Tick Pick

Mom picked us up yesterday morning and drove us to Aunt Trish's house for a lunch gathering. I like that she has these get-togethers. When I was little, my friends would talk about family reunions and random parties, just to get family together to visit. I only remember a few Easters (until my Gommie's Alzheimer's kicked into full-gear), occasional Thanksgivings and not too many Christmases (until I had my own children). I've only been to one family reunion, but have no memory of it, only a picture.

Last time we visited, I was barely pregnant and Zac, along with Matt and Alex, brought all the kids through the woods in the backyard to a lake. I wanted to see the lake this time, even though walking long distances is becoming a challenge.

We made it to the lake, after stepping through thorny bushes, avoiding spider webs and mosquito bites, and spotting a deer. Once we stopped to take a short break, Zac noticed a few ticks on his shoes. Ticks creep me out something awful. I've been bitten twice in my life and have picked a few off Toby. I will never be okay with ticks. Upon further inspection, he not only found a few ticks crawling up his legs, but he found some on his shorts as well. Jac had a few crawling on him, as did Leah, and as did me. Ew ew ew ew ew.

The heat was getting to me and the ticks were disgusting, so I insisted we head back. I put Leah on my back, Zac picked up Jac, and we walked back to Aunt Trish's house, stopping frequently to check for ticks and so I could catch my breath. We removed any straggler ticks outside and finished visiting with family before heading home.

I bathed the kids, inspected their clothes and bodies for any creepers (I found one tiny tick on Leah's skirt) and took a two-hour shower. I officially decided I will not live in the woods Little House style ever. I would rather the beach 100%. 

Leah is Six!

Happy birthday, my sweet little lady!

Glucose Test

Since I didn't want to risk being unable to tolerate the glucose screening by drinking that horrible potion, I was told to eat a Big Mac and Coke. Well, because my appointment was for the morning during breakfast hours, I had to figure out how much sugar was in the glucose drink (75 grams!) then browse a few menu calculators to get something equivalent: Chik-Fil-A's chicken biscuit and a small Oreo milkshake. Nothing like chugging down a milkshake first thing in the morning, gag. My results were great. No signs of gestational diabetes and my iron levels are good, woo!

My ultrasound went well. The choroid plexus cysts dissolved, my placenta is in a good position (but I have a small placental lake that will be monitored), and Eli is growing right on target at 27 weeks, 3 days. The little squish wouldn't turn over, keeping his back to us the whole time with wiggly protests. I go back every two weeks now.

My friend Patty sent me four of the most awesome foxy paintings she created. I love them so much, but am keeping them wrapped until I can find a proper place to display them. One to represent each of my kiddos. Her talent is just amazing.

Jackson Zoo

As a birthday gift, Zac and I decided to bring the kids to the Jackson Zoo. There was a 50% chance of rain, but the sun was shining, so we decided to go anyway and risk it. We made it halfway through the mapped trail when we were caught in a downpour. Zac brought us to a little snack hut, so we were okay for a few minutes, but the roof started leaking and we got soaked. We ended up waiting outside the restrooms for the rain to stop and then it was closing time. We plan to go back next month to finish the trail and hopefully prepare for anything a little better.

Jac is Nine!

Happy birthday, my sweet little man!

Mother's Day 2015

My sweet family brought me breakfast in bed this morning. It's been a lovely day so far. I was able to take a nap and didn't feel too bad.

I spotted a luna moth outside the door. Perhaps I'll have good luck this week.

Crochet Things

I've been meaning to update, but my comfy place on the sofa is so far from the computer. I've also been crocheting like a fiend (to clear up some space in my yarn box) and binge-watching CSI: Las Vegas. Sometimes I feel like the SAHM who lays on the sofa watching soaps, but growing a little person is exhausting.

I have never been pregnant in the summer. It's still spring, but already uncomfortably hot. I was nearly ready to pop with Jac and Leah by now. I've still got 15 weeks to endure. It's weird how fast I got to this point, but now time is starting to slow down. When I go back to my appointment on the 20th, I'll have to take the glucose test. Luckily, I don't have to drink the concoction (I can't digest it), so Dr. W told me I can have a burger and soda before I go in. I'm thrilled! I'm also excited to have an ultrasound to see if Eli's cysts have disappeared.

Zac is working overnight all month. It's lonely, but I've got my snugglebugs. One of which lost another tooth while eating sushi. She accidentally swallowed it, but the Tooth Fairy still left a dollar.