal.  The lead 4K teacher celebrated her 25th year teaching 4K!  I have no idea how she's lasted this long, but I am awfully thankful that she has because she has been a wonderful influence on Max.

They even had a sweet graduation celebration and ceremony for all the 4K'rs.  It really made them feel special.  Max insisted on wearing a tie (as did Sam who wants to be just like big brother) and I can't get over how grown up and mature he looks!  He is quickly growing out of his baby face.  Though he constantly reminds me that he will always be my baby no matter what.  Thank goodness!  :)

Sam couldn't have been prouder of his big brother.  And he can't wait to start 3K next year at the same school as his big brother!!

And as for me?  I was busy enjoying getting completely spoiled by my boys for Mother's Day...

Hanging petunias, homemade cards, a necklace from Sam, a love note from little Max along with two perler hearts and a hand-decorated tote bag that I now use as my work bag.

He drew a picture of me on the tote bag...not bad, eh?  :)

My rhubarb hookup provided me with a plethora of delicious rhubarb so I canned some rhubarb preserves as well as some delicious rhubarb apple jam (with the last of the frozen apples from our old house).  Both were SUPER delicious.  Little Max enjoyed making the apple rhubarb jam with me.

We discovered a bleeding heart AND a trillium plant in our yard! 

Some cravings have started up again.  One night, while running, I started getting a craving for watermelon.  I knew we had a quarter of a watermelon in our fridge at home and it was all I could think about for the rest of the run.  The minute I got home I pulled that delicious melon out of the fridge and chowed down!  Big Max walked in the house from outside while I was mid-melon and just stopped and stared at me.  Then he took a picture of me (I had already taken one of myself because I realized how ludicrous I was).  Too funny!  

I haven't had too many weird cravings -- and of the ones I have had, most of them have been fruit related.  I've been a big fan of citrus -- oranges in particular, and McTrois also seems to enjoy bouncing around quite a bit after I eat one.  Overall, the pregnancy is progressing well and I am feeling good.  I am definitely  more tired this time around -- I feel like I'm STILL waiting for that second trimester burst of energy -- but I am chasing two young boys around and working full-time, so that explains a lot, I suppose.

Here I am at 21 weeks.  Heading out for my weekly Pi-Yo class.

In addition to the Piyo, I am still running.  I still mostly get out in the evening, and I love seeing cool things on my run like this whitetail deer that for some reason wasn't frightened away by my heavy labored breathing!?  Odd... :)

And the culmination of all my training will occur THIS Saturday at the Summerfest Rock N Sole half-marathon.  I am excited, nervous, thrilled, you name it!  I can't wait to give it all my best -- knowing that I probably won't do as well as I'd have liked to, but also knowing that I no matter what I do I'll be accomplishing something pretty awesome.  The running has definitely gotten harder the last few weeks -- the weight of my belly is affecting my stride which affects a bunch of other factors of my running.  I bought a support belt in the hopes that it will help keep the front of me more stabilized during the run. I'm not so sure about the chafing that will likely occur....but I'm going to give it a go.  If you have any extra good thoughts or prayers laying around, please send a few my way Saturday morning!

I think that about covers the updates for now!  Stay tuned!

McTrois Updates and Half Marathon Progress

Wow, it has been forever and a day since I've updated here!  I have lots of posts to catch up on, but I thought I'd transition easily back into the blogging mode by posting some fun updates about my pregnancy and McTrois.

We can start at the very beginning...because every story has a beginning...

And this one starts with a very positive pregnancy test.  My heart leapt into my throat!  I had been hoping secretly that it might be...but at the same time was fairly confident it wouldn't be.  After all, I had just signed up in December to run a half marathon in June!!  We weren't 'trying' anymore.  Of course that's always how it seems to work...

Max and I happened to be taking that day off of work together.  We had already planned a wonderful x-country ski escape...and I wasn't about to let a little test change that!  In fact, I think it made it even more fun.  So, off we went...and ski we did!    We had perfect snowy weather for it, even!

Afterwards, we treated ourselves to massages.  It was a GOOD DAY!

this photo was taken right before I fell.  Yes, I am a clutz.

Every pregnancy I have taken a series of belly photos.  I think it is fun to go back and look at them and compare between my three pregnancies.  Of course, at the beginning of this pregnancy I was in the middle of my 3 -week cleanse.  So I started off taking my belly photos in my bikini (this did not last long, LOL).  

Weeks 4, 5 and 6

At week 6 we went in for an early Ultrasound.  I was SO SO SO nervous.  I knew that it was possible we might not see the heartbeat, that we might only see the sac...and that would be OK. But I really REALLY wanted to see that little flicker.  And we DID!  It was like instant relief washing over me.  Heartbeat was 127...so strong!  I cried tears of joy.  We still didn't share the news, though.  We wanted to make sure before telling our families, the boys, etc.

Ultrasound Week 6 Day 4

At week 10, I had another OB appt.  I was nervous again for this appt, even though I had definitely been feeling pregnant at this point.  Nauseous, tired, bloated...you know, all the typical first trimester pregnancy symptoms.  From past experience, I knew that at this 10 week appt that they would try to find baby's HB with the fetal doppler.  I also knew that 10 weeks is still early to hear a HB with the doppler...so I shouldn't freak out if we weren't able to find it.  As luck had it, Sam had to go with me to my OB appt that day due to a sad event at his daycare.  Lucky for me he is very content to sit and not old enough yet to put two and two together.  

As luck had, it my OB found baby's HB within about 15 seconds!  Sweet relief passed over me, and my eyes welled up with tears.  A part of me was sad because I knew that meant no U/S to check (just in case if they don't find HB) but a MUCH BIGGER part of me was so thankful to NOT have to go through the turmoil of waiting for the U/S.  I had been there before.  I have a tipped uterus, which can make it difficult to find baby's HB early on with the doppler.  My OB told me that it was easier to find it this time around because I am thinner.  Hey -- any time your OB calls you thin at a 10 week pregnancy appt, you pretty much think they are awesome....

Sam even got to hear the HB at the OBs office -- although he was pretty confused about where the sound was coming from and why we were talking about a baby (since we hadn't told the boys yet).  We did end up telling them afterwards...and even though we told them to keep it a secret, that ended up being a lot of pressure on them.

Max went into his 4K class the next day and went up to his teacher and apparently said "Teacher...I have something I want to tell you by I can't.  It has to do with my mommy's tummy." LOL  When I picked him up that afternoon he told me that his teacher had 'guessed'.  Well, technically, I guess she did...he wasn't lying...he just pretty much gave her all the info in his clues.  But then he told me "But MOM, I was just so EXCITED I couldn't stop myself!  I am so EXCITED for our new BABY!"  And, really.  Who can get angry at that?  Definitely NOT me.

I bought a home doppler and after that 10 week appt (because now I knew where to look for the HB) I was able to easily find baby's HB at home. The boys LOVE listening  to the HB and ask frequently to listen to 'baby heartbeat'.  They get a kick out of it every time.   I can't wait until they can start FEELING the baby move/kick!

Listening to the baby's heartbeat...

Around Week 13, we got to go back in for the 1st trimester screening -- a standard test (that is optional) but does include an U/S to measure some development in the fetus.  I like having this extra glance at my baby, so I opt to do this test. 

Doesn't McTrois look adorable?  Of course, it is too early at 13 weeks to tell if it is a boy or a girl... Not that it would matter since we are NOT finding out this time (much to Max's dismay).  I have a strong suspicion it is another boy - which is absolutely FINE.  We make cute boys and I am pretty well accustomed to boys at this point.  Of course, I'd LOVE to have a little girl...but the chances of that are just not in our favor. The boys are convinced it is a "little sister" and I have been gently trying to prepare them for the event that it turns out to be a "little brother".  In the end, everyone will love the baby -- no matter what sex.  It is just fun to guess at this point.

And yes, I have heard it from EVERYONE already about why aren't we going to find out, how can we not find out, don't we want to have time to prepare, etc. etc. etc.  

And to that, all I have to say is that, fortunately for me (and unfortunately for those of you who have voiced their opinions), I take a small, sick pleasure in your discomfort and frustration.  :)

Ultrasound Week 13

week 11 and week 14

I had another OB appt at week 14 and everything was looking good.  Test results were all normal.  My next appt will be around week 19 -- where I get to also have my 20 week ultrasound.  Another reason to love my OB -- he again told me at my 14 week appt that  I was 'thin enough' that I could have the 20 week scan a week early.  Awesome!!

Now, remember how I mentioned that about a month before I found out we were expecting again I had signed up for a half-marathon?  Well, my training has continued (with a few hiccups) in full force.  I was running on the treadmill mostly in the beginning, but as soon as the weather cooperated, I was so excited to get my feet back out pounding the pavement!  I squeeze in runs on the weekends, and on weekday nights after the boys were snug in their beds.  And I have made progress...lots of progress!

evening runs are worth it when you get to see sunsets like this

10.5 mile was my longest by end of April...13.1 is looking more do-able now!

I saw this common Loon during my 10.5 mile run.  AWESOME!

Another fun evening shot -- there's a full moon on the rise!  :)

Weeks 16, 17 and 18.  Baby is definitely getting bigger.  In addition to my running, I am also doing a weekly PiYo class.

Last weekend, for Mother's Day, I 'treated' myself to a long run in the morning with my favorite running partner, Laura.  We had planned on shooting for 11 miles, but I had forewarned her that it might end up being a much shorter run.  I have been having a little issue with my right ankle.  But, I iced it the night before, re-tied my shoes for extra ankle support, and did a bunch of ankle exercises the morning of our run, hoping that the combination would help me power through.  And it DID!  We made it 11.3 miles!  We had 3 brief stops -- one to remove my fleece at about 3.5 miles, one at 5 miles so we could eat our "goo", and then one at 8 miles because I had to use the bathroom SO BAD I almost went in my pants (silly baby on my bladder).  Overall, the run felt GREAT.  I definitely felt like I could have finished the less than 2 miles needed to make it a full 13.1.  Let's just keep our fingers crossed that I have a similar running experience in June!  I am not shooting to break any speed records (as you can see below I am a slow runner), and I have no pre-conceptions or goals to run the whole thing, or beat a certain time, etc.  I just want to FINISH.  Even if that means walking part of it.  I'm ok with that.  At this point, I just have to listen to my body and take it one run at a time.  My goal is not to hurt myself or the baby...but to have 'fun'.  Haha.  

11.3 mile route in Delafield/Oconomowoc

Best running partner EVER!  Thanks for keeping me motivated, Laura!

So, there you have it!  I think that brings us all back up to date on this pregnancy and my running/training progress.  Life is good!  I have no complaints!  Thank you God for letting me experience ALL of this!