Crazy busy & A little of this and that

CRAZY BUSY:

It's been a crazy week. Gary's sweet Aunt Dot passed away on Tuesday after a long struggle with declining health over a period of many years. I'm so glad I got to know her at least a little before it was too late. Gary and I got the privilage to travel with her to her son's wedding several years ago, and now I wouldn't trade that for anything. She was quite a hoot to be around.

LJ has held up extremely well during all the hospital visits and family get-togethers we've had since she took an ill turn at the beginning of the week. I've been so proud of the little guy (especially since most of those days he's been without a nap AND getting to bed about an hour late!)

A LITTLE OF THIS AND THAT:

LJ has really started using more words. "Off" is his newest to master, followed closely by "on," which still comes out as more of an o---nnnn. He's also been picking up books and sounding out their titles. He does a pretty good job for 2-1/2 years-old. He even sounded out "hat" perfectly...but I couldn't get him to put it together to form a word...it stopped at "h--aa-t." All in due time, I guess.

Okay, I'm going to change subjects and vent a little. I'm SO TIRED OF CAR "TROUBLE." I use quotes because most of the time it's something pretty minor, but it's ALWAYS SOMETHING! We got Gary a "new" (used) car, and have had one problem after the other with it. A slow leak in a tire, a small repaired chip in the windshield failed (now the windshield needs to be replaced), think there is a minor issue with the radiator, and suddenly terrible gas mileage. The most frustrating part is none of them are major problems, so when we take it in, the service dept. says "this is normal..." THEN just this morning, I noticed MY car having leaked a little oil. Great. I haven't had it checked, and I pray it's something minor....but I just don't know yet. And for my final complaint: Getting larger with this pregnancy it making it a huge pain in the butt to get LJ in and out of the car! Oh well, at least that will come to an end.

Okay, I feel better now. Thanks for listening.

LJ will have a little.....

SISTER!!!

I only have enough time for a quick post. Ultrasound showed a healthy baby girl. Her name will be Abigayle Jean (or Abby-Jean for short). Gayle is my mom and my sister's middle names, and Jean is my Granny's and Gary's Grandma's middle names.

Gonna be a good big brother...

We'll find out whether LJ's having a little brother or sister next week! I can't believe it's already that time. I have to admit, I've been a little concerned how LJ will react to me having to tend to a baby, but I got some welcome reassurance last night when we went to visit some friends who welcomed their 4th baby into the world on Friday. I was holding the baby, and LJ had the biggest smile on his face while I explained it's "like the baby in Mommy's belly." He touched the baby's head SOOO gently, and was as affectionate as I've ever seen him be. The funniest part was when I gave the baby back to his mommy, and LJ got all upset thinking that he was MY baby. I had to explain that Mommy's baby is still in her belly, and will come out some time this spring. :0)

Kicking

This is another one of those posts that I type more for my own benefit than for everyone elses.

Baby #2 is kicking quite a bit anymore. Gary felt him/her kick for the first time today. It was so funny to see his face too (he did this with LJ also)...I've tried several times to place his hand where the baby is kicking, and it never fails that the baby stops kicking or they're too soft for him to feel. So today, I made him stop what he was doing (I could tell he was a little put-out, but that he was also trying to not let it show) and come put his hand on my belly. This time after only about 30 seconds, he/she kicked and Gary's eyes got huge, he smiled real big and exclaimed OH..I FELT IT!

My sweet boy

For the last month or so, LJ has been going through a very "clingy to mom" stage. While inconvenient at times, I try to remind myself to not get frustrated or annoyed by it, because I know it will be all too soon that I'll be lucky to get a kiss on the cheek from him, and I'll long for the days of him whining for his momma to lay down with him, play with him, or just love on him a little. This morning I had to do some work on the computer, and he wanted me to pay attention to him. We finally reached a compromise of him sitting in my lap, reclined in my left arm (while playing a game on my iphone), while I typed and did the work I needed to do with my right arm. I think it took me at least twice as long to do what I needed to, but I think it was worth the extra time. :)

Halloween and Holidays

I can't believe Halloween is this weekend! Furthermore, anytime after Halloween is fair game for Christmas decor to start going up. I know a lot of people think it's silly to decorate so early, and it probably is; however, decorating is almost therapeutic for me. Since we never have Thanksgiving at our house, I have no regrets of having the Christmas decor up during Thanksgiving. Furthermore, it really helps get me thinking about all the things I have to be thankful for...a country that I'm free to decorate for and celebrate Christmas (even before Thanksgiving), a wonderful family to spend the holidays with, and the physical ability TO decorate for the holidays, just to name a few. Finally, one of my favorite parts about decorating for Christmas is putting the ornaments on the tree. All of my ornaments are sentimental in some way, but a couple of my favorites are an ornament that Gary gave to me the first year we started dating that says Gary & Kellye 1996, LJ's baby's first Christmas ornament, and several ornaments given to me by my Grandma Dawn who passed away in 2003.


This being the first cold snap that looks like it will be staying with us for awhile, I'm feeling the itch to begin getting the place ready for winter. Finding drafts, getting places ready for wood storage (with easy access), cleaning out the chimney and replacing filters in our air purifier (almost a must have w/ the fireplace) and the humidifier (a definite must-have with the fireplace). I may actually break out the Christmas music to help me clean.

Finally, I'll conclude with a little story I write more for the benefit of me remembering than for you to read, but yesterday I was reading in one of my pregnancy books and it said that the baby can probably hear now. I told this to LJ, and asked if there was anything he wanted to tell the baby in Mommy's belly. He walked over, put his little hands on my belly and his mouth right up to it and yelled "DADA, DADA, DAAADAAAA!!!!!" What was actually going through his head? The world may never know.

Dr., Automobiles, and LJ

Had another baby check-up, and all was well. It's always reassuring to hear that little heartbeat when you can't feel consistent movement yet. I've been feeling very light little "somethings" that I THINK is the baby...but it's hard to tell just yet. Next month is our "big" ultrasound when we should find out the gender! We should find out just before Thanksgiving.

In other news, Gary and I finally decided it was time to replace Gary's civic (that he's had since he was 16). We found an '08 xterra that we liked alot, and traded for. However, consistent with all major purchases we've ever made, we encountered a problem THE DAY we brought it home (after having driven it for the whole day before). Fortunately, it appears to be covered under warranty, and hopefully that will be the worst of the problems. LJ really likes it; it's Daddy's "so-big" car, and we're excited to finally be able to go off-road!

LJ's been exceptionally funny recently...actually he's either been great OR terrible, but never both...it's one extreme or the other. He's also been quite clingy to me recently; like really liking me to snuggle him, and for him to just generally have my attention. I guess Gary isn't quite as snuggly as me because he tells him "dada, bye,bye." Poor Dad. LJ's also been sounding out words from time to time. He still won't talk, but he knows how most of the letters of the alphabet sound and can make most of them; on Saturday he was snitching candy corn out of a bowl that said "happy halloween," and he was pointing to each letter making the sounds for "h-a-p-p-...he doesn't know "y" well, so it was "uh"...h-a-l-l-o-w-e-e-n(which is more of an "m" sound)". I still swear he'll read before he talks. Another thing he's been really into is transformers (the preschool type) and anything with screws, nuts or bolts that he can take apart with a wrench, screwdriver, etc. I think he has his Dad's manual dexterity.

Baby "Pictures"

Here are the first pictures of the new baby. (As with LJ) The Dr. had a hard time finding the heartbeat, so they did another ultrasound. The ultrasound did reveal a strong heartbeat: 168 bpm. This time the pictures were actually identifiable as a baby, so here they are. Compared to LJ, this one didn't move a whole lot. LJ was kicking and squirming when we got our first sneak peak at him. Maybe a girl this time???????




Also, they did find a different cause for the "scare" we had before. Which makes a lot more sense now. It might be a bit much to go into via the internet, so if need be, I'll just tell you in person.

End of Summer

Well, as always at the end of a season, I'm ready for the next to get here. I think the weather is supposed to actually start ACTING like autumn beginning tonight when a cool front is supposed to move in. LJ will have a blast this year jumping in piles of leaves, carving pumpkins, and dressing up for halloween (as a puppy-dog). I'm looking forward to (supposedly) feeling better in a couple of weeks as the first trimester comes to an end and some of these symptoms subside.

We have our first scheduled prenatal visit on Monday, so be sure to check back for a post. IF they do another ultrasound, and the pictures are something more distinguishable than a blob of black and white, then I'll post them on the blog.

I know many will curse me for saying this, but I do hope we get a good amount of snow this year. Afterall, kids are only kids for a short period of time, and what is more magical than waking up to the world covered in a good snow? Last year LJ "said" there was parmesean cheese on everything (he said this by going to the fridge and getting the parmesean cheese out, then pointing out the window). While I can't wait for him to really start talking, I'm going to miss his creative ways of "telling" me things. I'll try to post some pictures soon. I know I'm quite terrible at it. I am on facebook and post pics a bit more often there. So if you really want to see some, add me as a friend.

I'm going to let off a little bit of stuff that has been weighing on me for awhile. I'm not really sure why, but for some reason posting about it SEEMS like it might make me feel better.
So, since about 7-8 weeks into this pregnancy (I'll be 11 weeks on Monday), I've been SOOO moody and irritable. I've been very short tempered with LJ, and perhaps expecting too much out of him. However, I do believe I'm going to go completely crazy if he DOESN'T START LISTENING TO ME!!! Even if he doesn't quit the first time I tell him not to mess with the knobs on the stove, or turn on/off our media server, WHY DOESN'T HE STOP BY THE THIRD TIME I TELL HIM! Furthermore, every form of punishment I've come up with is completely ineffective for this strong-willed child I have spanked him, taken his favorite toys away, and made him sit in "time out." None of which are effective at anything except making him more defiant. I'm certain he thinks he actually KNOWS MORE (and BETTER) than Gary and I. I am simply beside myself trying to figure out how to get him to mind!

How things are going

Just thought I'd give everyone a little update. All is well, nausea set in at about 7 weeks, but I think is starting to ease up on me a little (I hope). My allergies have been terrible though, which has made the nausea that much more of a nuisance. Also, I'm SOOOO TIRED!!!

We had a little bit of a scare a couple of weeks ago, but when we told the dr. what had happened, he wasn't concerned in the least. So, as best as we know, all is well. I'll be 9 weeks on Monday, and will be thankful when the first trimester is over (ends Sept. 27th...and we should hear the heartbeat that day too!).

I think I forgot to mention on my last post that the due date is April 11 (give or take a couple weeks!).

As for the family, LJ is as happy as ever (though not necessarily about the baby, just about life in general). He does know there is a baby in mommy's belly (and sometimes tries to find it), but I'm not certain he actually understands what it means. LJ also seems to be making some progress in talking (but not English); he's become quite proficient in mimicking funny noises that animals/characters/etc. make. He does know how most of the letters in the alphabet sound (and can make their sounds), but I can't seem to get him to put them together to make words. At present, I'm MMMMMM-----A (after trying to teach him to put the "m" sound together with the "a" sound). Gary and I swear he'll read before he talks!

Gary is doing okay. His back is bothering him a great deal at present, so if you think of it, please remember to lift him up in prayer.

Well, there you have it. You're up to date with the goings-on in our house. I hope you all are doing well.

Here we go again

God has chosen to bless us once more with another wee-one. We hoped to keep quiet for a little while this time, but my belly isn't cooperating. So...instead of everyone thinking I'm eating too many twinkies...we're just going ahead and telling everyone. I'll be 7 weeks on Monday. Hopefully we'll hear the heartbeat and know all is well at the end of September. I'll keep you posted!

Finally beginning to talk...I think

LJ is finally beginning to talk. He said Da-da for awhile, but then stopped. Now he's saying it pretty regularly (occasionally in context). He know's how the letter "s" goes and can make the sound, he also knows how to make the "m" and "L" sounds. He does visually know the words "momma, daddy, LJ, blankie, dog, cat and puzzle." However, it does take him awhile if the words he's supposed to pick from all start with the same letter. :o)

We got LJ (and me) a trampoline; needless to say, he LOVES it. He'll boing himself silly. It also has the enclosure so we don't have to worry as much about him falling off.

Just thought I'd let everyone know all is well here. Spring/summer are in full swing at the Hamblen house. Weekends and/or evenings of fun-filled mowing (yes, that was sarcastic), and my garden is in full bloom. I picked my first spinach a few days ago, and a second picking today.

Sweet boy!

LJ did the sweetest thing at church yesterday. I've been staying in the nursery with him because he kind'a freaks out, and yesterday we were playing with one of those toys that you stick shaped blocks into the appropriate holes. Well, LJ was playing and 2 other kids came over and started fumbling with the blocks (trying to put square ones in the round holes etc.), and a quite somber LJ looked at them and shook his head, then pointed to the correct hole for the shapes they were holding. Then they put the shape in the correct hole and LJ clapped and handed them another shape...It made his mommy smile.

Spring has sprung (achoo!)

Well, spring is definitely on its way, LJ and I have been sneezing, and I've had watery eyes and a sore throat off and on for a couple weeks now. Now that we have the house projects under control (until the next thing breaks), we're trying to get the yard cleaned up. Ahh, the joys of home ownership.

We've all been trying to take advantage of the warmer weather when the opportunity arises. We got LJ a trailer that Gary can pull behind his bike (he [LJ] doesn't like it very much; I bet he'll get used to it, though). Mostly we just play outside in the yard. For LJ's birthday, instead of actual gifts, anyone who insists on getting him a gift, we're going to just take contributions towards a swing set for him. The kid just LOVES to be outside.

Not really anything new going on, I just thought I'd let those of you who check this know that we're still around; just nothing interesting going on.

One day at a time

Well, we're all doing well here. It's been one house project after the other for the past few months. What initially started out as a simple project snowballed into a complete re-do of the sunroom, a new roof, new guttering, rerouting of our gas line, a new patio, and some maintenance on our water lines (that I didn't know we were supposed to do, having been on well water my whole life). It's a long story, and really not worth boring you with; however, I must thank with all my heart all of the family that has helped us out SO MUCH during all of this. I know God loves us when I think of the wonderful family that he has blessed Gary and I with. We are SO thankful for them. I just hope that someday we have the opportunity to help them or someone else as much as they've helped us.

LJ's growing by leaps and bounds quite literally. He leaps and bounds everywhere. In fact, I'm dumbstruck when I see other kids his age that will stand still. I don't know if we've gone wrong somewhere with discipline or what, but the child is in a perpetual state of motion! He's learned to walk backwards and make himself dizzy by spinning around in a circle; he starts falling down and just cracks up. He also loves to watch this Sesame Street sing along DVD; it will entrance him right after he wakes up (which is about the only time he's ever still). He likes for me to play the "ladybug song" on the piano, and Heart & Soul; he'll dance around like he's trying to shake something out of his diaper. He's also discovered screaming (like a girl, no less) and it's ear splitting. I don't mind too much at home, but about ducked under the table when he did it at Jose's.

Binx and Nala are both doing well also. We have an impostor-Binx hanging around, though. I don't mind as long as he/she doesn't try to beat up my cats. We also have an orange cat that hangs around that I'm about to shoot w/ a bee-bee gun (for those of you not familiar, it will not kill them, just sting like hell for awhile) if he fights w/ our cats anymore, or if I catch him peeing all over our carport again.

I've been busy planning and preparing for our garden. I have high hopes for it this year since I'm not working. My Dad and I have been discussing and planning since about mid-January. We're always ready for warmer weather once the holidays are behind us. However, I AM thankful for the snow we had this year. It really made for a fun winter, and we haven't had a snowy winter around here in quite some time. I'm glad we have more of winter behind us than ahead of us, though!

Also, I yet again didn't get Christmas cards out this year b/c of the madness with home improvement stuff. So, if you didn't get one from us, nobody else did either....MAYBE this year!

Snow!

I'm not even sure if anyone looks at our blog anymore. I really ought to try to post more, but I simply can't seem to find the time. I do post things on facebook sometimes; feel free to add me as a friend.

LJ's room got rearranged today to become a "big boy" room. He's so grown up anymore. Today he was making me happy (like literally making me smile and say how happy I was with him) by taking a toy out then putting it back where it belongs.

Here's some pictures of LJ in the show. HE LOVED IT, and his Daddy was tickled to death. Gary has kept saying this is the most fun he's EVER had in the snow!



Here's just some random things that LJ does, more for my own sake (so I'll remember) than anyone else's...
LJ's quite good (and has been for sometime) with peg puzzles and anything that requires you to identify a shape and place an object accordingly. He can identify all of his capital letters and numbers through 12 without flaw (assuming he WANTS to), but he has some trouble with the lower case letters, specifically b,d,p&q. He also has some trouble with 13-20 (20 is as far as we've even attempted). He knows most of his colors, although varying shades throw him off easy. He loves his kitty cat (a stuffed cat I gave to my Grandma while she was in the hospital, a day before she died), and pets the kitty "gentle" (he actually is pretty gentle, but I've been a stickler for "being gentle" to the cats and animals since he's had control of his movements). He also likes his stuffed Pluto and adores his blankie. He likes to hide his blankie, then make Gary and I come find it. Today he was taking a small ball and trying his hardest to throw it on the top bunkbed in his room (he actually came darn close a time or two). Oh, and a real quick funny thing he does with his puzzles (which is what he plays with at least 70% of the time), sometimes if he picks up a puzzle piece upside down, he'll walk around to the other side of the board so the board is upside down also and put the piece in. I get such a kick out of him! I'm tired and I'm not going to proof-read this, so sorry for typos.