A few brother to brother comparisons.... Yes, we do make mini clones. :)

More to come as my time allows.

Here's the run down:

Jockey's b0day: Pizza with Grandparents Dahl and GG, Jockey got the much to be thrilled about "wheely" shoes. He's in love.
Day of birthday, the family went to Red Robbin for the free meal for Jockey. And to the fair for free admission day.
Friday 8/27, we went to the fair for the cost of canned food... about $4.00 for the family! Another great hot day. Rode the rides. Jockey was tall enough for about 1/2 WITH adult...
Saturday 8/28, the boys went crabbing after being bribed away from the parade with dollar store candy.
More days few past... then Grandma Bishop came into town 9/5. She got to be here for the boys' first days of school, and boy was that a God send. I had to do some class switching gymnastics for Jockey and it would have been extremely stressful and chaotic had Grandma not been able to watch little Nathan.
Nathan's nick names: Boo-boo face (if not now, it will be reality later), and Nat-O. Mike calls him other things.
Jockey came down with a fever on Monday, but the doctor couldn't find anything wrong... it spiked up to 102.4 on Tuesday, so no school on his SECOND day of school. :(
Awana started 9/14, the same day that Grandma Bishop went home. The boys both learned 3-4 verses that very night, Jockey earned his vest for saying his!
MOPS starts soon, Nat-O eats ALL THE TIME and is an irregular napper at best, I'm working, the boys have chores and homework and try to squeeze in fun ANYWHERE they can.... their favorite is the boy down the street and playing in a "fort" in the blackberries accross the street. I'm hoping things will calm down into a routine after this week...
That's the fast flash news.

Of all the places in the world, I'm so glad that we live next door to a park! It's become like an extension of our backyard... without dog *** and mean neighbors who won't return balls/frisbees from over the fence. Also, Caleb has made friends with a little boy three houses down, and a girl from his 1st grade class (and Kindergarten & 2nd). So he is getting socialization. He is using his "heely" shoes to the most fun possible over on the concrete, which is better than my living room floor. Jockey gets to go with, but not alone. That is the divide of age-related responsiblity/proviledge relationship. I can see the park from the front windows of our house and I can check up on them and make sure they are behaving without them knowing.

This week has been park, park, park, tennis, tennis, library, grocery shopping, and more park. Next week is VBS at the preschool that Jockey attended. It is soccer themed and should be very attention capturing, and energy draining. Yipee.

Nathan is definately standing on his own! He is working hard at it, he practically holds his breathe. But he gets the most adorable look on his face like he is so proud of himself. He is just now, today, seeing a brief beauty of the tummy time he's receiving. He has taken just two decent naps this week, each at 3 hours each... on different days. Other than that, he is the 20 minute cat-nap expert with a difficulty winding down at the end of the day because he is soooo tired by 10pm and fighting sleep hard! He is still running hot and living in onesies rather than cute outfits. And he is cute while grocery/coupon shopping. And (*TMI warning) he had his first big, major diaper blow out... and was a complete rockstar by being happy and smiling NOT crying! He only cries for food, in which case he can go from zero to hungry in about 5 seconds! Literally. He loves being talked to and will hand out smiles constantly. He brings such joy when you arrive at his bassinet and say "hi Baby Nathan" and he lights up with a huge grin. He's also starting a little type of laugh, like an amused "Hmmm". Cute. Mostly it's the responsiveness that is so fun. The CJ Brothers (Caleb&Jockey Brothers) really like it when they can get a reaction out of Nathan, and they are so eager to interact with him. Caleb does really well, although I have to draw the line at carrying Nathan while wearing his Heely/wheel shoes... too slippery. Jockey is still a little too rough and untrained in the appropriateness of his affection.

Jockey expressed the need for his own attention from me this week. So he and I spent time learning the camera functions, and craft type things in the office. He really likes to "do craft projects" while I'm in the office. Which was a benefit today because I had to spend a significant amount of time working on MOPS decor in the office. Lots of left over scrapbook paper for Jockey to play with. And I let him help me a little with my things too.

So, it is off to salvage a slight bit of the remaining part of the day and plan my couponing. I fully intend to get a full supply of peanut butter stocked and Capri Sun for the next couple months (for school lunch). Of course, for a great price! Until next time..... Good night!

I find the boys in the garage looking at stuff 9"the stockpile" and talking.
"Guys, what are you doing?"
They say: "Shopping."

I love it!!! (Except when I get multiple opened packages at a time...)

Scored big on hamburger/tuna and all varieties "helpers". ELEVEN that's .11 cents a box. And for a non-gourmet cooking... wonderful! Especially since I have lots of tuna.

It might be too early to call this.... but... I think we might have another early walker!8 WEEKS OLD TOMORROW!

So Monday we spent 3 hours at two different parks, including a new skate park.

Tuesday was get errands done day. But we also got bike rides and walks in.

Wednesday was Movie day as we trekked up to Everett and saw "Gulliver's Travels". I was a bit nervous about how Nathan would handle it all. He woke up to poo, fed, and I had to bouce/hold and jostle him a bit and let him suck on my finger a while, change him again and then he finally fell asleep. Good thing it wasn't a first run movie in a packed theater filled with people not wanting to miss a glimpse of the film because I got up and down alot... But we made it!
I did an errand in Everett, Toy'r'us for MOPS. And I have to say that with adamant warning not to ask for toys, the boys did great at following that direction. They rode the line by saying this is so cool or that would be nice to have or I wish I could have... but no hounding and begging or asking to get or tears! So, I felt good going to play "Free" bowling with them next. Another good time with them.

Thursday I worked, Mike watched the boys until he left at 2. We just kept close to home that night with the help of a backyard campfire including marshmallows!

Today was a bit of errands and school clothes shopping. Thank goodness I had worked and gotten some $ because Kohl's had awesome clearance! Can you believe 6 shirts would have cost $105.34, SIX shirts only, luckily.... I got about 83% off that! And the boys are thrilled with their "Tony Hawk" shirts since they are fascinated with skate parks now. Then it was home to rest a while (feed Nathan AGAIN) and they skated, biked and walked the rest of the day away. Now they are on to "movie night" here at home, a tradition that began with Grammy Bishop.

The boys are having a great time, but they are now under the impression it is my sole job (to the exclusion of everything else) to keep them entertained from one activity to the next. It's not by the way, and I'm exhausted by the last couple weeks. My next response to "what are we going to do?" is either going to be NAP or Read a BOOK!

Thank goodness next week is VBS in the mornings and that will keep them busy for 3 hours a day! During one of the days I will be teaching a friend where to start with couponing! I'm kind of excited. I like being useful and needed in an area that I love (crafts, coupons, scrapbooking, bible study all at the top of the list). I hope to be helpful and make a realy impact on their family by planting the small seed of "how to coupon". And even better both her and my "big boys" will be at VBS, so we will get pseudo-undivided attention to the subject!

Until then...
Wedding Saturday for as long or in whatever manner Nathan allows for.
And the boys/Mike are crabbing Sunday. I SINCERELY hope to get 2 Fair-worthy, new baby themed scrapbook pages completed... and a nap, and grocery shopping done, and and and... but who knows.
Ok, off to make really really cheap but yummy popcorn for the boys' movie night!

This weekend, Saturday, we drove up to Camano Island and dug for clams. It was nice to take the kids on an adventure, but they took the adventure to heart... meaning they explored the beach WAY more than they actually dug/retreived clams. It was tough to keep them on task with the tiny crabs and various cool rocks and starfish to look at. I held, changed and fed Nathan... and took pictures, which are to follow at a later time.

Yesterday, Sunday, I scored some great coupon deals/shopping, and took a nap with Nathan. Mike watched the NFL network and napped.

Later in the evening, it was off to the skate park.

Today, Monday....
I worked briefly, then it was off to the splash park about 2 miles off of HWY 9. Then I told the boys I had a surprise for them. Of course, on the way there, I had to drive by the library and say "we're here" about their surprise to tease them. Then I drove the two blocks to the Snohomish Skate Park that they had never been to before and didn't even know exsisted. They had a good time. Nathan slept when he wasn't eating, and then it was my turn to eat. Picnic in the park. Nice.
Then it was home for a bit of a rest, then bike riding, cleaning the house. When the housework was done... I created with the boys Balloon rockets (toilet paper rolls with balloons on top that shuttle back and forth on a string.)

Tomorrow, I don't know for sure. Last week it was a lot of Skate Park and bowling, I don't know if we'll keep that up, or if we'll try going to a 10 am (YAWN and tough getting out of the house on time) movie. We'll see. I try to get the boys out of the house to 1) burn their energy and 2) prevent the house from becoming a disaster.... Well, #2 is only half effective since things still go on while I'm gone. I take them away from 9:30 AM to 3PM and it is still messy when I get home. sigh. I still keep trying though.

ok. Pictures to follow soon.

Lifting his head! Brudder love!

Caleb holds Nathan for his first Big TUB bath (just like he held Jockey).

Bad picture, great smile!

Just a good pic (if I had edited the red-eye)

Children's Museum

Nathan at the Children's Museum

Nathan in the Boppy, in the car, at the skate park!!!

So a little catch up is in order. ...

Grandma Bishop went home 7/12. Her doggies missed her, but now that she's gone we all miss her too. The boys asked when she was coming again... September guys.

I went to the doctor, my check up says things are ok...
We've gone to the park a couple times.
The boys went camping in Toppenish with Grandma and Grandpa Dahl... That was very fun for the boys and a great way to allow me to focus on just Nathan and house for a few days. And I was fortunate enough to get out and play bingo! Ahh the luxuries of a baby who actually (my first) takes a bottle!
I passed a measurably sized kidney stone 7/19.
7/19-7/21 The boys attended VBS in the evening. They were so happy I found a program they could attend. It was very strange however that the first night Jockey suffered Brother-separation-anxiety because they were in different classes... which then made him cling (literally) to my leg have the night. But eventually he got over it and had a great time.
I started back to work 7/21.
The boys have tried their hand at Crabbing a few times. Twice they've had less than productive results, but once we did dine on crab that night! Mike has also gone clamming up at Camano with my Dad (aka Papa Bill) and brought home a small banquet. The boys might go up this Saturday (7/30) and try again for clams.

This week has been chocked full and I'm at the bottom of my tank...
Monday. It rained and the 3 boys and I dared 3 grocery stores! Headache, need nap...

Tuesday, we were going to go to a movie, and we even had 5 minutes to spare to get seats but the theater turned out not to participate in the $1 movie Summer promo, so we ended up BOWLING! I had signed up for free bowling for the kids and took advantage of it for the first time Tuesday... The boys had a good time, but it was over too quick in their minds. Each boy won one game, so all was fair and fun. Then it was home for a little out of the carseat time for Nathan. But then we spent 2 hours at the skate park playing on the scooters.

Wednesday... Children's museum where we met church friends, bowling, and then another 2 hours at the skate park.

Thursday. I worked, then about 3 we went AGAIN to the skate park for a couple hours.

Friday. The whole family shopped for MOPS projects, wedding attending attire, Christmas presents since Target has their imfamous toy clearance going on (scored!!!), and back to the Skate park after dinner for MORE fun for boys! Then a quick errand for more baby anti-gas drops... a must have in Nathan's world!

So that's a run down of what we've been up to. I'll have to think back and try to remember all the silly things the boys have done or said. Honestly it's been alot of sibling stuff and not so fun, but there are still gems out there to be recorded... if I can remember with this "baby brain" going on.

For July 4th, we drove up to Lake Connor (in Lake Stevens) to Grandpa Bill's property/campsite for a visit. The weather was nice. The distinct campfire smell was wonderful and almost relaxing. Grandpa Bill held little Nathan while I indulged in lunch prepared by Grandma Judy. Then the boys went swimming in the pool inside the campground. Grandma Judy took the boys for a spin in the new cart. They had a great time going for the ride. It won't be long before they beg to drive (I hope we can wait on that one!) As I've told other Grandparents, if the boys don't listen while on 2 feet, then they won't listen (hence be safe) when on 4 wheels. The boys played at the little park adjacent to the pool, and then it was off the head home.
Later, we watched the neighborhood fireworks from lawn chairs placed in the front yard. It was quite a sight, large, bright, close. Our next door neighbor (fellow Mops mom etc) came out and chatted for a bit. Then all of a sudden the neighbor two houses over had a firework backfire and slam into my direct neighbor's house. I ran over to stomp out anything that might have ignited, but fortunately it all fizzled out before anything caught fire. It's events like this that make me want to stay home and watch over the house on this day of each year. We also watched the fairgrounds' display, but this was from the boy's bedrooms... Jockey even sat on the dresser for the best view possible. Caleb disappeared from sight before it was over, and turns out he curled up in my bed with Daddy and fell asleep! He might have hit the hay early, but Nathan sure didn't... that crazy was still tossing, grunting, eating and stuff 'till 2:30AM.

Other events this week:
Grandma Bishop and I created a scavenger hunt for the boys in the backyard. They had to find eggs with exercise commands and clues to the final treasure... which was a piece of chocolate, a plain washer for decorating and making a necklace and a dollar for the DollarStore to choose anything they wanted. It was a great activity that they had a blast doing... even if it took an hour to prepare and they had to scooter and play at the park while they waited!

I took the boys to the splash park. It was the first outing I'd taken all three boys on BY MY SELF! It took us an hour longer than I anticipated to even get out of the house, but we did get out and arrive at the intended destination... while it was still sunny enough to enjoy the water portion of the park. We met one of Jockey's friends, which of course made the day "the best" for Jockey. Nathan did ok while I was there, mostly due to the Boppy that I brought for him to lay upon... since he really doesn't like his car seat. So there he lay, upon the Boppy, upon the picnic table in the shade while his brothers ran around the splash park in the sun. And a huge coincidence... we ran into my brother, Uncle Jeff! So Uncle Jeff, Aunt Danene, and Cousin Kyler got their first peek at new Nathan. We talked briefly as they were on their way out, but it was a a perfect coincidence to introduce a new little guy to family.

Nathan has spent the last two nights getting me up every 1.25 to 2 hours for eating and grunting, snorting, choking and other random noises in between feedings. So I'm tired and dragging the last two days. Nathan is getting very spoiled and has decided that he only wants to sleep when he is being held; the moment that I put him down he wakes up or starts in on the fussing (aka grunting/farting/pooping). He is really not a fusser, just a gas mover really, and voraciously hungry always!
Speaking of hungry, Nathan went to the doctor yesterday for a weight check. In the last 8 days he has gained 10 ounces... two more than they said was good/expected/average. So he is above the goals and healthy as can be. Even if he is outputting as quick and I input (or so it seems).
Today he had his second bath in the little sink. And he really liked it. As long as I kept a good grip and let him feel stable, he really liked the floating and the feeling. I love the fluffiness of his hair now that it is fresh and clean.
Saturday, I don't know what the plans are for Grandma, Nathan and myself, but Mike is taking the big boys out on the Livingston boat in the sound in the hopes of getting crab. They will do so again on Sunday, but in Grandpa Dahl's boat that day.

Things are getting a bit easier getting a load of laundry done per day, making the boys help put away their clothes each day, and picking up after themselves (I hadn't realized how MUCH I was acting like their maid). I still can't get out of the house with any predictable time, especially in the mornings... especially if I have to "sleep" late attempting to sleep in between constant feedings. I'm still not up to standing, cooking, and cleaning up from it all (thank you to all my supportive friends that have brought meals, it has truly been a blessing), and all the other household chores... but I'm doing better in getting the kids to help and just laundry. My mom has been a huge help in getting the boys retrained to be household participants not just hotel guests getting hand & foot service; she watches them while I try to catch up on sleep; she holds Nathan while I get other things done since that is his favorite position..being held. Moral support is intangible but priceless, just knowing someone is on your side and wants and works for what ever is best for you even if you are struggling or failing at the moment due to pain, exhaustion or post partum hormones gone crazy. Thanks Mom!

The boys are acting like their usual hyper active selves with humorous things to say all the time... my next challenge and fervent desire is to try to get them out of the house more often and give them opportunities to burn off all the excess energy. I still won't be able to leave the house on time, but if I leave and get them out successfully for an energy burn, it would be worth it! I have plans the get to the Children's museum eventually, bowling for which I have free coupons, and free movie days... Big plans, I just have to match with scrounging around for energy to follow through on.
In the meantime, the boys are enjoying nearly nightly "movie nights" with Grandma and the anticipated campfire tomorrow night and perhaps the crabbing with Dad too.

So that's the update. Nutshell: Good times, Healthy/Hungry Nathan, Tired/discombomulated Mom, Helpful Grandma (although tired too), Hyperactive Boys, Working Dad.
More pictures coming soon.

Bullet points of this last week:

• As I termed on facebook: "I have faced the Mortality of my Capabilities"... Feeling overwhelmed, not on my feet, a bit hopeless, without a way to get back in the game of life as usual with chores/housework/bills/life details, TIRED, emotional (completely a-typical for me), despondent,... bottom line post-partum... And because of this Grandma Bishop stayed on to help me out because I just needed more help and more time to recover physically so that I can even attempt to take on the normal routine tasks... and I can't do it if I've had just 3-4 (broken up, non-consecutive) hours of sleep each night without naps to recover in the day. Or that extra pair of hands to hold baby while I get something done, or to get something done while I hold/feed/change baby.


• Thursday was "Belly Button Day". Jockey was very excited to finally see Nathan's brand newly revealed belly button. He was so excited he tried to wake up Daddy and Caleb to share the news!


• Splash week concluded with certificates from the instructor. Caleb was proud (even if they spelled his name wrong), and Jockey... well his is a bit damp. But they can't wait to use the month long guest pass at the Y for the big slide they have in the pool that was closed all week during splash week!


• The boys continue to LOVE "movie nights" with Grandma. We've cleaned the library out of their family movies, twice.


• NATHAN LAUGHED!!!! Not just smile, but a psuedo-giggle/chuckle!!


• Nathan is even MORE HUNGRY (was that even possible) ... I'm worn out!


• Nathan had his 2-week check up, he has gain weight! He is now 8 pounds 4 oz! That is nearly a POUND in TEN DAYS! No wonder he's hundry.


• I've had my two week check up and so far they say the incision is looking "good". Honestly, it feels like a very tight, pulling, itchy, 1/2 numb, painfully tingling, area suffering in a bit of discomfort... but at least THEY think it's good. It's hard to stand for longer than 10-15 minutes, lift baby in car seat, etc.

Most interesting:

Caleb asked sounding a bit forelorn "how long do we get to keep him?" Meaning how long do we get to keep Nathan. Then we asked if we get to keep him until he's not a baby. He actually thought that we were not going to keep Nathan! He'd been a bit standoffish with Nathan, and then suddenly clinging... holding him for solid 45 minute stretches just rubbing the soft baby hair. And all this time he thought that some day he was going to have to give up Nathan... (like in "Meet the Robinsons", an animated movie with a mother giving up her baby for adoption as one of the premises of the film to be built around a kid finding a great home and seeing how his futured turned out). I set Caleb straight the moment he asked that. He seems more resolved and happier now. I still can't believe that he came up with that.... but the nearest I can tell, is that I've not been able to hide post-partum well and perhaps he thought this was what was going to happen if I didn't "get well", a term he uses when he prays for me. Amazing.

Well, that's it for now. I'm currently battling a baby wishing to turn his nights and days around... so back to work!

Jockey ready for his turn in diving in.
Lined up like little ducks at Splash Week, ready to plunge in!

Caleb!!! Doing great!

Mommy isn't the only one tired in our house!

Jockey, still loving to dress up in his "fancy clothes".... and now posing for pictures!

Mom, Nathan and Jockey, learning the features of the camera (Jockey's newest fascination).

Already a smiler

Caleb's "Hug hold"

Jockey likes to feed Nathan

GG Dahl came to visit the newest little guy

GG had to wait a long time to get her turn because both boys wanted their shot at holding Nathan too.

What's up now? How are things going?

First the boys entered "Splash Week" with the YMCA. A really neat, week long program that will keep them busy and tired! For cheap. The first day, we are suppose to guess at what class they are best suited, and then it is adjusted by the instructors for subsequent days. We walked up and the instructor looked as us (especially Jockey) with a skeptical eye. But by the end of the class, when asked if the boys were in the right class, "Oh yeah" was the response. So the boys must have impressed him enough to have that positive of a response. They had a good time, even if the pool felt a bit cold to them. Today, splash week time was followed by playing at the park with friends..... SO NEEDED. They were literally running across the room and throwing themselves crazily on the couch. They needed to burn energy! And they both came home and fell asleep before dinner!

Yesterday, Grandma Bishop took them to the theater to see Cars 2. That was a big huge deal, and they loved it. This and the other couple "movie nights" and the trip to McDonalds was the other highlights that the boys enjoyed with Grandma. The rest of the time during her visit Grandma has been helping with Nathan and the house! ALOT! She goes home Wednesday, and I don't know what I'm going to do without her. Seriously!

Nathan, is just a precious warm headed little buddy with blonde hair growing surprisingly fast. He's filling out a bit, so I know he's gaining weight. His dr. appt was post poned to Thursday, so we will get an official weigh in then. Nathan makes the cutest faces, and doesn't cry but briefly for very specific reasons which are quickly remedied. He likes to look around and just listen, especially at the trees outside. He is having a bit of a problem with congestion, especially at night.... which makes for long nights for me! He struggled from 2:30 to 4:30 last night, didn't fall asleep until after 12:45 AM, and was up again at 6:30 sounding like he was nearly choking after throwing up (not spit up) on the bed. Luckily he (and I) fell back asleep a bit in the morning, and again for a late afternoon nap. Without the naps, I know I'd be dead in the water suffering, as it is post-partum is trying to get the best of me and the only and best thing to do is to sleep it off. Nathan really is a good baby, with projectile p**, which Grandma fell victim of at one point. It is like a surprise attack, and loud. But I've had to learn NOT to change the diapers too quickly, or I'll be changing it again in 20 minutes.... and it is hard to let him sit there in it.
Jockey asks often to hold him often, but he has decided that he likes to be "hands free", which means Nathan lays on the bobby and Jockey has his hands free to play with the toes and fingers.
Caleb likes to "hug hold" Nathan, which is a great hold right now since it keeps Nathan vertical when he's congested. Nathan likes the play mat, and he still likes to sleep near me.
I'll have to select more pictures from the plethora I've taken in the last week. Next time.

More Pictures: The amazing thing is how much he resembles Caleb.

The first week with Nathan Kai...

First, the stat's/story of Baby Nathan...

He was born Friday, June 17th, 2011 at 8:54 AM via scheduled c-section at Evergreen Hospital. He weighed 7lbs, 12 ounces and was measured at 20 inches long (to compare: Caleb was 8lbs1oz 20 inches and Jockey 8lbs 7oz, 20.5 inches). He had healthy apgars at 9's. He peed on the doctor during delivery, and again the nurse just second's later as he was being wiped down and weighed. So he has already joined the FFAA... Future Fountains of America Association. He cried only when they started wiping him down, not immediately at delivery. He was quickly handed off to dad and then he waited patiently until mom was done with her part of surgery.

Within 3 hours of being born he had been visited by the on call hospital pediatrician and checked out as healthy with one item to watch: the frenulum, that little vertical piece of skin under the tongue which in Nathan's case was a little short/tight causing a mild "tongue tied" condition (often genetic, true in our case). After visits with 2 lactation consultants (because this affects both baby and mother for breastfeeding/nutrition) and a second pediatrician, on Day 2, we decided on having a frenulum-otomy. Just a snip of the skin. Grammy Dahl provided the amazing and necessary distraction to me during the "procedure", a beyond wonderful foot rub. The procedure was very quick, 3 drops of blood and very short crying protest (the circumcisions offered to boy babies these days are more traumatic than this was).

Nathan's first visitors: Of course, both Big Brothers, Caleb and Joshua. Then several grandparents, cousin and an Aunt. Tessa, Kristina, Grammy and Papa Dahl, Grandma Bishop and Papa Bill. Caleb looked briefly, but then moved on. On a return visit he showed dramatic interest and spent real time observing his littlest brother.

Jockey was enthralled from the first moments. He jumped right up on a chair and was peering over at this wrapped bundle and wanted to hold baby right away! He wanted to look at all the parts, toes etc. On his return visit, Jockey decided to show Nathan how to suck his thumb... meaning here Nathan, here is my thumb, suck on it!

Papa Bill returned later in the day with Grandma Judy. During his return visit he surprise and affected my heart with the offer and completion of a messy diaper change. It meant alot to me to see him so involved, especially given my bedridden condition.

Grandma Bishop also returned later to provide even more help and support to me, and the foot rub from her was soooo appreciated by my painfully swollen feet. That foot rub was worth the price of the plane ticket that got her up here! Two items of note for this monumentus day: It was wonderful to be able to share such a huge day in my life and the life of my growing family with both my Mom and Dad at the same time in the same place. All the pregnancy difficulties was worth this precious boy and that opportunity to share him with my parents. Second, it was a huge joy and surprise to be visited by a beloved mentor, Mary. Her simple presence and sharing in my joy of this little baby made me feel so cared for by her; I was really touched.

Saturday, in the hospital... a whirlwind of medical visitors, medication times, times requiring me to stand up, meals, vitals checked on me and baby, and more family/friend visitors. "Uncle" Brian and "Auntie" Brittany visited, as did her parents Pam and Jay. Other than that, it was the attempt to get all the diapers changed, feedings in, and deal with the discomforts.

Sunday, Happy Father's Day Mike!!! It's your first...with NATHAN!!! After a long, difficult and hiccupped process, we were released from the hospital and headed home with our new little guy. We visited the boys with Grammy and Papa Dahl and then made our way home. We napped. Then received our first non-family visitor at our house. My friend Holly brought by some baby gear and held a sleeping Nathan. It was great to share this wonderful baby with someone!

Monday, Nathan, Grandma Bishop and I stayed pretty close to home. We did notice Nathan start to be a bit yellow. This will be checked Tuesday. Later in the afternoon, Grammy Dahl picked up Caleb from school and brought him, Jockey and GG Dahl to the house for a visit. They were excited again and couldn't wait to hold him... actually making GG Dahl wait her turn funny enough. But she was excited, enthusiatic and proud of her new, handsome, blonde, healthy grandson. The last baby she was out visiting was baby rabbits, this scored a little higher on the charts I think.

Tuesday, we went to the post partum appointment. Yes, Nathan is jaundice, but at the score of 12, he is within tolerable levels (anything below 16 is passing). After weighing him and seeing how much volume he consumes with a feeding.... they are very pleased and not concerned in the least with this little guy. He had regained 4.9 ounces bringing him back up to 7lbs 5.9ounces. A great recovery. It's me they were a bit concerned on, but end of story is take it even more easy than I have been. Grandma Bishop and I picked up Jockey after the appointment and Caleb later in the day from school Caleb had made the comment that he wanted the family back together again, so I tried to comply and be sensitive to his needs. And my friend Holly stopped by with the blessing of dinner for my family. Nathan slept through her second visit.

Wednesday was Caleb's last of school, Grandma Bishop was his transport that day in my stead. This day, my friend Tara stopped by and brought her son Conner over to play with a stir crazy Jockey. This was great since I'm not able to do much, and Jockey had been really concerned that he would get to see any of his friends this summer. Nathan showed off his eyes for some of this visit. I can't get enough of his facial expressions and the eyes hve such personality.

Thursday was a productive day, by my will alone.... but in hindsight probably was not the greatest idea. We excursioned out to Lynnwood to get Caleb's annual portraits done that I had put off long enough. We even tossed Jockey and Nathan in for one shot too. It is an adorable first picutre of the three of them together, too be shared later. Mike and my mom insisted on me riding in a wheelchair, but even then I over did it. My wonderful neighbor brought over a meal for the family which we will indulge in tomorrow night, and a MOPS friend brought over a delicious Chicken Enchilada for this night. It was so good the boys scarffed it down and ate seconds voraciously the next day for lunch. Getting that recipe for sure! And it was wonderful to share a little boy that I am enthralled with myself.

To date, we have discovered Nathan is a huge cuddler... almost a must for him to sleep peaceful, and is a certainty for me to sleep. I think I have a bit of separation anxiety too in a way, he's been "with" me so long it is strange feeling not to have him near, especially when I want to give myself permission to relax into subconsciousness necessary to sleep...I'm probably just crazy.
Nathan is occassionally taking a bottle of formula, which is a favorite time of Jockey's because he wants to hold and feed Nathan. (side note: the hospital gave us some samples of liquid Similac to supplement the feedings so that I can get some sleep....Much to the blessing and infinite wisdom and provision by God, this happens to turn out to be exactly the poduct and variety of formula that I was able to stockpile for really cheap... 49 cents... regular price is 6.01...now we are able to blessedly use formula that I thought wouldn't come in handy until 6 months out!) Nathan takes some bottles!!! HUGE!!! This is different from the other boys, and exactly what I had prayed about, for the option of an occassional "break" for sleep or errands or work. Praise God! Nathan likes swaddling. I am having to learn to be LESS prompt in changing his diapers because then "it" all goes in ONE diaper not three; the problem is that you don't know if 10 minutes is long enough to wait or if 20 minutes is... And there are only a few times he lets his voice to be heard... one of which is the "i'm wet/dirty and I don't like it", the other is "give me food, I smell it and I think you're holding out on me", the last one is he does not like cold baby wipes. Other than these issues, he is quiet and if awake, VERY observant and just stares and looks and listens. Jockey and Caleb are learning the needs of a baby, and the new analogy of a "both sided" feeding from me is the "full sandwich" because they wouldn't want to eat just half and then eat again really soon, they would prefer the whole or full sandwich and not be hungry for a while, right guys? So the new baby has brought new explanations. They both are showing interest in learning all the nuances from bottle feeding without baby sucking air, to the supply and demand system of a mom's body. Lots of new conversations around here.

Ok, I'm tired and I'll just have to post pictures later. Not to mention that I should get to sleep since baby is now sleeping and I'd be a fool not to sleep now that he is sleeping.

So here we are in May...

It's been far too long since an update on what is going on in life here in the Dahl-craziness.

First, Caleb had his parent-teacher conference. It went well, there are a couple areas he could brush up on, but overall he's at grade level and his teacher said (don't know if she says this about all the students) that he is one of her favorites.

The next big highlight.. Spring break. We made it down to the Pacific Science Center for the last Free Entrance Monday for the first 1,000 people. We got in for free after 50 minutes in line. The boys got to touch anything they wanted to, of course their favorites were somewhat predictable... the water current display, the touchable sea life water display and the ball/funnel display. But they gave suitable attention to the "Naked (now you see the attraction) Mole Rats", the Space shuttle capsule, and the sand with wind display. There were several other's that they tried, but these were the highlights. They also enjoying an attempt to play an oversized floor chess game. We were there for 5 hours and used all but 10 minutes of our expensive $10 parking time, which was a better choice than the street parking that still would have cost but would have made up leave multiple times to move the car and cost just as much or more. Still $10 for 3 people for 5 hours, not horrific if this was the perspective.

We visited their new doctor for well child appointments. It turned out that Jockey needed shots, although that wasn't the plan. 5 pokes, 4 vaccines later, he is vaccinated but pretty sure he never wants to go back there again! Even though the doctor has a brindle Cane Corso dog in the office as a distraction.

The weather doesn't always cooperate with us, but when we can we do get to the park. Often I end up with 3 coats/jackets/sweaters and a portable heating pad to stay warm so can watch them play.
We made it to the children's Museum, which is another favorite of theirs. And I'm so grateful to have found a deal that I will redeem in July... a 1 yr Family membership for $38 for Jockey's early birthday present that regularly would have cost $75! I intend to use this extensively during this coming school year when he has all Wednesdays/Fridays off of school and the weather turns for the wetter!

Jockey is spending Thursdays with Grammy and Grandpa Dahl for fun and tennis lessons, and then he comes home Friday morning for school. He likes having this special time, but often just relaxes.

While he is away, that leaves Caleb and I to take advantage of the time alone and do something special. Sometimes it is as simple as a slurpee, and other times it is letting him choose what we eat for dinner, or visiting the park or library or letting him choose what we do... and then on to chores like homework, feeding rabbits, etc. It recently came to my attention that this time means a whole lot more to Caleb than I had thought it meant. I guess it is something that needs to be kept up. His birthday is on a Thursday, so maybe we'll spurge and go "to a restaurant" which is his favorite activity!

We've gotten more into couponing than I thought was possible for our already frugal family. The boys are starting to get the hang of it. We visit the grocery store and they bring me the little blinkie coupons from the little shelf machines etc. And they are starting to understand that we don't buy anything without a coupon. So Jockey asks me one day "Mom, are you going to take your coupons to heaven? I think you should, because there might be something you want to pass less for there." And more recently, while watching the "extreme couponing" show with a woman going into a dumpster for coupons, Caleb asks if I would go into a dumpster for coupons. I told him that if I went into a dumpster right now, I wouldn't get out... He sweetly offered "Mom, after school everyday we can go to a dumpster and I'll jump in and get the coupons for you." We are getting quite a comforting stockpile built up at our house. Things I'm most comforted by: the homeopathic cold medication I was able to take while pregnant during a recent cold, the infant and Children's tylenols and ibprophens for Caleb's late night fevers that spike to 104 without blinking, the free Propel, Fuze, Snapple and Vitamin waters, the 5 Free gallons of milk, and the hard to believe how cheap they were diapers for the coming Nathan baby. Lots more, but those things are what are really comforting, the other things are useful and so convient to just get out of the garage when we run out of garbage bags, tp or detergents.

We visited the Monroe Friends of the Library sale. It was highly useful in getting numerous books for myself, the boys, and even one for Papa Dahl. They were thrilled to get some books, and I was grateful then entire sack only cost $5!

The boys are active, hyper and crazy as ever. We are trying to foster good morals, good actions, and learning (Awana verses, math and reading). We have good days and less than good days. But that is life. The boys are happy over all and liking the weather improving because that equals more days at the park or riding their bikes.

Mike is doing well at the EMT training. He is gone often it seems, but he is at the top of his class about 95% of the time! He studies hard and diligently. He's also back for another round on his seemingly rather successful diet. He works hard to eat as the diet prescribes for the optimal results, but that isn't always easy with 3 other people's eating habits/food requests surrounding him. But with every good day, there is a great result that will help him and the whole family going forward with some rather large goals we have ahead of us.

As for baby news...

As of 5/6 I'm a full 33 weeks. As of the writing of this update, I have 41 days to go until the day of the c-section on June 17th!!! Just 41 days, that seems so much shorter than 6 weeks! And just 41 nights to try to get good sleep before that isn't an option anymore! Baby is about 18 inches long, the majority of birth length, and about 3lbs with the sole task of just adding to that size over the next few weeks. He has fingernails, toenails, eye brows, can hear sound and sense light and dark. At the last check up, he was measuring right on target, with a healthy beat (although lower than usual for him, and explained as a sleeping heart rate.) I have passed my Glucose Tolerance test and praising God that I don't have to poke myself or have a restricted diet for the remaining times. My BP is a little higher at the appointments, but does show recovery during the appointment, so it hasn't been a concern yet to the doctors. I'm monitoring this as home so I can get a fuller picture of what it is overall in case they start waving red flags; bed rest is simply not an option! Lately, Nathan has become a late afternoon/early evening mover, which is way better than the 2AM mover Jockey was and still wanted to be after birth. I have another appointment on 5/17 and then go to weekly appointments after that, sigh. I better start keeping track of the gas/milage for taxes with all those trips. The other things in pregnancy: I've now passed 7 (yes SEVEN) kidney stones and some sand sized granuals. The biggest was 7mm and huge (the one I had surgically removed was 10mm, so not that far off). My doctor said I was brave doing it alone with out medicine... I told her it didn't feel brave crying in Fred Meyers but that I had fooled myself into thinking it was just 3rd trimester Braxton hicks and I should just buck up and get over it because hundreds of other women manage so I should too. Nathan also is sitting very high, which is causing daily heartburn which is not always solved by the OTC remedies that are allowed during pregnancy. And lastly, something that I've finally researched and stumbled upon today, I think that I have SPD, basically a pelvic joint dysfunction where ligaments relax enough to allow joint spreading too much/early and get "out of place" causing extreme, EXTREME pain. No remedy other than birth. But I'm relieved that what I'm experiencing is real (not in my head) and is significant enough it's been given a name. Of course, there's no remedy but birth and the hope that it is corrected after because there are cases where it doesn't go back... Prayer, that's all I can do. But at least I'm not crazy thinking this excuriating pain is "nothing, should be nothing, and just in my head" (coupled with passing stones repeatedly, it has been a very unpleasant few months.) Enough of the complain fest. Nathan is only a short time away. I should be enjoying the time I have without him that allows me time to type LONG blog updates and get caught up on scrapbooking and keep up with Bible study! 41 days! And oddly, that is just 2 days before Father's Day, I guess I just have "holiday" babies.

Hopefully, it won't be so long before another update, but with life as it is, no promises! TTFN

So a little catch up is in order...

Mike made it through his surgery well. He spent the next week on crutches and returned to work on Monday, with a few rough worn out sore days. He is still achy and hurting, but is trying to exercise to get his knee in shape. He is suppose to see his doctor next Wednesday for a check up and determine whether a physical therapy program is required or if he is progressing adequately on his own.
He starts his EMT class March 23 and it will run Wednesday nights and Saturdays all day until June 29th. This will make a long set of months/weekends for both him, and myself left at home with the crazy boys.

Caleb came down sick last Wednesday, feverish. By Thursday, he was throwing up, Friday just a bit too. Consequently, he missed school Thursday and Friday. Josh also was warm on Friday morning, so he stayed home too.

Monday, we went to the zoo because the teachers were having an in-service day. We invited one of Jockey's school buddies. We had a good long, decent weathered day... and Caleb fell right asleep at 6 right when we got home.
Jockey had a playdate on Wednesday after school so that I could get to work and get to my doctor's appointment. And the boys had Awana on Wednesday night.

Baby is growing well. Heartbeat was a strong 160 at the appointment, measuring right on schedule. Kicking away, twirling inside enough to cause near seasickness, and he's starting to feeling heavy. The biggest item of information. We have set a final birthdate/surgery date: Friday, June 17th, 2011. That is the offical day, most likely in the morning. Mike will be there that day, but is expected to have to be at EMT class on the next day, Saturday. And I expect to be released to go home on Sunday morning. So it is finally determined. Josh is out of school by then. Caleb will probably have to miss that Friday, and Monday's school. It is what it is. And then we cruise into the summer.

The next school year is shaping up to look a little different than expected. Jockey will be attending 2 full kindergarten days a week and every other week 1/2 days on Mondays. Strange. But nothing I can change. We have to get all of his immunizations by then however, that is the next big step.

I have SEVERAL hours of work next week that I have to find a way to get it all accomplished, and MOPS with a craft to put on. Whew!

So that's the lastest.

So last Wednesday, Grandma Bishop flew into town. The weather was nice the whole visit with the exception of a few minutes of spitting rain on Monday, and the snow falling on Tuesday the day she flew home. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the visit, and as always Caleb was very sad and almost tearful when I told him it was the last day. They did enjoy playing on her iphone all the games that she could find, playing games on the computer, having "movie nights", visiting for the first time the hispanic food/bakery store on main street in Monroe, the St. Vincent store where books were gathered for the reading times (as well as clothing for Nathan), going to the park where California Warm Grandma braved the brisk day and sunshine, and the Children's Musuem on their family free night. The boys did not have school Friday or Monday, so there was plenty of time together and we all wore each other out having fun.

Baby Update: 23 weeks as of 2/25. He is now about 11 1/4 inches and about 1 lb in weight. Kicking alot, but really he's turning into a night owl or late afternoon active guy. Caleb and Josh are just starting to be able to feel the kicking, but their trouble is a lack of patience... they don't hold still long enough to feel the difference between my breathing and heartbeat and the actual kicks because the kicks aren't strong enough to be undeniable (or later, visually seen). It's like waiting for lighting to strike and having your hand in the right place at the right time and waiting for it... they don't wait. I haven't been out walking with the weather and Grandma Bishop in town, but it's time to start getting back into the habit no matter how much or where it hurts. I'm tired alot, but if I walk in the mornings after dropping off the boys at school, I'm positively falling asleep in the middle of things by the afternoon. The boys keep asking when it is time, how much longer. And of course, the famous.... "is the baby naked inside?" I'm still only barely showing, most people I come in contact with don't know until I tell them, but being obviously pregnant is just around the corner I'm sure. Maybe then the new tube toppped pregnancy jeans won't just slide off my hips with an actual belly to keep them up. Next Doctor's appointment is 3/9.

This week, Josh only attended school on Wednesday. With the school delays 2 hours late for Thursday and Friday, Friday school was cancelled for Jockey. Caleb and Josh were sure that Wednesday would be a snow day, so they "camped" with blankets and sleeping bags on the floor at the end of our bed. But that was a normal day of school. Thursday, we slept in and still got Caleb to school. Friday, it was beautiful sunny and brilliant blue skies and DRY roads in the Fryelands... so we were a bit stunned to find that school was 2 hours late when we went to drop off Caleb at the normal time... it delayed out day a bit, but still a good day. (The boys were excited that that meant time to pick up "megamind" at Redbox, not so much the other errands I had to run with them.) Awana was also cancelled this week because of the expect snow fall Wednesday night. Honestly, when it was all said and done, I think the Fryelands (where our house is located) got the least of it like the eye of a storm... everyone else had 4-6 inches and we had a sparse covering that just melted off by 10Am. Oh well, too many snow days will delay Caleb's last day of school, which affects baby delivery/school drop off/pick up logistics.

Mike will be having knee surgery about 11:15ish (drop off/check in time) on Tuesday 3/1. They are presuming an orthoscopic surgery, but are prepared for a full incision if it look like they have to resculpt or dimple the bone or possible pin placement if the "micro facture" is bad enough. He is expecting to spend 48 hours off of it completely except the restroom runs, and then begin working on moving and strengthening it; they told him he'd be ready for "Strenuous" activity by 6 weeks out. This injury however, has pulled him out of the Fire Academy because of their physical requirements. However, we've landed on a back up plan, an EMT class begins March 23 and goes through June 29th. It will be WAY less strenuous (especially for the first couple "book work" weeks) and something he can work up to for the ride-alongs and ER service hours he'll have to put in. He will graduate having taking the State exam certifying him as an EMT, just a great skill and program to have completed and have in his bag of knowledge/tricks.

This weekend and coming week:
I expect to blessedly use a 40% off coupon at Ben Franklin on a coveted resin for projects I want to do, church, new coupon cycles, normal school days for the boys, two days of work for me, getting into the walking habit again, Mike's surgery and 48 hours of laying around, MOPS Friday, a trip to the huge consignment sale at the Fairgrounds next weekend, and maybe I'd pick up some treat for myself for my March 5th day.

That's all for now folks.

Caleb and Jockey are just crusing along in school, pre-k, Awana, and life. They've made it to the park on nice days, and even met friends on occassion. For the Super Bowl, we all went over to our friend's house where they played the entire duration of the football game! Caleb went to Anacortes last weekend with Grammy and Papa Dahl, inspite of the weather. They even hit a few garage sales, places to eat, and did some homework reading. Jockey has been going to Grammy and Papa's house Thursday afternoons for tennis lessons and a stay overnight and being returned in time for School on Friday. It's a treasured time (and limited time, with him in 5-day Kindergarten next year). He comes home and "practices" his tennis by playing the Wii. He's silly, and surprisingly good... on the Wii. While he is gone, Caleb and I get time together. Today, we both did "homework"; Caleb read and I did my Bible study. Caleb's reading has now earned him minutes on the Wii... a new system of earn and reward to balance responsibility (homework) and play (Wii/TV/Friends/Park). I'm hoping to be consistent with him, at least long enough to get the point across and the lesson learned. Work before play, healthy food before dessert and the rest of those adages.

The "Big" day for us was Tuesday.... We had our 20 week ultrasound (techincally I was 20w+4). Healthy. GOOD sized at the 86th percentile, which per my doctor, means I'm on my way to having another 8 pounder. My response: good thing it's coming out the front then. The ultrasoundist looked for 2 hemispheres in the brain with both ventricles, 4 chamber heart, nose bones, the absence of a cleft palate, measured femurs and other arm bones, the insertion point for the umbilical cord, by turning on the "color" she could see the blood flow, looked at the spine checking for any gaps, 2 kidneys were found, and a bladder. The heart was beating at a healthy, normal 146 bpm. And it was a HE.....the long awaited, much prayed for, God foretold BOY. And thus the name Nathan Kai (Meaning gift of and messenger of God respectively). So being told ahead of time, and confirmed with "wait for the glory of God to be revealed" actually did reveal our intended and desired gender. And if you know about ultrasounds... parts are present= boy or the absence of parts =girl. We have a picture of parts. Again, like Caleb... sitting on the camera! We even came away with a DVD as the technician went through the exam. Little Nathan was ACTIVE, she was having a hard time catching him, and he kept facing my spine which made getting a traditional "profile" ultrasound shot impossible. But healthy. Weighed in at 14 ounces, and is approximately 7 3/4" long. He is kicking up a storm just about all the time, but I notice it went I finally hold still... or it's my bladder he's kicking. Last Friday, 3 people actually asked me if I had lost weight, a dozen other's (mostly pregnant themselves) complained that I wasn't or barely showing... all of which bely the 5lb gain(still below their curve of expected gains)... but I'm chalking that up to the 14 oz baby, fluid, placenta, and the doubling of my blood volume. And I have gone for 2 walks this week inspite of the below freezing temperatures! I'm going to kick and claw my way against gaining the quantities I did with the other two boys!

So that's the baby update. In other news, next Wednesday, Grandma Bishop flies into town for about a week. The boys have next Friday and the following Monday off of school which means they will be around for the majority of her visit. Jockey has a birthday party to attend on Saturday the 19th. Grandpa Bill's birthday is also coming up pretty darn quick, and GG Dahl too.
Mike goes in tomorrow for his MRI to confirm the actual condition of his knee and then the doctor will make a decision on a course of action. For the praying to God folks, all prayers are needed and appreciated for healing, miracles, best-case scenarios, quick scheduling in, quick recovery, and mercy/grace in the Fire Academy administrators that he isn't dismissed from the program... whatever you feel lead to pray, we thank you because it is only in our God's hands and power now!

So it's been a couple of interesting weeks...

We had a snow day last Wednesday. It was fun to have a mid-week break, but Jockey missed a day of school, and when you only go 3 days a week 1/3 is big. And then again with Martin Luther King Jr Day off, again he missed 1/3 of his school week. Next time, snow day on a Thursday!

We got together yesterday, Jockey and I, for a play date at the park and braved the cold for the sake of a hour with his friend. It was good until he slipped in the mud and the rain started, luckily only 15 minutes apart from each other in occurrence. We came home and he warmed up with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Caleb was out sick today from school. He came down with a fever Tuesday night, and despite only have a tickly throat Wednesday morning... the rules still state that if it was within 24 hours then keep them home from school. He and I did errands today and had breakfast together. He did feel well enough to harrass and argue with Jockey.

However, Jockey was a little jealous that he didn't get to skip school and threw fits ALLLLLL day long. He had problems before school, to the point I had to tell him we were leaving in 5 minutes and if he wasn't wearing any clothes then that was how I was going to put in him the car and that was how he was going to go to school. Surprisingly, if I could just press Mute on the tears, he actually DID get dressed. But he had problems at school. He had problems with Caleb at home, He got a bad report from Awana tonight. And let the C-O-N-S-Q-EN-CES begin!!!! I hope he's learned something today, but I'm sick too and I can not repeat a day like this with my health tied behind my back and a bad kid too!

Baby #3 update... last week they called me and the official DUE (not birth) Date is 6/24/2011, which more than likely means a birth date of 6/15-6/17, but that will be decided in March generally speaking. That adjusts how far along I am. As of today (1/19), I am 17 weeks AND 5 days, so nearly completely through 18 weeks. Still having sporatic morning/evening etc sickness, but also an increase in appetite. (I really need to get out walking again, but hard with all this rain.) I haven't quite felt consistent identifiable movement, just occassionally when I'm holding still long enough to wait for a movement. And definately not feeling anything outside yet. Still not into pregnancy clothes, but those regular jeans are feeling snug, but it's more about the uncomfortable pressure sensation because they are still buttoning fine. The list of aches & pains is growing almost by the day, but I won't complain, bore you or provide Too-Much-Info (TMI) on them all. And lastly, the days are being counted down in this household and mind until Feb 8th when we find out the gender. The last times were desires, even strong desires one way or the other, but this time I feel even more passionate about what I want. I know there will be a huge mental adjustment if it isn't the Nathan we expect, the boys only refer to the pictures and baby as HE. But that's all in God's hands. Still, the much anticipated date is on countdown!

Mike starts his academy officially next Wednesday evening and it will go Wed's and Sat's (all day) through June! But it is a huge/difficult step for this path!

School has started again. (I'm already ready for a snow day and sleeping in.)
Awana has started again. Caleb is going to recite the whole 23 psalms and earn a "green Jewel" this Wednesday. Jockey is still doing well on his verse and extra credit.
Bible Study has started again... I'm already loving it one session in, and Josh likes the socialization and the "mommy" food afterwards.

Funny saying of the day:

Caleb- "Mom, how did the dinosaurs die?"
Me- I think they froze to death. None of them have fur.
Jockey- "And they don't have FLUBBER either."
Me- You mean blubber, like whales.
Jockey- Yeah. That stuff too.


Doctor's appointment today.
1) healthy baby heart beat at 150
2) good BP for me
3) NO weight gain yet for me (Stressing the word YET!)
4) blood drawn to check Thyroid and for fetal spina bifida
5) Doc and the Maternal Fetal doc are going to debate their ultrasounds to determine a final due date... which matters in terms of correct, healthy day to C-section.
6) next appointment is Feb 8th, This is also the day we find out the gender.

Caleb is doing way better reading and doing so every day. Although reading has had to become the baragining chip to play wii, or punishment for bad behavior... which I dislike doing, but it IS a button for him and I have to use what works.
Jockey is the "Friend of the week" and is loving all the attention. He got to take in a favorite game, stuffed animal, toy, book, and pictures of himself from birth to now. AND it was sharing day too.

This last weekend we bought off of craigslist and GREAT, beautiful, STURDY bunkbed! It is completely reliably safe and is very attractive too. A great deal @ $450! The Bunk came with the mattress (easily $400 new), 6 sheet sets since they said they wouldn't have a twin bed in the house after the bunkbed was gone, 2 valances for the windows, 2 comforters, 2 matching large sized stuffed bears... all this in addition to the bunkbed (regular retail cost $749). We can't wait to show it off to the grandparents, especially those with a vested interest! Caleb came home from school saying he can't wait to see his bed. Of course in the two nights of using it, the boys switch who sleeps where, and often trying to end up in the same bed even though the other mattress is only 4 feet away! And since all lower bunks suffer from being a bit dark, I've strung some rice lights under the top bunk so Joshy bottom bunk is lit up and special feeling. He likes having the control of turning them on and off and to which ever setting he wants.

Well, we are looking forward to the "major snowfall" predicted for today.... but I'm seriously doubting it will amount to more than a bunch of hype. I WISH it was significant because I could use a sleep in snow day. Only God knows, I suppose I should pray for what we want if we want it.
That's all for now.