Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Love
The Morse Family
2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Christmas Caroling
Friday night Olivia and I had a date with Grandpa while Daddy worked. We went on a hay ride and did some caroling with some family friends.
We arrived just in time for a little snack before we headed out, but then it was time to load up. We headed down some beautiful dirt roads checking out all the decorations and stopped at many houses to sing some Christmas songs. Everyone was given some jingle bells, which took Olivia just a little bit to get used to, but once she did she just shook those bells the whole time. She just sat and shook the bells on Grandpa's or my lap.
We arrived just in time for a little snack before we headed out, but then it was time to load up. We headed down some beautiful dirt roads checking out all the decorations and stopped at many houses to sing some Christmas songs. Everyone was given some jingle bells, which took Olivia just a little bit to get used to, but once she did she just shook those bells the whole time. She just sat and shook the bells on Grandpa's or my lap.
Olivia and I shared this first as I have never been caroling before either, we both had a great time and very much appreciated being included by the Crofoot's. We hope to get to join again next year.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Sisters! Sisters!
My Sister/My Friend
You are someone I look up to
You were there when I needed you most.
Though we’ve had our differences
You were someone I have always loved.
Thanks for being my sister.
It means more than I can say.
We are sisters because we’re related
But I choose to call you friend.
As I sit back and think of my little princess becoming a big sister to a little brother, I am reminded of my own sister and all of the amazing things she has done for me.
 |
| Going to dinner for my birthday while I was pregnant with Olivia. |
Let me begin by saying that I am very grateful to have a sister as wonderful as I do. Yes, I may not have always realized this and by that I mean for the first few (read: many) years I didn't want to have a sister. I was in my glory as an only child (as short lived as that was) until they brought that little baby home and she didn't leave. Mom tells of the time where she was in the cradle in the living room and she caught me pushing it really high trying to turn it over. Don't worry I didn't succeed and it was then pushed up against a wall. There is also a video that Daddy shot of me laying on the edge of the couch and Jamie sitting on the floor in front of me. Sweet I know until you realize that I had the back of her overalls in my hand. When we were in school at St. Mary Magdalen I think 4th and 3rd grades I put her panties in her backpack so when she pulled out her book out they would come as well.
Please do not fear for all the not so nice things I did to her while she was younger I sure got my payback. Somewhere between grade school and high school she became much smarter than I, clever I should say! The one that I will never forget is a night we returned home late from a Solar Bears game. As I was flushing the toilet I was sprayed (from the clean top tank, I feel the need to add that) with water. I was screaming and after Mom and Dad found Jamie giggling under her covers they pieced together what she had done. Yes, yes, how can they be mad and scold her when it was so damn funny and what kid would think to pull the little tube out and stick it between the tank and the lid.
No matter what our past and not getting alongness there may have been I have always been very protective of my little (read: younger, because she out grew me a long time ago) sister. My favorite was a time she had boy at our house and I came home upset for one of the million teenage girl things and he was just being plain rude. So I told him to get out of our house...he listened.
I can apparently grow much past my small size and have nerves of steel when I need to and one of those times is when you are messing with my family. I am allowed to not like her and be mean to her but no one else better even try!
My sister has always been one to have a tough exterior and in my 27 years with her I am still surprised by things she does. Jamie has never been one to show her emotions or let you know how much you truly mean to her. Much unlike myself where I wear my heart on my sleeve, she guards it and only lets you see it when she wants you to. We have control issues!
She let me in when I had my first child. Jamie showed up at the hospital just as the sun was rising, only a few hours after Olivia was born. Everyone else was home still and as I was working on getting out of bed to take a shower when in walks Jamie (no warning, no call (I may have gotten a text?), just Jamie). Ben was going to help me get ready, then go retrieve Olivia from the nursery but instead Jamie offered to help me so that Ben was able to spend some quiet time with his daughter. Not many people would come in and put aside the urge to pick up and hold a newborn, but my sister put me first. She spent the next hour and a half helping me shower and get dressed. She even dried and straightened my hair, no argument just a wantonness to help. What others saw was Jamie's Facebook status saying, "The early bird gets the worm!" with a picture of her holding Olivia. See, she doesn't want anyone to know how awesome she really is.
Since Olivia has been around I have seen a side of my sister that I never thought existed. She takes her role as Aunt and God Mother very seriously, but don't get me wrong she is the first to teach Olivia how to have FUN, like jumping on my bed. Each day she never ceisis' to amaze me.
I have taken lots of time to think of what I am grateful for as a daughter, sister, wife, and mother, Jamie is certainly one of things on the top of my list. It may have taken me awhile to see all of her wonderful attributes but I since I have I wouldn't trade her for any amount of money in the world.
She is my sister and only mine.
I hope that one day Olivia and Benjamin will have the type of relationship that her and I have now. I would like to skip the beginning when I didn't care for her and just skip to the good stuff. I know that there is arguments that I will be breaking up but as long as I instill the love between the two of them like my parents did, I think I have done my job.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Belly Comparison
It has started again. I guess people just don't realize that all pregnant women are different and grow at different rates.
You would think that going through this once already would have prepared me a little better for the comments that people say to you. Yes, right to your face with no concern for your feelings or that you are a complete stranger or that your hormones are crazy and you could snap at any moment.
I have been asked on numerous occasions if I am going "to be getting an early Christmas gift?". Of course when I reply no that I am not due until the end of March, you should see their faces. Or even better their reply..."are you sure there is only 1 in there?" No you know what those sonograms are always wrong and my doctor knows nothing. Of course I am sure there is only 1. I want to be like I am only 5'1 where do you think I am going to put this kid.
How would people like it if I just went around telling people how fat I thought they were?
Although I have to say that with all of the not so complimentary comments I have received I have gotten a lot of very nice comments that I didn't get with Olivia. I have had many people tell me that I make pregnancy look good, and one young girl say that she hoped she looked as beautiful as I do when she gets pregnant. Wow I am honored and wonder if were are looking in the same mirror? Keep 'em coming people you cancel out all the people who have no idea what to say.
 |
| (Pardon the pained look on my face in the new one) I am just about the same size as I was with Olivia. My weight gain is now even with the first pregnancy. |
You would think that going through this once already would have prepared me a little better for the comments that people say to you. Yes, right to your face with no concern for your feelings or that you are a complete stranger or that your hormones are crazy and you could snap at any moment.
I have been asked on numerous occasions if I am going "to be getting an early Christmas gift?". Of course when I reply no that I am not due until the end of March, you should see their faces. Or even better their reply..."are you sure there is only 1 in there?" No you know what those sonograms are always wrong and my doctor knows nothing. Of course I am sure there is only 1. I want to be like I am only 5'1 where do you think I am going to put this kid.
How would people like it if I just went around telling people how fat I thought they were?
Although I have to say that with all of the not so complimentary comments I have received I have gotten a lot of very nice comments that I didn't get with Olivia. I have had many people tell me that I make pregnancy look good, and one young girl say that she hoped she looked as beautiful as I do when she gets pregnant. Wow I am honored and wonder if were are looking in the same mirror? Keep 'em coming people you cancel out all the people who have no idea what to say.
Monday, December 12, 2011
A Sea World Christmas
The Morse Family Funday Sunday!
 |
| Our group consisted of over 30 people so this is just a small portion. |
We were so lucky to be able to spend time with the family yesterday at Sea World checking out all the Holiday fun. We squeezed in so many shows and for lack of a better word exhibits, most before the rain hit. Lucky Olivia has a stroller and was the one person to make it through the rain completely dry and with over an hour nap. (Why don't they make these in adult size?)
 |
| Sorry for the lack of pictures my camera died after being there for only an hour. |
While in one of the stores Olivia had a field day trying on a bunch of hats. She has an accessory habit that I think is going to be hard to support as she gets older.
We got special seating at the Shamu show which Olivia couldn't take her eyes off of. It's amazing what those animals can do with their size. They ended up having to stop the show without doing the end because one of the whales wouldn't leave the big tank. It was pretty humorous and reminds us that they are just animals and no matter how much training they can still do what they want.
I think the highlight of our day and especially mine was the Christmas Show. It really reminded me that it is the holiday's. I can't say how much I LOVE this time of year!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello Santa...
...I like you but not up close! Will you still bring me presents?
Love,
Olivia
This year our Santa visit went much different then last year (click here to see the amazing pics we got last year). We went back to the Millenia Mall to visit Santa because they were so good the year before.
With things the was they are we were not going to take her this year and we figured she would freak out. But Gigi and Papa wanted to take her so we decided to meet Friday at noon which worked out for Aunt Jamie as well because she made it just before she started work. We ended up having to wait in line for almost an hour and Olivia did great and for the most part entertained herself.
We finally reached the front of the line and it was Olivia's turn to visit with Santa. She immediately turned into our little cling on and wouldn't let go of Daddy's neck. The photographers were amazing and worked very hard to help us get a few shots of her with Santa. But since she wouldn't separate herself from us she sat on my lap with me plastered against the back of the chair so I wouldn't be in them.
Not to shabby if I do say so myself. We even got a somewhat happy look on her face in 1 or 2.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Welcome Bernard
Welcome to our family Bernard!
We found Bernard taking in a little snooze in Olivia's crib with this little note last Thursday night.
Holiday Spirit
Let me start by saying that this time of year is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE, and last year it got even that much better with the addition of Olivia. She may have only been 7 month's old but I was sure going to live up every minute of the season.
Turn the page to this year and I am certainly going to squeeze every ounce of Holiday Spirit out of it. I decorated the tree before we left for South Carolina so I have given myself an extra week to enjoy its beauty and sparkling lights. Ben and I are loving carrying on old traditions and beginning new ones and I am certain these memories that we are making will last generations. I will make certain that Olivia's childhood is filled to the brim with happiness and memories just like my parents did for me.
Ben and I have begun a new tradition this year with Olivia (its not grand but its festive). We now take walks after dinner and after Olivia is ready for bed, we strap her in the wagon with her blanket and head out. We walk each street just looking at the lights and moving lawn ornaments while my Pandora Christmas station plays loudly in the background. Olivia loves it, she squeals and points as we pass the lit up houses. It makes my night!
Bring it on Christmas Season, we are ready!
Turn the page to this year and I am certainly going to squeeze every ounce of Holiday Spirit out of it. I decorated the tree before we left for South Carolina so I have given myself an extra week to enjoy its beauty and sparkling lights. Ben and I are loving carrying on old traditions and beginning new ones and I am certain these memories that we are making will last generations. I will make certain that Olivia's childhood is filled to the brim with happiness and memories just like my parents did for me.
 |
| She loves her Reindeer PJ's |
Bring it on Christmas Season, we are ready!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Tough Mudder
Ben several months ago signed up to do Tough Mudder in Tampa. It is 12 miles of 26 military obstacles that they have to complete. Our friend Jim signed up on his team and off they went this past Saturday. Below is a little glimpse into what happened in Jim's words. I wish you could have all seen them when they came home Saturday night, both walking with legs and arms spread apart and lots of limpy walking.
Race summary: Thinking that registration closed at a certain time (because that's what it said on the website) we arrived about 4 hours earlier than we needed to. That left plenty of time to walk around most of the course and take a peek at the obstacles. It was then that we say the quarter-pipe, a 12 foot high concave wall that was slippery as all hell. We saw one guy try for 20 minutes to get up it, failing every time. The worst part was that it was the second to last obstacle before the finish, so you're already worn out by then. Needless to say, we were haunted by the thought of it through the entire course.
We finally took off at 1300, and I almost bit it hard on the first obstacle, Steeple Chase. Approaching what looked like just a series of 4 foot walls, I got over confident, since I've gone over plenty of walls much higher. It wasn't until I was airborne over it that I saw the ditch on the opposite side. Nothing but luck kept me from landing the wrong way and breaking an ankle or two. I soon forgot all about it though, because the next one, Cherynoble Ice Bath had a similar effect to those zappy things the Men in Black use. It's a large dumpster filled with literally ice-cold water - they dump huge quantities of ice in it - with a bar in the middle that forces you under water. I jumped in and almost died, because the shock made every muscle in my body want to gasp for air. As I was underwater, somebody on duty inside my brain did a good job of activating the manual override until I was fairly certain I had broken the surface. For several hundred yards after that it was like being stabbed with a thousand needles all over your body. You could say it was exhilarating.
Onward we trudged, through 12 miles of cargo nets, mud, balance beams, mud, fire, mud, mud, mud, tunnels, mud, culverts, mud, 12 ft walls, and a little more mud. When we finally made it to the quarter pipe, we were sufficiently exhausted, but we both were somehow motivated enough (maybe out of fear of attempting it several times...) to get up and over it on the first go, and in pretty good fashion. After that was the home stretch, with the end so close it was almost impossible to feel anymore pain (except for Ben's leg cramp which tried to do him in 40 yards from the finish, which he powered through like a champ.) At the end there were pretty girls to don you with a head band, someone gave me a banana, then a t-shirt, then, the most glorious and delicious plastic cup of Dos Equis i've ever drank. It was only after we sat down, beer in hand, race behind us, that we discovered everything that could hurt, did hurt.
A long, cold, zombie walk to the truck, dry clothes, cranked heat, followed by another long drive to the closest restaurant, and we were able to finally relax. It was an awesome experience, glad to have done it. Thanks to Ben Morse for having the idea to run it as a team, because without accountability to someone else, I'd probably bitch out. Now I just need to learn how to walk again (my right hip flexor is useless) and I'll be ready for the Spartan Race in February. It's only 8 miles - kid stuff.
 |
| After they finished the race. |
We finally took off at 1300, and I almost bit it hard on the first obstacle, Steeple Chase. Approaching what looked like just a series of 4 foot walls, I got over confident, since I've gone over plenty of walls much higher. It wasn't until I was airborne over it that I saw the ditch on the opposite side. Nothing but luck kept me from landing the wrong way and breaking an ankle or two. I soon forgot all about it though, because the next one, Cherynoble Ice Bath had a similar effect to those zappy things the Men in Black use. It's a large dumpster filled with literally ice-cold water - they dump huge quantities of ice in it - with a bar in the middle that forces you under water. I jumped in and almost died, because the shock made every muscle in my body want to gasp for air. As I was underwater, somebody on duty inside my brain did a good job of activating the manual override until I was fairly certain I had broken the surface. For several hundred yards after that it was like being stabbed with a thousand needles all over your body. You could say it was exhilarating.
Onward we trudged, through 12 miles of cargo nets, mud, balance beams, mud, fire, mud, mud, mud, tunnels, mud, culverts, mud, 12 ft walls, and a little more mud. When we finally made it to the quarter pipe, we were sufficiently exhausted, but we both were somehow motivated enough (maybe out of fear of attempting it several times...) to get up and over it on the first go, and in pretty good fashion. After that was the home stretch, with the end so close it was almost impossible to feel anymore pain (except for Ben's leg cramp which tried to do him in 40 yards from the finish, which he powered through like a champ.) At the end there were pretty girls to don you with a head band, someone gave me a banana, then a t-shirt, then, the most glorious and delicious plastic cup of Dos Equis i've ever drank. It was only after we sat down, beer in hand, race behind us, that we discovered everything that could hurt, did hurt.
A long, cold, zombie walk to the truck, dry clothes, cranked heat, followed by another long drive to the closest restaurant, and we were able to finally relax. It was an awesome experience, glad to have done it. Thanks to Ben Morse for having the idea to run it as a team, because without accountability to someone else, I'd probably bitch out. Now I just need to learn how to walk again (my right hip flexor is useless) and I'll be ready for the Spartan Race in February. It's only 8 miles - kid stuff.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thanksgiving Week
We started this week with Thanksgiving at Mommom and Pop's house since they were not making the trip with us to South Carolina. Mommom went all out and made the traditional Thanksgiving feast for us all to enjoy. It was delicious but we were sad that we would not be spending the holiday with them and my sister.
This was the first year in over 20 that we have spent outside of our own city. So Tuesday night we packed up the cars and when Dad closed the bar we were off. It was an ok drive Olivia slept almost the whole way only waking when we made 2 stops. Each time we got back in the car she wanted to watch Barney and she did watch each 1 hour movie then it was back to sleep. We hit rain in SC and it rained the whole way to Myrtle Beach. I was happy with it knowing that it was bringing cold weather. Yea, a chilly holiday!!!
We got settled in and headed to my aunt and uncle's to see everyone. We ran some errands, tied up dinner with the caterer for Thursday, and snuck in a little shopping. All in all a very productive and tiring day. After the long ride it was an early night for us.
Thursday we headed back to Aunt Bev's and received an early morning surprise, Aunt Kathy came down!!! Yea, this was the first time that she has met Olivia in person and the 2 got along great. We are very grateful that she came since she had to leave my uncle and cousins home (we missed them all very much). We talked, watched the Macy's Parade, and nibbled on appetizers. Of course Olivia wanted to spend lots of time out back and she did so by taking someone different each time. We ate an early amazing dinner and spent the rest of the time perusing the adds for Black Friday.
Dad and Ben headed home Friday morning so they could open the bar back up. While we headed to breakfast and snuck in some more shopping before we headed back to make our special sugar cake cookies.
It was such a wonderful visit and I am so grateful to our family that we missed at home. We can't wait to go back to visit once little Ben arrives.
We concluded our weekend with a visit to the park on Park Ave. to visit with Catherine (one of my oldest friends who just had her first son 3 months ago). It was a beautiful morning to chat by the fountain and Olivia loved running through the grass and throwing leaves in the fountain. Then we had dinner with Dave, Darla, Vicky, and DJ to make up for Thanksgiving. We had a great time catching up and watching Denver beat the Chargers (sorry Vicky). This past week has been amazing and we are now looking forward to enjoying all of the holiday festivities that are to come.
This was the first year in over 20 that we have spent outside of our own city. So Tuesday night we packed up the cars and when Dad closed the bar we were off. It was an ok drive Olivia slept almost the whole way only waking when we made 2 stops. Each time we got back in the car she wanted to watch Barney and she did watch each 1 hour movie then it was back to sleep. We hit rain in SC and it rained the whole way to Myrtle Beach. I was happy with it knowing that it was bringing cold weather. Yea, a chilly holiday!!!
We got settled in and headed to my aunt and uncle's to see everyone. We ran some errands, tied up dinner with the caterer for Thursday, and snuck in a little shopping. All in all a very productive and tiring day. After the long ride it was an early night for us.
Thursday we headed back to Aunt Bev's and received an early morning surprise, Aunt Kathy came down!!! Yea, this was the first time that she has met Olivia in person and the 2 got along great. We are very grateful that she came since she had to leave my uncle and cousins home (we missed them all very much). We talked, watched the Macy's Parade, and nibbled on appetizers. Of course Olivia wanted to spend lots of time out back and she did so by taking someone different each time. We ate an early amazing dinner and spent the rest of the time perusing the adds for Black Friday.
Dad and Ben headed home Friday morning so they could open the bar back up. While we headed to breakfast and snuck in some more shopping before we headed back to make our special sugar cake cookies.
It was such a wonderful visit and I am so grateful to our family that we missed at home. We can't wait to go back to visit once little Ben arrives.
We concluded our weekend with a visit to the park on Park Ave. to visit with Catherine (one of my oldest friends who just had her first son 3 months ago). It was a beautiful morning to chat by the fountain and Olivia loved running through the grass and throwing leaves in the fountain. Then we had dinner with Dave, Darla, Vicky, and DJ to make up for Thanksgiving. We had a great time catching up and watching Denver beat the Chargers (sorry Vicky). This past week has been amazing and we are now looking forward to enjoying all of the holiday festivities that are to come.
23 Weeks {Baby #2}
After a wonderful Holiday week (post to come) I started the week with my 23 week check-up. I was concerned that after all my efforts to not gain weight the past 5 weeks, Thanksgiving would ruin. So needless to say I was not excited about the scale.
It was a very routine visit, my favorite nurse set me all up with the paperwork to have the glucose test done next week (oh yea!) and checked my blood pressure. All is well there and then it was scale time, off came as many articles of clothing as I could and still walk into the hall.
YES...I only gained 1 pound!!!! Dr. Peppy said he was very happy with me, kudos to me! After a little pat on the back I got to listen to Little Ben's heart beat a very strong 145 BPM's. What a great way to start out the work week after vacation.
We go back in 4 weeks which is the week before Christmas December 22 and this will be my last 4 week's between after that it's every 2 weeks until 34-35 weeks.
It was a very routine visit, my favorite nurse set me all up with the paperwork to have the glucose test done next week (oh yea!) and checked my blood pressure. All is well there and then it was scale time, off came as many articles of clothing as I could and still walk into the hall.
YES...I only gained 1 pound!!!! Dr. Peppy said he was very happy with me, kudos to me! After a little pat on the back I got to listen to Little Ben's heart beat a very strong 145 BPM's. What a great way to start out the work week after vacation.
 |
| We haven't taken a pic yet this week so here is a little pic of me almost 23 weeks and a preview of our Christmas card. |
Monday, November 21, 2011
18 Month's
I can't believe that my little Princess is a year and a half old already. Didn't we just celebrate her 1st birthday? Where does the time go?
Olivia headed to the doctor this morning for her 18 month well visit and her vaccination. Always the fun part of our visit. Although it is much harder now because ever since they did her ear piercing she hates going, at least when they call her back. She doesn't mind the waiting room with the toys. It's become quite the fight to get her unclothed, weighed, and measured. She will crawl up whoever is holding her at the time just to get away. Dr. P gave her her very first lollipop for doing so well. He said she is doing great and looks great.
Her vocabulary has continued to grow and it's unbelievable how many words this kid can say. We have been teaching her the difference between the night and day sky and what belongs in each. Now when we leave at night she says 'Moon' and wants to find it. One night while we were leaving Mommom's we heard an owl, and she now has learned what they do. She will 'hoot' if asked. We talk while we are in the car in the morning about the clouds, sun, birds, and trees. I love our talks on the way to Mommom's or running errands.
She has had a love for Barney for quite some time now, but it has gone from love to obsession. We had Nana's car and made the mistake of letting her watch Barney while we were running around one night. Now every time we get in any car she points to the ceiling and says Barney (through out our trip) and we constantly remind her that we don't have Barney in our car. But it is awesome to watch her while she sings along to the songs they sing especially the last one.
Olivia headed to the doctor this morning for her 18 month well visit and her vaccination. Always the fun part of our visit. Although it is much harder now because ever since they did her ear piercing she hates going, at least when they call her back. She doesn't mind the waiting room with the toys. It's become quite the fight to get her unclothed, weighed, and measured. She will crawl up whoever is holding her at the time just to get away. Dr. P gave her her very first lollipop for doing so well. He said she is doing great and looks great.
Weight: 18 lbs. 14 ozs. 1%
Height: 29 3/4 inches 7%
(she has grown 2 1/4 inches since her 15 month check up...WOW)
Her vocabulary has continued to grow and it's unbelievable how many words this kid can say. We have been teaching her the difference between the night and day sky and what belongs in each. Now when we leave at night she says 'Moon' and wants to find it. One night while we were leaving Mommom's we heard an owl, and she now has learned what they do. She will 'hoot' if asked. We talk while we are in the car in the morning about the clouds, sun, birds, and trees. I love our talks on the way to Mommom's or running errands.
She has had a love for Barney for quite some time now, but it has gone from love to obsession. We had Nana's car and made the mistake of letting her watch Barney while we were running around one night. Now every time we get in any car she points to the ceiling and says Barney (through out our trip) and we constantly remind her that we don't have Barney in our car. But it is awesome to watch her while she sings along to the songs they sing especially the last one.
Tonight we are heading to Myrtle Beach for Thanksgiving and
I am sure that we will hear her call for Barney on several occasions.
She has always been a Daddy's girl but in the past couple of month's it has become much more apparent. She calls for him all the time and creates much more of a scene if he leaves. It's adorable and we have gotten very creative at distracting her to calm her down. Daddy is defiantly wrapped around her little finger.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
21 Weeks
There is not much going on around here this week. Good news is that so far I have not gained any wait since my last appointment. According to my scale anyway. When I was there last, Dr. P said that I was gaining weight to quickly and needed to make some changes. He thought I would lose weight by the next appointment, we will see what happens. A lot of people think he is harsh since I am eating for 2. But like him I don't want to be a whale giving birth and dealing with all the complications that come with that. So the more healthy route is the way to go. Notice Jamie I said more healthy and not deprivation mode. :)
Little Ben who will go by Benjamin when he gets here (as to be able to learn his name) has gotten much stronger in the last week. I enjoy the time when I can just sit and watch my belly jump when he kicks. Ben saw it for the first time the other day. Not liking his pointy little elbow jabs though they kinda hurt. I am just soaking this in for the next 19 weeks.
Ben and I went Sunday and registered at Babies R Us, again. It was much easier this time then it was with Olivia. We don't need as much stuff and I had already made a list of what we did need. Although it was a lot of fun getting to look at all the little boy things this time. When I checked it at home I noticed a few things that I was unaware of scanning, namely lots of football associated items. Ben got a little happy with the gun.
Hopefully after this next week we will have also scheduled our tour of the hospital, we didn't do it last time and I figured since I have some questions that we would sign up. We are also planning on taking a few classes to refresh us especially on breastfeeding, since it didn't go as planned with Olivia.
When we return from our trip to Myrtle Beach next weekend, I return to the doctor for my 23 week check up. I assume I will get the paper work to have the glucose test at that time. Yea, oh I can not wait to drink that sugar stuff and get blood drawn! Can you sense my sarcasm?
Little Ben who will go by Benjamin when he gets here (as to be able to learn his name) has gotten much stronger in the last week. I enjoy the time when I can just sit and watch my belly jump when he kicks. Ben saw it for the first time the other day. Not liking his pointy little elbow jabs though they kinda hurt. I am just soaking this in for the next 19 weeks.
Ben and I went Sunday and registered at Babies R Us, again. It was much easier this time then it was with Olivia. We don't need as much stuff and I had already made a list of what we did need. Although it was a lot of fun getting to look at all the little boy things this time. When I checked it at home I noticed a few things that I was unaware of scanning, namely lots of football associated items. Ben got a little happy with the gun.
Hopefully after this next week we will have also scheduled our tour of the hospital, we didn't do it last time and I figured since I have some questions that we would sign up. We are also planning on taking a few classes to refresh us especially on breastfeeding, since it didn't go as planned with Olivia.
When we return from our trip to Myrtle Beach next weekend, I return to the doctor for my 23 week check up. I assume I will get the paper work to have the glucose test at that time. Yea, oh I can not wait to drink that sugar stuff and get blood drawn! Can you sense my sarcasm?
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Pearly Whites
Teeth Teeth and more Teeth!
Since late July Olivia has had 5 teeth, 3 on top and 2 on the bottom. We have gone through times where we swore that she was breaking new teeth. Only to discover nothing. Well, Friday night Ben was working at the bar and I stayed at Mommom's for dinner and so she could help give Olivia a bath before I had to pick up Mom from the airport. While we were drying Olivia off and she was screaming I noticed a little pointy thing on the bottom left side of her gums. I thought she was storing dinner for later since we had pasta, but I realized that it was indeed a molar. What? How can that be when she still doesn't have all of her front teeth?
Teeth have their own mind when coming in apparently and don't think they need to follow the order they tell you in the books. Ok minor freak out about missing teeth averted.
Moving on to Saturday night while at dinner at our friends house, while she was having her diaper changed Daddy found yet another molar. This one was on the top right. Let me clarify these teeth are not just peeking through her gums but fully surfaced. This explains why she was up several times a night crying last week, and her longer then normal naps. ( 2 - 2 1/2 hours)! Plus Daddy was able to see that she has 3 more teeth ready to pop through at any time. Those being the front ones.
Thankfully Olivia likes to take care of her teeth and has been brushing them daily for over 6 month's now. Each morning when she sees me getting my tooth brush ready she says, "deet, deet" and we get her tooth brush ready as well. She doesn't need much help either she does a great job, and at the end Daddy just makes sure that she didn't miss any spots.
Since late July Olivia has had 5 teeth, 3 on top and 2 on the bottom. We have gone through times where we swore that she was breaking new teeth. Only to discover nothing. Well, Friday night Ben was working at the bar and I stayed at Mommom's for dinner and so she could help give Olivia a bath before I had to pick up Mom from the airport. While we were drying Olivia off and she was screaming I noticed a little pointy thing on the bottom left side of her gums. I thought she was storing dinner for later since we had pasta, but I realized that it was indeed a molar. What? How can that be when she still doesn't have all of her front teeth?
Teeth have their own mind when coming in apparently and don't think they need to follow the order they tell you in the books. Ok minor freak out about missing teeth averted.
Moving on to Saturday night while at dinner at our friends house, while she was having her diaper changed Daddy found yet another molar. This one was on the top right. Let me clarify these teeth are not just peeking through her gums but fully surfaced. This explains why she was up several times a night crying last week, and her longer then normal naps. ( 2 - 2 1/2 hours)! Plus Daddy was able to see that she has 3 more teeth ready to pop through at any time. Those being the front ones.
Thankfully Olivia likes to take care of her teeth and has been brushing them daily for over 6 month's now. Each morning when she sees me getting my tooth brush ready she says, "deet, deet" and we get her tooth brush ready as well. She doesn't need much help either she does a great job, and at the end Daddy just makes sure that she didn't miss any spots.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Happy Halloween 2011
Happy Halloween
We took Olivia to friends of ours house Kelsey and Chas to hang out and eat. Olivia had a great time playing with all the little kids that were there and all dressed up. It was adorable but not the easiest picture to take. By the end of the night she had even made a new little friend, Nemo (Henley).
Half Way There
Monday hit the 20 week mark, which means we are over half way there today. I am getting so excited about welcoming the new little boy into our family. I just wonder how this is going to change our dynamic? What is he going to bring to our life besides an abundant amount of love and joy. I think I may have another daredevil on the way.
This past 2 weeks have been amazing, I have begun to feel the little guy moving and kicking in there. In the past week Ben has been able to feel him too. It's amazing how different he is then Olivia was at this stage. He doesn't move quite as much as she did, she was as much of an acrobat then as she is now.
I have to say that I have been feeling much better then I was in the beginning, much of the nausea has subsided and most of the fatigue has gone with it. But when your pregnant and have an 18 month old your always tired.
Ben and I have made two big accomplishment we have decided on bedding for the little man. Not that it was hard I had it picked out before we knew that Olivia was a girl. The other is that we have picked out furniture and just need to work on getting that ordered as well. Not bad for 20 weeks to go.
Little Bud has some new outfits in his closet and blankets in his basket thanks to Gigi, Papa, Mommom, and Poppy. Of course Mommy and Daddy couldn't help but pick out a few little itmes as well. I also pulled out some of the gender neutral items that I had for Olivia, not as much as I remember but thanks to the formula some items were ruined.So boy's clothes are not as cute as girls but I have been doing my research to find places that have them. He will be adorable no matter what.
This past 2 weeks have been amazing, I have begun to feel the little guy moving and kicking in there. In the past week Ben has been able to feel him too. It's amazing how different he is then Olivia was at this stage. He doesn't move quite as much as she did, she was as much of an acrobat then as she is now.
I have to say that I have been feeling much better then I was in the beginning, much of the nausea has subsided and most of the fatigue has gone with it. But when your pregnant and have an 18 month old your always tired.
Ben and I have made two big accomplishment we have decided on bedding for the little man. Not that it was hard I had it picked out before we knew that Olivia was a girl. The other is that we have picked out furniture and just need to work on getting that ordered as well. Not bad for 20 weeks to go.
Little Bud has some new outfits in his closet and blankets in his basket thanks to Gigi, Papa, Mommom, and Poppy. Of course Mommy and Daddy couldn't help but pick out a few little itmes as well. I also pulled out some of the gender neutral items that I had for Olivia, not as much as I remember but thanks to the formula some items were ruined.So boy's clothes are not as cute as girls but I have been doing my research to find places that have them. He will be adorable no matter what.
 |
| Here is a little flashback for you: remember that shopping trip Aunt Julie and I had just after we found out it was a girl the first time. |
F
Sweet November
We have spent our first November weekend just taking in the beautiful weather. I took a PTO day on Friday because one of my oldest BFF's was in town for a short visit. So we took the kids to Sea World and it was so fun. Emma is only 6 month's old but that is good since she could not get jealous of Olivia who just wanted to go to Anna and 'Mom'. We can't wait till you visit again or better yet move back home.
After our fun day at Sea World we dropped off Olivia with Grandpa for her first sleepover with just him. We knew they would have a blast and that he would spoil her rotten. She said she wanted to do it again, because she had so much fun. She stayed with him all day Saturday so that we could run the Coccagna/Morse Family Garage Sale. Which went so much better then I expected, and we still have some stuff left over, enough to have another one the beginning of December.
Sunday we had breakfast with my family at Mimi's and Olivia who had her own little meltdown. But she made it through with only one walk with Papa. We hit the grocery store after that and then it was nap time for Mommy who just didn't feel well at all. We enjoyed our quiet Sunday night at home even though we missed out on visiting with Anna again. Boo.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Thankful
It's November, I know I can't believe another year has almost passed us by. But we still have the last two months to enjoy, the celebration of a year to soak up every minute. It's odd that it takes Holiday's like Thanksgiving and Christmas to make you want to slow down and do all of these holiday things. Yet, it does and we will.
Since it is November, a month to be grateful for what we have and who we have, it has begun to make me think. At this point in my life I have so much to be thankful for. I have a wonderful husband, a beautiful little girl, a son to welcome in to this world, a silly loveable dog, the most amazing family that anyone could ask for, and fantastic friends.
We may not have all the material wealth but when it comes to what matters we have it all. I am soaking in each moment that passes and making the most of each day.
Since it is November, a month to be grateful for what we have and who we have, it has begun to make me think. At this point in my life I have so much to be thankful for. I have a wonderful husband, a beautiful little girl, a son to welcome in to this world, a silly loveable dog, the most amazing family that anyone could ask for, and fantastic friends.
We may not have all the material wealth but when it comes to what matters we have it all. I am soaking in each moment that passes and making the most of each day.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
It's A Boy
On Thursday Ben and I took Olivia to our big Doctor's appointment. We were scheduled to have our sonogram and then meet with Dr. Peppy. I missed the first part of the sonogram because the screen wasn't working and the tech didn't turn it so I could see as well. But Ben and Olivia were watching. She asked if we wanted to know the sex of the baby and I practically screamed that yes we did. Practically seconds after that she announced that "It's a boy!". Oh what great news, we could not be more excited to have a son coming.
The heart rate was steady at 150 BPM's. He was very healthy and very active.
We decided that we would have a get together at our house on Saturday to announce the gender to our family and friends. How we managed not to spill the beans is still beyond me but we made it and everyone had a great time. We played a little game where everyone picked a boy or girl duck out of the bag until the right one was chosen.
The heart rate was steady at 150 BPM's. He was very healthy and very active.
We decided that we would have a get together at our house on Saturday to announce the gender to our family and friends. How we managed not to spill the beans is still beyond me but we made it and everyone had a great time. We played a little game where everyone picked a boy or girl duck out of the bag until the right one was chosen.
It's a Boy!
Benjamin James Morse Jr.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Pumpkin Patch
She walked around, touched them, and tried to pick them up. We let her pick out a bunch of the little ones to put in a bowl. She has a pretty good sense about which one to pick.
Monday, October 24, 2011
17 Month's
17 Month's
Another month has passed us by and Olivia, you just continue to change and grow.
In the past few weeks you have begun to really put words together. I can't wait to hear you say a full sentance. My favorite was listening to you at Mommom's the other day. While you were sitting in your charir having lunch we were watching Barney and when it came to the end of the show you sang the first part of the song. 'I love you, you love me...' I about feel off the chair. I wish that I had it on camera.
You learned a new animal this month, Daddy taught you how to do Shark. You put your little hand or hands on your head and go 'do do, do do!'. It is the cutest thing since the chicken.
We have had another month of cuts and bruises, but they seem to be slowing down just a little. The good news is we are moving into the colder month's, so maybe the extra padding in those layers will help cushion you a little more.
Your appetite is still going strong and we just continue to introduce you to more and more. You still love your cous cous and green beans (which you now can say), but we are adding to that list. I am not sure weather to be happy that you don't care for cookies and cakes or to be happy because you would rather have fruit. You did have a few licks of my lollipop while we were at Sea World last weekend so we know you won't avoid the sweets completely. We now have a small cooler bag that we tote just about anywhere with all your snacks. Luckily for Mommy too, I always put something in there for me.
The big news this month is that you are finally all moved into your new room. We still have some parts of your wall decor to move over but everything else is there. You also love to point to Mommy's ever growing belly. If we ask you where Mommy's baby is you come and point to it. When we sit in bed or on the couch you wave to the baby in my belly and say hi, you love to give it kisses and squish your face into it. Daddy and I love to watch you do these things and just hope that when the baby gets here it continues. I have my doubts when I see you hug and hold your baby doll and then 2 minutes later you throw her to the floor and walk away.
 |
| Just for fun! Some of the ways you sleep. |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)