Friday, May 25, 2018

Leah is NINE!

My little lady is 9 years old today. Unfortunately, I have to work tonight, so we're taking her out for birthday shopping tomorrow.


She loves taking rides to go places, even if she ends up staying in the car. She can name most Pokemon, likes playing Mario Bros. games and jumping on the trampoline. The occasional sass is still in effect, but mostly with looks and not words (thankfully). She's sweet and funny and enjoys being a big sister. Elias just loves her to pieces. She started carrying a small handbag and has shown an interest in origami and spirographs. Her chores are washing dishes and tidying the den and she wants to learn to cook. Her personality is more outgoing these days and she's quick to make a friend. I'm so proud of the little person she's becoming.

Last night, Mom took us out to eat at Ichiban because little lady, like her mama, loves sushi. And oh, was it divine. I got my sushi fix, though it's never enough, and I let the big kids fill up on desserts. Mom dropped off an ice cream cake after the kids were in bed, so we're set for birthday fun.


It's bittersweet because last year, we celebrated Leah's birthday at Ichiban and Emily was with us. Dad was also not as bad off health-wise as he is now.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

12 weeks & other stuff

Zac took the big kids to work with him and I brought Elias with me to the doctor for my 12-week appointment. The tech spent a good two, try-not-to-panic minutes looking for Bug's heartbeat until she realized she was too low. Strong heartbeat found, much relief. I go back June 20th.

I picked the kids up after my appointment and we went to get their new glasses. Jac needed a new prescription and Leah only needs hers for reading. I'm hoping she doesn't lose this pair.


After glasses, we ordered some fast food, picked up Zac for lunch, and headed to the park to hang out until Zac had to get back.


Pregnancy highlights:
How far along: 12 weeks.
Size of baby: Plum!
Total weight gain/loss: Five pounds total gained.
Maternity clothes: I can't button regular denims anymore.
Gender: Unknown.
Movement: Yes! Just a few flutters now and then when I'm lying on my back.
Cravings: Random. I wanted tomato soup and grilled cheese tonight.
Symptoms: So tired, but less nausea. Far less patience.
Best moment this week: Feeling flutters and hearing the heartbeat.

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Global Wildlife, Insta-Gator Ranch

The children's group at church put together a trip to spend the day in Louisiana, visiting Global Wildlife and the Insta-Gator Ranch. Zac and I opted to ride the bus because we woke up around 5:30am and just drove to Louisiana last week. Sleep was a must. Also, less wear and tear on the car.

We arrived at Global around 10 and ate lunch, then loaded into the jeeps for the private tour. The last time we were here was in 2008. The kids had SO MUCH FUN. They don't normally get super involved with new things, but feeding the animals was something they didn't even think twice about. Even getting licked by the bison didn't phase them. Clyde the Camel stole their feeding cups, which broke Elias' heart, but he's roughly okay. This morning, he reminded us "He stole my cup, Daddy."



Insta-Gator Ranch was fascinating. We learned the alligators have lips on the inside of their mouths and that they really like marshmallows. We were able to catch a few babies from the nursery pond and see how flexible they can be if provoked. They can basically chew on the base of their tail if need be.


We finished our trip with a visit to a splash pad in Abita Springs to cool off, then headed to Chik Fil A for dinner before heading back to Mississippi. We did so much in a day, it made the trip worth it. I'm still exhausted today.

Monday, May 14, 2018

Jac is TWELVE!

My first baby is twelve years old today!! It's amazing how fast the years have gone by.


He's so smart and kind and so helpful. He enjoys reading large books and various series. He's also very thoughtful, sometimes making me hot tea or toast "just because". He cooks sometimes, mainly soups or foods than can go in the oven (like pizza). Rarely does he complain when we ask him to do things around the house. His chores are mainly washing laundry and cleaning off the surfaces in the kitchen or taking out the garbage. He likes playing with plush toys, as well as his video games. Minecraft and Pokemon are still favorites. He's slow to anger and quick to apologize and I'm so lucky he's my son.

I got the kids up and dressed this morning and brought them to Cracker Barrel for pancakes. It's probably been about nine years or so since I took them out by myself to eat. Usually it's from guilt that Zac can't join us (lol), but it was great having the quality time. Tonight, Jac wanted Fernando's so we brought his friend, Halek, with us. The staff sang the Spanish birthday song and put a sombrero on Jac's head, as well as a mouth full of whipped cream. He thought it was awesome. They even gave him a bowl of fried ice cream. All the kids shared it since they were mostly full from tacos. Jac said it was probably his most favorite birthday. I can't believe he's 12 already!

Mother's Day pt. 2

We got up around 6am on Sunday and headed to Louisiana. Marie had a crawfish boil for Mother's Day, so we spent time with Zac's family. We haven't seen Aunt Janie in a while, so we visited with her as well as Christina and Mawmaw. The crawfish were so good. Even the big kids figured out how to peel them and filled up. It was hot outside, too. Louisiana heat is its own special type of heat that makes you feel like you're being sunburned on the inside just by breathing. Pawpaw and Uncle Steve helped the kids fish for a little while. They didn't catch anything, but we know they enjoyed it, so we can see about taking them fishing sometime. I'm glad I brought Elias a change of clothes because he ended up sitting in some dog poop. Poor kiddo. We were only able to spend a few hours in town before heading back to Mississippi. This time we made sure to grab some snowballs. I went to work for the floorset and was off by midnight. I was just glad I managed to nap in the car for a little while.