Rippels Life

LUKE'S 1st HAIRCUT 9/29/10

2010-10-01T13:28:00.002-04:00

more Labor Day 2010

2010-09-09T14:06:00.003-04:00

Labor Day Weekend 2010

2010-09-09T13:49:00.004-04:00

We took the boys to Chuck E Cheese one day, then the next we took them bowling. They had a blast!!

IN MEMORY OF MOM

2010-07-07T13:15:00.003-04:00

4th of July

2010-07-06T09:17:00.002-04:00

We took Matthew to see Toy Story 3. It was his first movie. He had a blast! I think he thoroughly enjoyed his first movie experience.
We had dad & Hazel over for a cook-out in the afternoon. Thank goodness we have the back patio because it was pouring rain almost the whole time they were here. Sadly, even with as much rain as we had, it didn't stop people from doing their fireworks all day/night. They've been doing them for over a week now.

EXHAUSTION, ETC, ETC

2010-06-16T15:54:00.002-04:00

I hate not knowing why I am completely exhausted all the time. I'm guessing most of it is due to the fact that I don't sleep well at night. It could have something to do w/the fact that I'm up til 11pm or later every night & that my internal clock goes off about 5:30am. Being addicted to certain shows & trying to stay awake thru them could be part of it as well. Then, Luke still nursing some thru the night contributes to it as well. I'm sure all of the above contributes to it.
I know some of you as you are reading this & thinking...she still nurses Luke? Yes, yes I do. The doctors said it was/is fine. Luke hasn't really acquired the taste for real milk. Plus, everyone you talk to, etc; says that I should wean when he's ready...& he's not ready. Right now my goal is to try to wean him by his 2nd birthday...if he doesn't self-wean himself before then.
I hate the new policy of having to go into the DMV to get your license & not being able to do it online anymore. What a pain! Now I have to call & try to set up an appointment for next Friday after Carter's mom picks him up. UGH!!! I hope that Wayne's parents can get here before or right at the same time as her so I can go right away. I hate that I have to do it on a Friday afternoon(messes w/my soap opera time....lol).
Sadly, I think it's getting close to being time to put my Angel down. A few weeks ago, I had to take her for her shots as well as get proof of her old age for Animal Control(someone called in on her for looking "bad"). The vet said she's old & has arthritis. She also said that she probably won't last another year. Sadly, I've seen her going further down hill since then. The poor baby has a hard time walking in the house but can run like mad out back. But she has lost control of her bowels...she has started pooping in her sleep now. I'm guessing this is a sign of the end being near. It will be a sad, sad day for me when it comes. She is the 1st dog I've ever had that took to me over anyone else in the family. My Angel is so precious. I've been blessed in having her w/me these last 14 years. Without her, I don't think I would've gotten thru the "mourning" period after my mom passed away. My Angel was there for me to love & hug on & tell all my feelings, etc.
Well I better close for now. It's almost time for Carter to be picked up & Luke istelling me I'm all done & to come on.

FEELINGS, ETC

2010-03-15T14:40:00.002-04:00

So many feelings running thru my head. Anger, resentment, pity, thankfulness, love, etc, etc. Who knew you could have so many feelings all at once. All these feelings are the result of what happened while I was pregnant w/Luke & the problem that arose w/Wayne's family. They've been brought back to the surface because of Wayne's brother's upcoming wedding. They have made it kid-unfriendly as well as the fact of having it spread out over the span of 6-8 hours. Dad & Hazel are going to watch our boys for the wedding portion but there's no way they can handle the boys for the "dinner" portion too. The wedding's at 2:30pm(will most likely be done by 2:45) & then dinner doesn't start 'til 6pm. This is a big gap of time etc for our kids to be watched by anyone(even grandparents). Due to all that went down that day back in 2008, I have mixed feelings about this whole situation.
I told Wayne the weekend after we got our invitation how/what I was feeling. I still have anger & resentment at being told that I was not a member of the family & that I was F-ing, white trailer trash. It made me know where I stood(at least w/1 member of his family). So, on that note, I told Wayne I wasn't in too big a hurry, etc to find someone to watch the boys for the dinner portion of the day. He understands. Other stuff has gone on regarding the wedding but on her side. I was telling Wayne what I'd found out & said he'd probably catch grief over me not going to the dinner(or hear about it thru the grapevine). When I told him this; he said he'd tell them why should she come when she knows how you really feel about her & also that they were lucky he was even there....This is where my thankfulness & love comes in. The pity is for Wayne being put in this circumstance.
Am I wrong for having these feelings? I don't know BUT what I do know is; I can't help having them!!!

WEEK 1

2010-03-05T16:07:00.002-05:00

This was my first week "working" since I had Luke. I'm watching Wayne's helper's baby. His name is Carter. It's been a little bit of an adjustment but not too bad. The boys & I just have to get used to not being able to run out for an errand, etc whenever we feel like it. I thought Luke would be jealous of Carter but he hasn't been. He was fine....seemed to like having him around, even looked for him when he wasn't here. Matthew thinks Carter is his baby & that his older brother is his kid....this is literally what he calls them...my baby & my kid. LOL
He also told us he wanted his own baby. We told him no way but maybe in a few years when a couple of our dogs pass on, he can have another puppy....lol

Thanksgiving weekend 2009

2010-02-12T10:57:00.004-05:00

We went to breakfast at Dune Deck. It's a little restaraunt right on the beach. We wanted to do something a little different w/the boys. Of course the weekend we decide to do this it's "cold" out. Oh well, we enjoyed it anyways!

End of Luke's B-day

2010-02-12T10:25:00.006-05:00

For the rest of Luke's birthday, we took them to the zoo. Afterwards, we parked down by the airport & watched planes take off & land. The boys had a blast! The pics w/Wayne & Matthew walking next to a "bird" were funny. This white peacock followed us thru the whole zoo.

NOT AGAIN!!!

2010-02-10T15:15:00.002-05:00

Once again, Matthew is sick. He has a cold. He had a fever on Sunday night to Monday morning. It broke after his first nap on Monday. Sunday & Monday night he did not rest at all. Both nights he may have slept 2 hours each night. Last night, however, he did sleep the entire night thru...Praise the Lord!!! BUT,now Matthew's snotty nose(that was clear) is no longer clear....eeeewwwweeee!!! If it doesn't clear up by tomorrow I guess we'll be making a trip to the doctor's office.
Luke is well(or at least I'm trying to keep him that way....preventitive medicine...lol). He's walking around like he owns the place. It's funny to watch him....I'm glad I have the chance to be around for him during this stage of his life. I didn't realize how much I really missed of Matthew's first year by having to work.
A few days later....
Luke is sick now too. So are Wayne & I. UGH!!! I hate being sick!!

LUKE

2010-01-22T13:20:00.003-05:00

Luke thinks he's hot stuff(& he is)since he can now pull himself up onto the sofas. His walking is getting better each day. He goes further each time...soon it'll be all walking.
I'm afraid he's going to be upset in the next few weeks(or month or so) when I start taking care of Wayne's helper's baby. I'm not looking forward to Luke's jealousy but I am looking forward to the added income. They are in the same boat as us(financially) & adding a huge daycare cost doesn't fit into the budget. I'm only charging them $125/wk...very reasonable. Before I ended up staying home, I looked into daycare for the 2 of ours. It's outrageously priced(at least down here in South Florida). The "cheapest" I found was like $435/wk. I guess it's not bad if you have a great paying job. However that was not the case w/mine. I was lucky if I was bringing home $750/bi-wkly....therefore I'd have been working just to pay for daycare & still end up not making enough. Thus why I became a stay at home mom.
I love my boys! They can get on your "last" nerve sometimes BUT for the most part they are the sweetest. The best is Luke's precious smile that can melt away all your "woes" & Matthew's unexpected(not asked for) hugs & kisses. I truly love & cherish every moment I have w/them. I love them so very much!

Luke's 1st B-day Party

2010-01-19T12:02:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Luke's B-day Cake

2010-01-15T15:34:00.003-05:00

The little bitty cake is his "smash" cake. I took the "bubble" part of the cake(that had to be cut off) & used it to make a little cake so he'd have something to "smash". Not to "toot" my own horn but I think I did a pretty good job....lol

1 YEAR AGO

2010-01-15T14:43:00.003-05:00

I still can't fathom that it's been a year since my little Luke was brought into this world. He is such a blessing to me; to all of us. At this point a year ago, I was getting ready to be wheeled into my private room....still waiting to see & hold my baby for the first time. I can still remember the whole thing; being prepped for surgery, realizing I could see everything they were doing(looking into the lights & seeing my "insides"...gross), not being able to breathe when they were trying to manipulate him to get his head out, seeing him briefly before they "jetted" him to the nursery, finally being able to hold him for the first time, etc, etc. Luke Austin is such a wonderful blessing. He can melt your heart when he smiles. I love him so much!
Luke walked about 15' last night w/out falling down....YAY!! He's doing so good. He's doing this much faster than Matthew did. They both are sweet, sweet boys but yet different as night & day. I love them so much! My life became complete w/both of them.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-11T19:42:00.003-05:00

Our church played "Santa" to our family this year. What a wonderful surprise that was! They are so wonderful to us.

We spent Christmas eve at Wayne's parents. PaPa Rippel plays Santa every year. At age 2(almost 2 1/2), Matthew figured out it was PaPa. Sad :(

Christmas day found Melody cooking her first Christmas meal ever. It was an experience! An exhausting experience...lol....but one I would repeat.

SICK of being SICK

2009-11-25T18:55:00.003-05:00

I'm so sick of being sick. Both boys have a little of it(Luke's got a runny nose & Matthew has some congestion)....mine started w/a sore throat & now it's in my nose....UGH!!! It never fails....I'm either sick on Thanksgiving or Christmas....sometimes both.
Luke's working on his 4th tooth. And he's still getting very close to walking....soon!! Matthew is talking up a storm...new words every day.
I started watching the old Christmas shows w/him. He loves Frosty the Snowman. BUT he also loves all the Santa's in every show(yet he's scared of the 1 in the mall)...lol!!
I have a wonderful church family. They provided us w/the food to make a Thanksgiving meal. It was sweet of them! They know we are struggling & they decided we needed their help. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful church family.
OUCH!!!! I'm starting to get body pains...UGH!!!

October 2009

2009-11-03T08:33:00.002-05:00

It's been a long month. Too much stuff going on this past month that kept me from being able to update our blog.
Luke turned 9 months on the 15th....went & had his check-up....he was not real happy getting his shots though. Wayne went w/us...he wasn't too happy w/needles being in the same room as him...lol
Luke started saying "mama". Now that's how he wakes us up every morning. SWEET!!! He also started clapping(on his own) on the 28th of October. We were over at Wayne's parents & PaPa was holding him & he just started clapping. Luke is so close to walking. He wants to do it...you can see it in his face. He has mastered pulling up....has had that down for a long time now. He was doing that way early...according to the info I've seen on the internet as well as in books & the info given from the doctor.
Luke wants to be everywhere his big brother is.....follows him everywhere.
Matthew is talking so much now. He makes so many different sentences. It's amazing! He picks up words fast now...gotta watch what is said..lol!
The other day, we were headed over to Wayne's parents & Matthew saw McDonalds....he said I want chicken & fries...lol He also will ask for fries when we do the drive thru at the bank...lol Now don't get me wrong....we don't eat junk/fast food all the time. He just has a memory like an elephant. He will remember that you told him yesterday what he/you would do today. Smart lil' booger!!
I took them to Little Blessings Fall Party last Thursday. They got to dress in their costumes. Too cute!! We went even though dad & Hazel weren't there. Dad stopped by but only long enough to say "hi" & take a picture. Of course this threw Matthew off. He refused to do anything. He stuck by my side the whole time...total opposite of what he did last time we went. It was rough on me because I also had to deal w/Luke. Usually dad & Hazel watch him while Matthew & I "play" but w/them not there, I had to "play" w/him too. There was only 1 of the usual grandmas & grandpas there & she had her hands full w/another lil' one.
Hard to believe Christmas is not far off. Sadly, we can't afford even a "meager" Christmas for the boys. I know they won't remember it BUT you never get to have your 1st Christmas ever again.
We were looking at letting our house go & rent a house instead. It's sad but we can rent a bigger place for way cheaper than our mortgages(& thats w/them both being modified). We stopped looking for a place after our little mortgage got modified. Thats also when the work slowed way down for Wayne as well. Plus we are still trying to get assistance from the Dept. of Labor in getting his last check from Aztil. It's been 2 months since he quit there & they refuse to release his check...cuz he left them "high & dry".
I'll post pics from Halloween in another blog.

AMAZED!!

2009-10-08T13:58:00.003-04:00

We went to Little Blessings at dad's church. Matthew had fun. He actually went over on his own to get whatever item was needed for the activity; as well as put it away when told to do so. His behavior amazed PaPa & Ninnie as well as mommy.
Have to laugh....the other day, dad & Hazel came over. Matthew was very set on getting the hand sanitizer. Dad thinks it's very abnormal for a child his age to be so into hygiene. Matthew loves to wash his hands, use hand sanitizer, etc, etc.
I pulled a dress-a-like thing today w/the boys. Matthew has 2 identical shirts(same sizes as well) & 2 pairs of shorts(2 sizes). I dressed them both in them. It was too cute!! I hope to get a picture of them before the day is over. Yes, they can pretty much wear the same sizes now...lol.
Today is the first day I've left the house "alone" since all the break-in attempts. Praise the Lord...He kept it safe while we were gone. I feel a little better now about being able to run out every once in a while....I probably still won't do as much running as I used to do.
I love my little men! They are such a blessing! I especially love when they wrap their arms around my neck & give me their biggest bear hug. And the kisses!! These little actions melt my heart!! I praise the Lord each & every day for my darling , little boys!!

WOW!!

2009-10-01T16:34:00.002-04:00

Just went over about 36 flashcards w/Matthew. Out of those, by sight he knew what 26 were but could say all 36. TOO COOL!!!
I'm starting "school" w/him next week. I've tried before but have gotten lazy in it. BUT, I will try again. I figure we'll concentrate on a letter of the alphabet every 2 weeks....that way after a year he's covered the whole alphabet. Just hope I can keep myself focused on doing it. Better since as of now I plan on home schooling both boys.

PRECIOUS ANGELS

2009-10-01T15:18:00.003-04:00

My little boys are such precious angels!! They are growing so fast. Luke can actually now wear some of his big brother's clothes....WOW!!!

Matthew is talking up a storm...new words daily...even some spanish he learned from watching Handy Manny. Speaking of Handy Manny....yesterday he watched as daddy "tripped" over the threshhold 'tween our bedroom & our bathroom. It came off & he said; "uh-oh! Handy Manny, tools!" It was too funny!

Luke is learning to pull himself up now. He's really good at pulling up onto his knees...but yesterday he pulled up to his feet a couple of times. It won't be long now before he's walking. WOW!! Time flies! He also loves his big brother. He follows him around like there's no tomorrow.

My sweet & precious little angels!! I am truly blessed with/by these two wonderful little boys of mine.

NERVES

2009-09-22T19:15:00.002-04:00

Nerves have had me "on edge" the last few days/nights. First, Matthew has been watching this one Mickey video(old school Mickey). Every time one of the shows is over he calls me to restart...so I have to say no keep watching, here comes another one. This has been going on all afternoon today as well & is getting really old....ARGH!!
Secondly, the stress/nervousness of knowing someone has tried to break into the house. Wayne's dad looked at the door today. He said the deadbolts we have, once in locked position, can NOT be pryed open. This is a little reassuring to me. He also went w/me to Lowes to find another form of locking mechanism for the patio door. I also got alarms for all the doors & windows. We also are going to get rid of the hedges around our backyard/fence. It sucks that we have to do that because then we lose our privacy BUT it'll open it up so our friends across the street(on the right side of our house) can see if anyone enters our backyard. And we are going to invest in security cameras(ones you can hook up to a vcr & record)....this way we have "proof" if needed(praying it's never needed though).
Luke started waving last week.....so CUTE!!! He'll even be nursing, catch me looking down at him & he'll pull his hand away & start waving at me. TOO CUTE!!! He is getting better at pulling up...he's gonna walk soon I think.
Matthew is finally learning how to say his own name. He has always called himself me...but now he's getting Matthew down. He's learning so many words....a sponge....lol. Watch what you say now...lol!!!
We are all better this week. Last week, Matthew woke up w/a fever one day. The next day, I woke w/a cold; then Wayne got it the next day. But now we are all better.

DECISIONS! DECISIONS!

2009-09-02T14:18:00.002-04:00

We are in the midst of making a decision regarding Wayne's job. Right now, he's working for this one a/c company. He went to it a little over a year ago in order to make more money(especially since we were expecting another baby). I hate to say it, but he doesn't seem happy anymore....especially lately. He seems upset & stressed a lot more. It can get unnerving!! Well now, the company he worked at before this one....wants him back. They've been trying to get him back for the last month or so. The boss from that company finally got to talk to Wayne yesterday. He told him what he had to offer. They have switched how they pay the guys. Wayne would make more per job there than where he's at now. The only downfall is winter time w/the company wanting him, is slower than w/the one he's w/right now. BUT, the boss used to always find things for the guys to do(even if it didn't have anything to do w/doing a/c). I thought a decision had been made last night but when I asked him this morning ,he said he didn't know yet. I'm not sure if he meant he wasn't sure he was switching or if he wasn't sure how he was going to quit(just up & quit or give 2 wks notice).
I haven't heard from him all day, so I don't know if they've ticked him off anymore like they had yesterday. The installers were yelled at collectively(for the mistakes of just a couple); then they were told that from now on they too would be on-call on the weekends; & then informed that they do NOT get paid holiday or vacation pay(which he was told when he was hired that they did get). If he goes back to his "old" job; the boss said he'd hire him back right where he left off.....it'll be like he never left....2 wks vacation(right off), eligible for insurance right away, etc, etc.
We ask for prayers from everyone regarding this situation.

Things that make you go hhhhmmmm

2009-08-24T12:43:00.002-04:00

Things that make me go hhhhmmmm.....I realized this weekend, after something was mentioned about this time last year(that I couldn't remember)...
that I had blocked out everything after the one "life-changing" day I had last August. It has been a year since I learned that all important lesson. A year of learning how some people truly feel about me. A year of pretending that it didn't hurt being called "white trailer trash" by a "family" member & being told I'm not really family cuz I'm not blood. That one day changed my life forever. It could've changed my life even more if the stress from that situation had caused anything to happen to my precious Luke. I have to say...I don't think I could've forgiven anyone involved if something would've happened to him. Honestly, I even think Wayne would've been angry & unforgiving as well. What a difference a year makes! I still go & "pretend" I don't know the things I do.....takes a LOT of my acting skills sometimes(which would make my cousin Barry proud...lol)...I just go, grin & bear it! Some of my friends are amazed that I can do it at all. I just say, sometimes it's not bad; others requires a little more "tongue-biting" etc on my part. Now don't get me wrong, I can get along w/those involved BUT I'm always, constantly "on my guard". I don't say everything I'd like to say...for fear it comes back to bite me(how everything started last year...said something, words were twisted, re-told totally wrong , & thus the literal day from hell in my life). I guard all my thoughts & words now, no matter who I'm around...this is kind of sad(in a way) but it seems to be the best way for me to handle it.
I can finally say(@ least on this subject); LESSON LEARNED!!!

THE BOYS

2009-08-19T16:20:00.005-04:00

sitting up all by his self crawling thru the "playhouse"

up close & personal trying to escape

watching tv in the playroom ready for his close up

distracted by tv program day 1 put self down for nap

day 2 putting self down for nap...also put self to bed that way....sweet!!!

These are the latest pics of my darling, sweet boys. They play fairly well together. Luke loves to be wherever his big brother is & will follow him all over. Matthew loves to play w/Luke but sometimes forgets that he is still "small" & fragile.

We are laying odds that Luke will surpass Matthew size-wise in the next 6-9 months. Right now, he's 7lbs lighter & 7" shorter.....& growing like a weed.

I'm so glad I was able to stay home after having Luke. I see how much I missed of Matthew's first year. BUT...I'm getting to see it all w/Luke & also watch both my boys change & grow from day to day. I love it!!!

CRAWLING

2009-08-17T15:53:00.003-04:00

Matthew loves to get down on the floor & crawl with his baby brother. It's funny how different each child is....Matthew army crawled on his belly the whole time(never lifted up)....Luke crawls a little on his belly but also lifts up but doesn't crawl hands & knees....lol

They are both growing so fast. It's hard to believe that one is almost 25 months & the other is 7 months old. Time flies!! It seems just like yesterday I was waking Wayne up telling him I was pregnant w/Matthew.

LUKE'S 6 MONTH PHOTO SHOOT

2009-07-30T10:08:00.004-04:00

POOL TIME

2009-07-30T10:02:00.003-04:00

time spent w/Aunt Naomi , Tyler, & Ryan

MATTHEW'S 2ND B-DAY

2009-07-30T09:43:00.003-04:00

Matthew turned 2 this past Saturday. We celebrated it as a family on the actual day & had a party for family & friends on Sunday. Originally the theme of his party was to be Handy Manny...but then he saw Disney The Cars so we had to switch themes. Thank goodness I hadn't bought everything in HM yet.

The party was a success. Matthew enjoyed himself. These are just a few of the pics from his party. Way too many to upload...lol...so just picked a couple. To give an idea on decorations....I painted up "street signs" to hang around....stop sign, do not enter, yield, caution children at play, & present unloading zone. Everyone had fun!

Can't believe he's 2 already. My sweet little man!!

PRE-BIRTHDAY FUN

2009-07-30T08:40:00.005-04:00

We took Matthew to Lion Country Safari the week before his birthday...sort of a pre-celebration. It was unbearably hot(what's new here in south Florida...lol). But despite the heat, Matthew enjoyed himself. I'll be showing a few of the pics from that day....not all but a few. I figure most people would rather see pics of us versus the animals...lol

ROOM PICS

2009-07-01T12:00:00.009-04:00

Mickey Mouse & the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse(bedroom/ 1 wall)

Mickey(bedroom/ same wall as next 2 pics...WTP & HM)

Winnie The Pooh

Handy Manny

Handy Manny & his tools(playroom)

Winnie the Pooh , Piglet, & Tigger(playroom)

Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, & Toodles(playroom)

Elmo & Cookie Monster(playroom)

FINALLY

2009-07-01T11:38:00.002-04:00

YEA!!! Finally have internet again. Got my air card late Monday night....yea!! So happy to be back on & able to communicate w/my peeps.
The boys are getting bigger by the day. It's hard to believe that Matthew will be 2 years old in 24 days(7/25). I remember being pregnant w/him like it was yesterday. He was such an easy pregnancy. I remember when the doctor pulled him out; what a wonderful, amazing moment in our lives.
I'll be uploading some pics later of the pics on the boys walls(bedroom & playroom). It took a few days to do BUT I thoroughly enjoyed doing it. I wished I'd had more walls to do...lol

AAAARRGGHHHH!!!

2009-06-21T17:42:00.002-04:00

Hate not having internet at home. We ordered an air card for my computer yesterday & it was supposed to be here today but they never called!!! So angry!! And sad!!! Miss being able to talk to my peeps!!!
Boys are growing by leaps & bounds!! Matthew's still working on potty training. Luke's eating cereal & other stuff up a storm.
Still need my rich uncle to get out of the poor house though...LOL

YEA!!!!

2009-06-06T16:45:00.002-04:00

YEA!!! Three days in a row of going on the potty(at least once in the day)!!! Way to go Matthew!!! What a big boy!!! He's doing good. Now if he'd just do it every time. I usually catch him when he starts his pacing 'round & 'round to go poopies. That's the most of his potty trips. Though last night he also went just peepee on the potty. Yesterday was a big day....two times on the potty. Way to go my lil' man!!!
Luke had his first blow out diaper of his life(just now). It was so bad he had to have a bath afterwards.
Sorry for those of you w/"weak" stomachs....this is our life right now...lol
Can't wait to get my computer(s) working on the internet again. Hopefully very soon!!

CHANGES

2009-05-24T17:51:00.007-04:00

There have been some changes around here. First, Luke is now able to et cereal. He had his first "meal" last night. He didn't do bad & he ate almost all of it(a tablespoon's worth). Pics are above of this feeding. I swear the pics are better than this....they aren't coming out good on this blog or facebook :(

The other change is...Matthew has decided that the theme of his birthday party should no longer be Handy Manny but Cars. The bonus to this is....Party City has everything I need.....the downfall is I'll have to spend more money because of having to buy the stuff & not being able to print it from online like Handy Manny. But it's his choice....& who knows, he may change his mind back before then. He changed it this time because he just got some Hot Wheels yesterday as well as having watched the Cars movie last night.

"BIG" boys

2009-05-18T09:51:00.002-04:00

We've had some "big" days the last few days. Last Thursday(May 14th), Matthew went "potty" on his little potty. YEA!!! It was his first time.....he asked to sit on it, so I said okay.....he "played" for a while. I was busy watching someone suspicious walking down the road & missed him actually doing it. However, I didn't miss him taking the "bowl" out & dumping it all over the floor...LOL Then yesterday, he went to the bathroom w/his daddy. He sat & "played" again for a while but then decided he was done....& then as he stood up....went all over the cabinet...LOL...at least he tried....
Luke started rolling over....on his 4 month b-day(last Friday). Now he's constantly doing it!! He's growing so fast!!
Matthew's vocabulary is growing by leaps & bounds each day. He says at least 3 new words a day. His latest words are Guke(which is Luke), buddy, & money. I can't wait for his b-day. Wayne's parents got him the your baby can read set. It'll benefit both him & Luke.
Speaking of his b-day...I need to start planning it. I know it's not until July but I need to figure out if I'm going to order his invitations, decorations, etc or just go to playhousedisney.com/celebration center & make them all myself. He has chosen the Handy Manny theme this year. Right now it looks like my sister & her boys might be here for it....so it'll be a "double" party since Tyler's b-day is the same day as Matthew's.
Well need to go do laundry...already cleaned the whole house this morning.....so ready for a nap. Come on naptime...YEA!!!

And NOT so Sweet Boy

2009-05-05T15:27:00.004-04:00

Throwing a temper tantrum. I just don't know where he gets that temper from...LOL

SWEET BOYS

2009-05-05T14:33:00.006-04:00

Matthew says, "this is my nose"

Luke is such a happy baby!

Always Smiling!!

"crooked lil' grin"

Matthew loves to eat cheese petesy...that's how he says pizza(right now)

I love my lil' guys!!!

LUKE 3 MONTHS(& MATTHEW sneaking in)

2009-04-26T16:29:00.006-04:00

These are just a few of the shots that were taken. Matthew "conned" his way into a few pictures.

The lady said that for Matthew's 2yr old shots...we should tell him it's for Luke so that then he'll want it done & then we'll get good pics like we did this time.

If any of you reading this talk to either my dad(& Hazel) or to Wayne's parents....PLEASE don't mention the pics because they are part of their Mother's & Father's day gifts. THANKS!!!

LOVING BROTHERS

2009-04-17T10:05:00.005-04:00

Matthew & Luke(no help from mommy)

EASTER

2009-04-14T19:11:00.006-04:00

Easter at Wayne's parents. Don't the boys look adorable in their outfits? Too cute!!

EGG HUNT

2009-04-13T17:47:00.007-04:00

"Aunt Sandy" helping Matthew down the bounce "house" slide; in front of the "race" area w/daddy; hunting eggs; w/his prize(bunny) for finding a golden egg; and he's out for the count..

so tired from all the fun!!

SCHEDULES

2009-04-10T15:55:00.002-04:00

It's Good Friday!! Thank the Lord for all He's done for all of us!!!
We're starting a new schedule w/Matthew. Up til now, it's just been whatever happens is what happens. BUT no longer!! As of this morning, I get up when Wayne does, then I get Matthew up right after Wayne leaves. It has to be done that way so that Matthew doesn't "throw" a fit because daddy left w/out him. Then weather permitting; we go for a walk around the neighborhood. After our walk it's time for breakfast. The rest of the day isn't completely scheduled as of yet....except for nap time starting at noon. I'm going to try to make a schedule similar to what we did at the daycare I worked for. If I can get him adjusted to that; it'll be wonderful! Then maybe we can go to bed before 10:30/11pm every night. We're hoping to get Matthew down by 8pm....we can dream can't we??? LOL!!!
And a week from Monday, we are going to start potty training. YEA!!! We're fairly sure he's ready. He has been telling us, for the last few weeks, that he's going potty as he does it. So if he can just get the hang of doing it before he does it....
We hope everyone has a very blessed Easter.

Wayne's B-day(April 7th)

2009-04-08T12:28:00.006-04:00

Cake made by Melody....for Wayne's 39th birthday(@ our house)

Wayne w/his gifts & balloon(chosen by Matthew)

Wayne opening his card from the boys. They got him a digital photo key chain.

Opening his gift card to Home Depot from Melody.

Opening his cake, getting ready to eat it.

More Spring Break pics

2009-04-07T15:57:00.005-04:00

Aunt Naomi w/Luke; w/Matthew & Luke(both unhappy so Naomi "cried" too.

Tyler, Ryan, & Matthew in the pool; Matthew w/Naomi's sunglasses on...what a cool dude!

Start of Spring Break

2009-03-30T18:33:00.003-04:00

Matthew swimming with his Aunt Naomi. They had fun together. We will be going again each day that it's not raining.

Start of Easter stuff

2009-03-27T11:34:00.003-04:00

I took Matthew & Luke to dad's church yesterday for their mommy & me group called "Little Blessings". It was their Easter party. Matthew had a blast playing at all the activities. Then he had fun running around "hunting" Easter eggs. Sadly though, I forgot to take my camera. Then again, that's not all I forgot....when we pulled up to the church parking lot, I saw other kids walking in carrying their Easter baskets....that's when I realized I forgot Matthew's basket. I started crying because I felt so bad about it. Well dad pulled up while I was crying...he said that if the lady in charge didn't have any extra he'd go buy one for us. Apparently, seeing me so upset upset dad..so he did end up going to get us a basket. He's such a wonderful dad & grandpa.

We took the boys to see the Easter bunny at the mall afterwards. We had to go to the mall out by dad because our mall here isn't having an Easter bunny this year(except for a breakfast w/the Easter bunny..one morning only). Matthew loved the bunny 'til he was to sit next to him. Needless to say, I ended up having to get in the picture as well. Luke is crying in the picture because he had just woke up from a nap. Poor baby!! If we are out that way again, I may get his picture taken again by himself.

Two of my men will be getting their hair cut the day before Easter. I can't wait!! Wayne's hair is the longest it's ever been since we've been together. He's starting to look like "Ronald McDonald" LOL!!! Matthew's hair just grows fast. Dad & Hazel both said to get it cut even shorter this time.

I really can't wait to see my two little men in their Easter outfits. They will both be too, too, too cute! They have lil' dress shirts, vests, ties, slacks, & dress shoes. TOO CUTE!!!

RAIN,RAIN,RAIN

2009-03-18T10:31:00.001-04:00

Welcoming the rain!! We need it desperately!! Our HOA gave us a notice a few weeks ago that we needed to re-sod our yard because it was dead/dying; & that we needed to check our sprinklers because they must be broken or set wrong..thus why the yard is the way it is. Well of course our yard is dead/dying....there's been NO rain & we're only allowed to water so much. Yes our sprinklers need repair as well. If people wouldn't drive over the edge of our yard then all those would still be working. Wayne got out Sunday after church & put in all new sprinklers. So now all of them work properly. We have watered every single day this week, so far....including today while it was raining. Wayne said he had them set for every other day but I'd swear I heard them yesterday morning as well. We're only supposed to water on Wednesday & Saturday but I told him for this first week we could do the every other day just to get the yard looking healthier, faster. The last couple of times we tried programming the timer it's been screwed up...so we usually end up having to go out the night before & hit it to come on for the next day. Guess we'll still be doing that if we can't get it straight this next week...LOL!!
The bad thing about the rain is...no outside time...no going out to play, shop, or anything. This is driving Matthew bonkers!! He loves the outside...even if his only outing can be to the mailbox...lol!

MEAN BROTHER

2009-03-16T13:28:00.002-04:00

Well last night, poor Luke had his first experience w/a "mean" older brother. Luke was minding his own business, sitting in his bouncey seat. Matthew decided he needed to play w/the seat while Luke was in it. Well, Matthew was bent down at Luke's feet "playing".....next thing we know Luke is SCREAMING his head off. Wayne picked him up. I looked at Matthew & asked him if he bit his little brother & he shook his head "yes". I told Wayne to look at Luke's toes because Matthew had just said he bit his toes. Sure enough....he had bit him. POOR LUKE!!!
I'm debating on cutting my hair as well as adding hi-lites again. I can't make up my mind. When I have longer hair I want shorter hair & vice-versa. What to do , what to do????

ALL'S WELL

2009-03-13T13:06:00.002-04:00

Last week I ended up having to take both boys to the doctor because they both "caught" their daddy's cold. Luke actually was diagnosed as completely healthy. Matthew was just diagnosed as having an ear infection. He had his follow-up appointment this week & got a clean bill of health as well.
Matthew was just doing 2 of the cutest things. One he was taking a shopping bag & "shopping" thru his toys. Second, he found one of his lil' people toy chairs & was trying to sit on it...it's only about an inch tall/wide etc. It was the cutest thing!!!
I'm really enjoying being a stay at home mom!! It's what I've always wanted to do. It is what I dreamed of growing up to be....AND now that dream has come true!!

Friend's B-day Party

2009-03-09T15:28:00.008-04:00

Matthew got to take his first pony ride. He had a blast!! He also jumped a little in the bounce house with/mommy before all the big kids got in. Luke slept thru part of the party.

PICS OF LUKE

2009-03-03T09:51:00.005-05:00

These are some pics of Luke w/his Pooh friend blanket that he got from Mrs. Patti. He loves it!!

FAMILY

2009-02-27T11:21:00.011-05:00

Haven't had time 'til now. I'm going to post some of our pictures from when my uncle & aunt came to visit as well as my sister & her boys.

In order; Hazel & Luke; Aunt Naomi & Luke; Daddy & Luke; Melody, Ryan, Tyler, Matthew & Luke; Dad, Uncle Derwood & Luke; & last but not least..Uncle Derwood, Aunt Carolyn & Luke.

I am trying to get better about pictures & posting them as well as emailing them. The emailing part is a little harder because the overall system gives me problems sometimes allowing the pics to be sent. Hopefully the "bugs" will be worked out soon & it'll be a snap like it used to be.

NOW WAYNE KNOWS....

2009-02-23T14:37:00.002-05:00

Well Wayne finally knows what it's like to be with the kids & have one being super cranky & the other fine except when "starving". Matthew was having a really bad day yesterday. He was super cranky. I'm not sure if he was just over tired or if it's from his teeth that are coming in. BUT now Wayne has seen first hand what I go thru on a daily basis....not that Matthew is super cranky every day...just on occassion.
Both boys are down for a nap. I must be crazy to still be on the computer when I could be sleeping too. LOL!!! But it's also my soap opera time(YES!!! I am addicted to them again...as I always am when I'm off work for any amount of time).
I'm going to be working up a learning schedule for Matthew. He's already smart...knowing a lot of words that most kids his age don't know. I wish I had an extra $200....there's a learning program for kids ages 3 months to 5 years called Your Baby Can Read. It's a wonderful program!!! I want to do something like it w/Matthew.
Well by the sounds I'm hearing..it sounds like Luke may be about ready to eat again.

WHEW!!!

2009-02-21T13:08:00.007-05:00

My "boss" & friend Judy w/the boys. Matthew was not sleepy...just in motion at time of the picture.

Below: They may be a little hard to see....Patti did a great job....made them like announcements!!!

I am tired today. Matthew got up an hour & a half earlier than normal....guess he was excited that his PaPa & Ninnie Rippel were coming to get him for breakfast. I took the opportunity to clean the house while he was gone....though it's been like 3 & 1/2 hours & they aren't back yet. I'm guessing they planned on keeping him longer than just breakfast(wish I'd been told about that...I've been hanging 'round the window waiting to do stuff because I'm afraid I won't be home or available when they bring him home). Oh well, guess he'll be home soon enough...better enjoy the "freedom" of just one child(who's not running around) while I can.....LOL!!!

We signed up for new insurance....now we're just waiting to see if we were approved. We had to find new because our insurance was/is thru my job & we won't have it anymore once I quit(no, I still haven't quit yet).

My friend, Patti, sent us some wonderful creations(above) she did with the pictures she took of Luke at the hospital. They are just adorable.

My boss came to the house on Wednesday to see the boys. She is the first non-relative to come see them. I've added the pics of her w/them above as well.

WHAT A WEEK

2009-02-14T21:22:00.002-05:00

What a week it has been!!
My dad & Hazel came over on Tuesday. They took the boys & me out to lunch. We had a very nice time. Then that night...Matthew slept in his "bed"(playyard in our room) for the entire night. Boy were we all excited about this!! Wednesday brought along Matthew's second haircut. He did a very good job sitting there. I even had the girl "sneak" in a trim for me too. We hoped & prayed that Wednesday night would also bring another night of a Matthew-free parents bed.......
BUT no such luck......we got maybe a 30 minute kid-free zone.
Thursday, I took the boys to dad's church to this little group for newborns to toddlers called Little Blessings. Matthew had a blast!! He ran around just like all the other kids. He also had his "first" kiss. They did kind of a freeze game except instead of freezing when the music stopped, you had to hug someone. Well Matthew had a little girl hug him & then she planted a big kiss on him. It was too cute! Of course his "Pa Pa" was sitting on the side lines giving him the "thumbs up" & " way to go" signs...LOL!!!
Friday brought a LOT of work for me. I had to rearrange the third room to make the back half a " guest room" & the front half the boys play room. I had to get all their toys out of their bedroom so that we could get Matthew's new bed in there. My friend gave us a toddler race car bed. Wayne & his friend picked it up this morning. We have to get a new mattress for it tomorrow BUT Matthew loves it so far....so this could be the beginning of something great!!!! YEA!!!(fingers crossed, hoping & praying)!!!!
Well need to get some shut eye!!!

SLEEP DEPRIVED

2009-02-04T15:10:00.002-05:00

I have not really been sleep deprived this whole time....actually Luke sleeps really well. However yesterday I did not get my usual daily nap(while both kids are sleeping). Neither child took a nap at all yesterday...wait I take that back...Luke slept for 30 minutes....BUT that was it. Thank goodness they are both down for a nap today.
Well I gotta go catch a few ZZZ's before they wake up. More later!!!

2 KIDS, 3 SHOTS, OH MY!!

2009-02-01T13:00:00.002-05:00

We took Matthew & Luke to the doctor yesterday. Matthew was there for his 18 month old shots & Luke for his 2 week old shot. Matthew also had to have his MMR shot that I held off on having. I was "scared" of it. I was afraid that with the luck we always seem to have that he'd be one of the few that would develop autism from it(though they say that's not possible). On the way home from the doctor he must have gotten tired from the shots because he wouldn't hardly talk which freaked me out...BUT then he finally came around & started talking like he normally does.
Luke went to his first party yesterday as well. Our friend's son is turning one & she had his party yesterday...so we stopped by for a few minutes. Mathew seemed to have fun while he was there.

Back to a comment I made in my last blog...about wondering if I was going thru post partum depression. I did some research on the subject...I am not suffering from that. I had/have what is known as "baby blues". Easy to cry, emotional, etc etc. This is all I had. I would cry the first week when Wayne's parents would bring Matthew home from their house because he would stand at the door & cry for them & refused to be comforted by me. This would hurt my felings & I'd end up crying. It's better now that he's been staying at home all day with me.
Matthew has been very helpful & loving with his baby brother. He loves to hold him & kiss him etc etc.
Well I got a phone call from the girl who was going to watch the boys for me....she called to say that she's not going to be able to watch them now. I guess this works out good so that now I don't have to blame it on Wayne when I quit.
Well better sign off for now....Matthew just woke up & wants mommy.

MOM & BOYS

2009-01-28T14:11:00.003-05:00

These aren't the greatest photos but here are some photos of me & my boys!!

LUKE AUSTIN RIPPEL

2009-01-22T13:59:00.003-05:00

Introducing Luke Austin Rippel. This is him resting at home while mommy is snapping pictures.

He was born on January 15,2009 at 1:05pm....weighing in at 8lbs 1oz....and 19 & 1/2 inches tall.

Let me just say that my experience with this birth was totally different than with Matthew. I knew what to expect this time but some of the stuff that happened I don't remember happening the last time. This time I was looking up in the lights of the OR & realized I could see everything they were doing(kinda gross)....so I stopped looking 'til they actually got Luke out & then I looked back into the light & saw him.

Recovery was a bit different too. I got up the next moning was able to do everything they needed me to do & was up most of the day moving around. I again did not keep baby the first night I was supposed to because I believe I "over did" it that day so I was in pain.

Matthew loves his baby brother & is already very protective of him. A nurse came to take Luke for a test & Matthew screamed & cried 'til she brought him back. He has been very helpful with Luke. He helps me burp him, gets me diapers etc. What a big boy helper.

Sadly though, I think I may be suffering a little bit of post partum depression. I don't know for sure but I'm more emotional now & can cry at the drop of a hat. I'll go into more detail about this later....right now I have to go...someone's calling for "lunch".

TOMORROW!!!

2009-01-14T11:15:00.002-05:00

Well tomorrow's the big day. Luke will be coming into this world around 1pm(EST). Hard to believe it's time already...though I'm so over being pregnant...LOL!!! It just seems like yesterday we were telling everyone that we were expecting.
I have everything ready at home. The only thing we haven't done yet is put the infant carseat back in the car. We were supposed to get that done this past weekend BUT Wayne's back was hurting from being in 2 attics a day for 3 or 4 days straight. So he says he'll do it tomorrow before we go to the hospital....otherwise he'll have to do it by himself sometime before he picks us up at the hospital on Sunday.
I had to pack a different coming home outfit for Luke because our weather changed. I only had cute onesies packed BUT since we got a cold snap that's supposed to last thru the weekend I had to find an outfit that was a little warmer(which was hard since Matthew was born in the summer & mainly had "summery" clothes). Hopefully the one I did find won't be too big on him.
Well, I better look like I'm doing some work. This will be my last blog for a few days. Will be back on sometime next week...hopefully.

3 DAYS LEFT

2009-01-12T15:13:00.002-05:00

Hard to believe there's only 3 days left 'til this little bundle of joy is born!! I'm so ready BUT yet also a little apprehensive. I had a "bad" day yesterday. Matthew was being kind of bratty & I was trying to get a lot accomplished.....it almost overtook me. I was almost in tears wondering how in the world I am going to manage this....being a mom of two. The Lord will give me the strength to handle it, I know...but it was just a little(who am I kidding)...a lot overwhelming yesterday.
I will try to blog between now & Wednesday(or maybe Thursday morning) but if not will be back on ASAP after coming home from the hospital.

1 WEEK

2009-01-08T09:08:00.002-05:00

YEA!!!! 1 week from today & Luke will be in this world. We are excited!! I am a little apprehensive as to how Matthew will react to his baby brother....BUT hopefully he'll be fine. We've been trying to spend as much time with him as possible for the last week or so, as well as this coming weekend(as it is his last weekend as an only child). Everything is ready for Luke's arrival except for getting the carseat back in the car & putting back on the fabric pieces(that I washed) for the swing & bouncey seat....all of which will hopefully get done by Saturday afternoon so that Sunday we can go to church & then spend rest of day just goofing off w/Matthew. I am hoping to get the house & laundry all done on Saturday so that Sunday is just a goof off day. I'd really like to be all caught up so that the last three nights before Luke's arrival that I don't have to "work" every night after working all day.
The ultrasound doctor on Tuesday said that the guesstimation of his weight is 7.5lbs(give or take a pound)....I said probably give...I really think he's going to out weigh Matthew at birth. Matthew was 7.4lbs....I really feel Luke will be at least 8+lbs. With the time frame of my surgery
both boys will have been born at almost the same exact time....which I think is pretty cool. My biggest "challenge" is not being able to drink anything after midnight. With my sinuses the way they are I'm up a couple of times just for a drink....BUT I can't that night....I can only "swish" out my mouth. And then no breakfast....I have to sit there & watch Wayne & Matthew eat & drink while I can't have anything....not fair .
Well I better get to work. I will try to blog between now & delivery day. If not, I will be on as soon as I feel up to it after I get home. I come home on Sunday....so then it might be like Wednesday the earliest....we'll see.

ACCIDENT!!!!

2009-01-05T13:34:00.003-05:00

Here is a picture(taken 4 hours after the "accident") of Matthew's first real injury. It looks good here...especially compared to what it looked like when it first happened. I was in working in his room, trying to get it ready for Luke's arrival. He was supposed to be playing with daddy in the living room but decided he needed to see what mommy was doing. Well we had the crib pulled away from the wall & he went behind it & fell. He started crying, so I picked him up....took him out of the room & asked him if he bumped his head or what he had bumped. Well as I asked him I brushed his hair to the side & there was this huge, nasty knot on his forehead. It had a bloody looking line going right thru the center of it. I think if he had rubbed it anymore or we had pushed on it too hard it would have "erupted". So I ran to get the ice pack. Wayne snatched him away from me & wouldn't let me near him. Of course Matthew refused to let us hold the ice pack on it at all. So Wayne took him outside, making him walk around etc while I called to get an "emergency appointment" at his doctor's office(thank God for Pediatric Associates & having emergency hours 365 days a year). They told me on the phone that since he hadn't blacked out, thrown up etc that he was fine BUT went ahead & set up an appointment for us & our peace of mind to see the doctor. This happened at 11am & earliest they could take us though was 1:45pm.
This worried me since he was due to take a nap. They assured me it was fine to let him sleep as long as we kept him up for a little while right after it happened. Then she said to just check on him every hour....so I held him & every 15 minutes would "nibble" his finger to make him "squirm" a bit. We went to the doctor & she said he was fine...he might just have a black eye in the next day or two when the swelling goes down & he "bruises" more.
After getting home though, Wayne became very overprotective & wouldn't hardly let Matthew do anything at all. Sadly, even though he swears he doesn't blame me for it happening...Wayne does blame me. He said that when I saw Matthew come in to the room that I should've dropped evrything I was doing to watch him. We still don't know if he hit his head on the leg/foot of his crib or on his fire truck that was right there as well.

A few Christmas Pics

2009-01-05T13:29:00.004-05:00

Actually these aren't really from Christmas but of Matthew wearing an outfit from his Grandpa & Grandma Rowell while riding on a toy from his PaPa & Ninnie Rippel. SO CUTE!!! When I took him there that morning I told his Ninnie that he was there to "mow the back 40"...LOL!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-02T12:58:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone. I am not one to make resolutions because I can never keep them. I usually fail w/in the first month..LOL!!! However there is one that I can keep this year & that is the one that everyone always does....losing weight. I know I can keep this one this time because I'll be able to start losing weight two weeks from yesterday..the day I have this baby. And then my goal is to lose at least everything I gained from this pregnancy(50+ lbs). With Matthew I only gained 30 lbs but lost like 47 lbs before getting pregnant w/Luke. So hopefully I'll be able to lose all the weight this time as well. I think I might be able to since I'll be running around after two little ones.
We're hoping to get some assistance w/getting our mortgage cut down(in 1/2 would be wonderful)....so that I won't have to go back to work. As of right now I need to go back...BUT....there's been a snag in my plan of going back. I knew Wayne's parents(mom really) would not be able to take care of two little ones so I checked into daycares in the area. YIKES!!!! The prices are so high & w/what little I make I couldn't even afford it....my check wouldn't cover but like 1 & 1/2 wks w/nothing left for me. So then I talked to my one friend about watching them(she's a stay at home mom). I had it all arranged...$150/wk for both kids. Only drawback is she lives like 20 miles away from us & about 10-15 miles away from my work. BUT I was gonna bite the bullet & do it anyways. Well I guess in all the talks about it...Wayne never heard me say that she would have to put them in the car to take 1 of her kids to school(right around the corner from her house...not a 5 minute drive)....he didn't hear it 'til I was talking w/my dad & Hazel about it....then all of a sudden he started "freaking" out about her driving them around. So he put his foot down about it...so now I can't use her "services". So now I really have no choice but to not return to work.....which is a slight problem....well not for me but for my boss. She wanted to know back at the beginning of December if I was quitting....so she could hire someone & I could train them before leaving. Well lucky for her, we closed a store & the manager is training to "fill-in" for me while I'm on leave. I just can't bring myself to tell her I'm not coming back....I guess I'm hoping things will change so that I could come back.
Well I better get back to work.

3 WEEKS(minus 1 day) LEFT

2008-12-26T12:40:00.002-05:00

My scheduled c-section is 3 weeks from yesterday(& not a moment too soon...lol). I can't wait!! I'm in the state of "misery". I can't get comfortable in any position(sitting, standing, laying, etc etc). Soon it'll be over though & I'll have precious little Luke joining our family.
Hate to say it but so glad Christmas is over. We changed it up a little this year. We only went to his parents for Christmas eve(instead of both eve & day/night). Then we went to dad & Hazel's for lunch on Christmas day.
I feel so bad for dad & Hazel. I had to use them as babysitters that one day & I guess it traumitized Matthew. He is such a "creature of habit" & to have a "monkey wrench" thrown into his routine....it has apparently "scarred" him. Now every time we go to their house...he starts crying as soon as we get to the front door. I'm hoping he'll grow out of this. And hopefully he won't cry when they come over to our house the next time. His reaction each time(now) is really hurting them. I feel so bad BUT there's nothing I can really do about it.
I just found out a few days ago that one of my really good friends will be in town when I have Luke. I can't wait to see her. I hope & pray she is able to make it to the hospital to see me.
Well I better start thinking about doing a little work while I'm here....LOL!!!
Hope everyone had a great Christmas!! We used a disposable camera for our pictures this time around...so as soon as I get them developed & a disk(or scanned to my home computer) I'll post them on here.
Matthew hadn't quite grasped the concept of unwrapping the gifts yet...BUT he had a blast with everything he got for Christmas!!
More in a while!!

4 Christmases

2008-12-22T14:02:00.002-05:00

Matthew is having "4 Christmases". He had 1 yesterday...we let him open his gifts from his "Aunt Sandy" from church. Talk about having a blast!! He wouldn't even stop playing w/his toys long enough to eat lunch. Then #2 will be Christmas eve w/Wayne's family. #3 will be Christmas morning w/us & then #4 will be later that day w/my dad & Hazel. Matthew is going to have a blast!! He still doesn't "grasp" the concept of opening gifts(still needs a little help w/them) but once they are open he's all about them....LOL.
3 weeks from Christmas day!!! if Luke lasts that long....LOL!! I hope he does(even though I am completely miserable) because I have a lot to do before then...lol!!
Well better get back to work...boss just walked in...lol.
If not back on before then...hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!!

4 WEEKS TO THE DAY LEFT

2008-12-18T14:28:00.002-05:00

Well by this time 4 weeks from now, I will be in recovery(if not already in my room). It's not that far away yet it seems it at times.
My doctor said that what the other doctor meant about the baby being 2 wks more than me...had nothing to do w/my due date needing to be changed. It just meant that at that moment he was the size of a 33 wk old "fetus"/baby.
I still don't know if I'll actually make it to my actual scheduled delivery date or not. Noone I know thinks I will either. I look like he could drop out at any moment...LOL!!
Matthew is having a hard time lately if his daddy is not home within a half an hour of us getting home. I went thru another evening of him crying for more than an hour because he wanted his daddy. He wouldn't even take comfort from me..his own mommy. He wanted only either his daddy or his "Ninnie"...BUT no mommy. I now kind of know how my dad & Hazel felt a few weeks ago when they watched him & he cried for an hour for me. He was so upset last night that even in the brief moments when he'd be "calm" & I asked him if he was ready for dinner, he'd start crying again(I guess he associated eating with his daddy)....so needless to say he never ate dinner last night. He fell asleep before Wayne got home & had refused to eat until he got home. I hate that he didn't eat but I can't force him to either. I'm sure he won't suffer from missing one meal(especially after hearing what he'd had for breakfast...he ate more for breakfast than I did for breakfast, lunch & snacks...LOL).
Well better do some work(LOL) before it's time to go home for the day.

BIG BOY!!!

2008-12-16T13:51:00.003-05:00

FUNNY FACE!!!! But look at the hair!!! This is the first picture taken after his very first haircut....which he had done this past Saturday(12/13/08). Daddy was so excited that he finally got a haircut. Everyone was...except mommy!!! I loved my lil man's curls he had in the back. BUT I caved to the "pressure" of everyone saying how badly he needed a haircut. I only caved because I thought it was important for me to be involved in it...& I had a fear that someone else would sneak him away for one while I'm in the hospital having his brother. I did good while he was getting it cut....BUT I did cry a little bit afterwards(in the car) because he no longer looks like my "little boy".....now he looks like a little "man". It has grown on me & I do love it...it was just hard at first...LOL!!! BUT since he got his haircut he has "changed"....he has become more "stubborn" & defiant....LOL...even his daddy noticed...LOL!!!
Well I go to my doctor today. I'm in the stage of appointments every 2 wks now. I have to ask her if I had heard the ultrasound doctor correctly the last time when she said that I was 31 wks & 5 days but that the baby was 33 wks +. If so, there's a chance I won't make it to my January 15th scheduled c-section. Plus this past Sunday night, I was having contractions(at least I think they were contractions...LOL). I say think so because I never had them w/Matthew....so not completely sure what they feel like. I just know that whatever was happening was not something I ever felt w/Matthew. Who knows...maybe I was having sympathy pains for Wayne's cousin's wife who had their son Sunday night...LOL!!!
Oh yes....time for the BIG announcement!!!! It hasn't been told to everyone(not sure if all of Wayne's family knows yet or if they are still calling the baby..#2...his dad was told the name so I assume he told Wayne's mom & so forth)......this baby's name will be.....Luke Austin Rippel.
Well I better do some work seeing as I leave in a little less than an hour.

Growing Up

2008-12-16T13:34:00.004-05:00

Matthew & daddy taking a ride on Papa's(grandpa Rippel's) riding lawn mower. Matthew saying "hey I'm going to drive this thing by myself".

He is becoming such a lil' man. So grown up!! He's definitely not a baby anymore.

Matthew is "speaking" more & more w/each passing day. Last night we started going thru some flashcards w/him. Then I decided that we'd just pick one each Monday night at dinner & that would be his "word" of the week. His word this week is apple.....AND he did say it two times last night during dinner(as I was showing him the card). He's very smart. He knows exactly what we are talking about(no matter what the subject). For example...while he was sick a few weeks ago...he got "hooked" on the bottle again(anything to get him to drink enough fluids). Well it's gotten to the point that I want him "broke" of it again but he can be very demanding...LOL....so if he says bottle I ask him "what do you want? do you want a b-o-t-t-l-e(I spell it out)?" He then shakes his head yes.....the kid already knows how to spell bottle....LOL!!!

Well I hate to have to close but I better.

BACK PAINS

2008-12-04T13:25:00.002-05:00

I have back labor. NOT FUN!!! I honestly don't know if this child will wait until the scheduled surgery day or not. I meant to ask my regular doctor the other day, if I had understood the ultrasound doctor correctly. I'd swear last week when I had my ultrasound done that she had told me that on that day I was 31 wks 5 days(according to my Jan. 22nd due date) but that the baby was measuring 33 wks. I will have to remember to ask at my next doctor's appt. on Dec. 16th. I'm thinking if I heard correctly, that there's a good, strong chance that this baby will come earlier than expected(more like closer to my original due date of Jan. 9th).
I'm still sick. Matthew is still congested a little bit as well. I really hate being sick. It's so very annoying!!!
Well better get back to work.

Thanksgiving Blues!!!

2008-11-28T15:51:00.002-05:00

Well other than being alive(& having my family), I had absolutely nothing to be thankful about yesterday.
Matthew & I are both still sick. Wayne just has a cough here & there. All I wanted to do was rest BUT nope that didn't happen.
Wayne had said that if we were still sick on Thanksgiving day, that we would stay home. Guess he meant if he was still sick....cuz we still went, even though Matthew & I were both still sick.
I think if I could've rested the whole day I might be even better than I am.....I felt really good this morning when I got up...that is 'til I got out in the cold weather & it made me feel worse.....& now as the day has progressed I've slowly gone "down-hill".
Well better close for today.....almost time to go home from work.
Hope everyone else had a great Thanksgiving!!

SICK!!!!!

2008-11-21T09:52:00.002-05:00

We are all sick!! It started w/Wayne last week. He was almost over it, then yesterday it came back on him w/a vengeance. So now his is more like the flu instead of a cold. I started getting it 3 days ago & it is now apparent that I definitely am sick. In the beginning, we couldn't tell if it was a cold or sinus problems. And then last night, Matthew started getting it. He woke up w/a little cough this morning.....my poor baby!!!
I still have not had the chance to upload Matthew's Halloween pics yet. One of these days it'll get done.....LOL!!!
The true "bummer" about us all being sick is....it's our 6th wedding anniversary this Sunday. It doesn't look like we'll get to enjoy it at all.
Well better get back to work....lol.

UPDATES!

2008-11-11T15:49:00.003-05:00

I apologize for not blogging sooner. I still need to upload Matthew's Halloween pics to my computer at home so that I can upload them on here for all of you to see.
I honestly just have not felt like doing anything the last week & a half. I will try to do better as I draw near to the end of this pregnancy & after as well.
I had a doctor's appointment this morning. I passed my glucola test w/flying colors. Doctor said everything's looking good. We scheduled my c-section as well. So this little bundle of joy will be making his appearance on Thursday, January 15th. The surgery starts around 12:30pm...which is the same time Matthew's was...so this one should be born right around the same time as his big brother.
As much as I love being pregnant(all the kicks etc), I am looking forward to being done as well. I'm at that point where I can't get comfortable anywhere(bed, work, etc). My big belly is just too heavy anymore....LOL!!!
Well better get ready to leave for the day. I will try to get the Halloween pics up soon!

Matthew's Picture for everyone

2008-10-31T16:40:00.001-04:00

Halloween

2008-10-31T12:39:00.002-04:00

We have a Halloween picture that Matthew colored to share w/everyone. My computer at home would not let me email it to everyone(for some reason)....so when I get around to it I will post it on here. I'll try to do it later this afternoon if I have the "strength" to do so.
If you are family & reading this you already know but if you are a friend you won't know this yet...
My brother Mel passed away this morning around 1am(CST). Please pray for my sis-n-law, Pam, during this time. She is an amazingly strong person but this is a trying time for all. Also just keep the rest of our family in your prayers as well. This is a trying time for our family. And I ask for your prayers for me. I called my doctor this morning & found out that I'm not allowed to fly....therefore I can't go out for the funeral....which is "heart-breaking" for me.
We are still going to continue w/our Halloween plans.....mainly as a "distraction" tactic.
Well better eat lunch & then get back to work.

1st Fall Festival

2008-10-27T13:15:00.002-04:00

Matthew attended his first fall festival yesterday at our church. He had a blast!!! He played all the games that were set up(even the ones that were way too big for him); they let him "cheat" a little since he was so small. He did really good. He got 118 tickets to "cash in" on prizes. His "loot" included a Mickey playball, a pumpkin w/a straw, & a Pooh coloring set.
Wayne made his chili for the chili cook-off & I made some peanut butter chocolate cupcakes for the bake-off. I won 1st place in the bake-off. It's the first time I've ever entered it. It was a very exciting thing for me...I've never won anything before.
Matthew ran back & forth so much playing all the games that he fell asleep on the way home. He was so out of it that he didn't even wake up when I took him out of the car. He even still had his bib on from dinner...lol. I put him in his crib. Wayne noticed the bib & took it off...never disturbing him. I then went in; took off his shoes, socks, & shorts plus changed his diaper w/out disturbing him. He was one tired boy!
We didn't get a whole lot of pictures while at the festival....but as soon as I get them downloaded into my computer at home, I will post them on our blog.
Well lunch is about over. Better get back to work.

New pics

2008-10-20T14:30:00.006-04:00

A little dark....but as I was taking it he was starting to say something...thus why mouth is wide open...LOL

still a little dark!! He was pointing to what he wanted which was either his milk or his goldfish snacks.

He was so tuckered out. We went to Babies R Us to get our tandem stroller while my 20% coupon was still good as well as to use up my gift cards from my birthday. This was on the way home....daddy had handed him the teddy bear that his grandma Jo had given his mommy to be her car ride companion. Right after he was handed the bear, he fell right to sleep.

I had to take Matthew last week to the doctor's after hours care. His diaper rash was bothering him so much Tuesday night that when I put him in for his bath, he hated it. He cried & was moving trying to avoid sitting. So I asked him if he wanted mommy to take him to the doctor & he shook his head yes. So we called & got an "emergency hours" appointment. The weird thing is from the time I took him out of his bath til we got there & saw the doctor...it had changed. It went from looking like regular diaper rash to looking like a yeast diaper rash(thus also the diagnosis). So then we went to Target & got his prescription. Then when we got home & were changing his diaper again for bed...it had changed back to the regular looking diaper rash. It was the weirdest thing. It's finally all better. I just hope it stays that way!

I'm feeling pretty good. The baby keeps shifting his position...so that one day I'm carrying "high" & then the next "low" & sometimes both in one day. Emotionally, I'm so-so. Nothing to do w/the baby though. Just some other things going on that have me "irritated" & "out of sorts". I "can't" go into any details about this.....just keep me in your prayers. It'd be bad enough dealing w/these "feelings" at a regular time BUT add on top of it the pregnancy hormones...I can be extra emotional & sensitive.

Well better get back to work.

YAWN!!!

2008-10-13T15:18:00.003-04:00

I hate Sunday nights!!! For some reason, no matter how tired I am; I can't seem to fall asleep on Sunday nights. Last night was no exception. Not sure exactly what contributed to it last night because I was exhausted but only slept maybe an hour out of the 7 1/2 I was in bed. I don't know if it's just the fact that I can't get comfortable anymore or if it's the fact of Wayne & Matthew flopping around like fish.(yes i said Matthew....Wayne wanted him w/us last night for some reason...I think because Matthew hasn't been feeling "great")
Matthew's cutting more teeth & having issues w/them. He has been fighting w/a diaper rash since the beginning of this month because of the teeth. However, it got better around Weds. of last week but came back w/a vengeance this past Sat. Several people asked if it was because we'd given him something different to eat but he's eating all the same foods as usual.
Well, we have picked a name out for the new baby. You'll have to stay tuned to find out what it is because we are not telling anyone at this time...LOL!!!
Oh, & we decided on the hospital. We still haven't seen the 2nd one but decided for more visits from Matthew as well as Wayne(& maybe my dad & Hazel this time) to go w/the closer one that we used last time. Hopefully I'll have a better experience this time.

Plans Changed

2008-10-11T15:50:00.002-04:00

We didn't go to the hospital or Babies R Us today. Wayne ended up having to work & we needed that extra money, so we canceled our plans.
Matthew's been fussy today. I think his teeth are bothering him. It took me a while to get him down for his nap. It also took letting him sleep in our bed for it. Oh well, whatever it takes for him to get enough rest.

TIRED

2008-10-10T12:57:00.003-04:00

Well we go tomorrow to check out the other hospital(the one I really want to deliver in, though it's so far away). Then we're going to head over to Babies R Us to look around.
I found out today that I can make all of Matthew's well check up appointments on Saturdays. I thought that the Saturday & Sunday hours were only for sick/emergency visits but Saturday mornings they do well check ups too. YEA!!!! NO more having to lose hours at work to go for his drs appts.
Baby's hungry!!! Better go feed him!! LOL!!

Back to normal?

2008-10-01T19:57:00.002-04:00

Well I went back to work today. YIKES!!!! Normally I could've caught up in one day BUT my boss insisted on me getting some orders written up today(though they won't be in 'til mid Jan). She wasn't in a great mood w/me having been out for almost a week. She told me I need to get a back-up babysitter for times like these......easier said than done. We don't live close to any of my friends(or my dad) & I have no friends out this way, so noone else to do it. Plus Matthew is very funny about strangers....some he has no problem with & others forget about it. He even does this w/family that he doesn't see a lot(like my dad).
Well I better go figure out what I'm going to have for dinner. Wayne just got home...plus I need to give Matthew a bath before his bedtime.

TIME OFF

2008-09-26T14:23:00.002-04:00

Well due to unfortunate events in Wayne's family's life, I have gotten some time off of work to spend extra time w/Matthew. This past Wednesday I was called by Wayne to leave work early because his dad was being taken to the hospital. He ended up being admitted & now next Monday(late) will be the very earliest he can get out of there. He has a blood clot on his lung...this is a very serious thing. They are trying to break it up w/blood thinners. Please keep him in your prayers.
I took Matthew to Little Blessings at my dad's church yesterday(since I was off). Matthew had a blast!! He didn't really interact w/the other kids but he ran around having so much fun. I wish we lived closer so we could take him to it more often. Matthew would love it!!!
Well going to try to rest some(though I need to clean some too...lol) while Matthew is down for his nap.

Right Track

2008-09-24T12:04:00.003-04:00

I went to the doctor yesterday. She said that everything's right on track(my weight, belly size, etc). I love to hear the heartbeat everytime....it's my favorite part of any visit. My next visit to her(actually to one of the other "partners") is next month for my glucola test. This tests for gestational diabetes. I was borderline w/Matthew. I really hate this test. You drink this nasty tasting liquid(kinda like a flat Sunkist) an hour before you go to the doctor. It's like pure sugar. Last year, my heart started beating so fast from it...I literally thought my heart would burst out of my chest it was beating so hard. Well this not only effects my heart rate but the baby's as well; plus it raises my blood pressure......oh so fun.....NOT!!!!
Matthew seems like he gets bigger & bigger w/each passing day. He loves to be outside. If he could be outside 24/7....I think he would be. He's very active. He has taken up playing football, soccer, & golf while at his papa & ninie's house each day.
Well better get back to work.

"BABY" PICS

2008-09-19T07:27:00.018-04:00

Ultrasound #1 (6/11/08)

Ultrasound #2 (7/10/08)

Ultrasound #3 (8/21/08)

This is the day we were told it's a boy!!!

kinda looks like he's boxing!!

Ultrasound #4 (9/18/08)

looks like he's playing peek-a-boo

double checked that it's a boy. little white spot is an arrow

pointing to definite boy "package"

TIRED BOY!!!

2008-09-19T07:27:00.009-04:00

This was our last trip to Sam's club. Matthew fell asleep on the way there & didn't wake up when pulled out of his car seat. We had to head straight to the towel section to try & make him as comfortable as possible(& yes we bought the towels before we left...LOL).

So tired!!! Going to go to sleep mommy!!

And he's out!!

YAWN!!!

2008-09-16T12:49:00.002-04:00

So bored!! I finished all my work for the whole work week yesterday. So now I have nothing to do("major projects") for the rest of the week. I have the day to day stuff BUT we are still in our slow time of the year..so it's not much(usually done in 15 minutes).
Matthew is so cute. I have to remember to have Wayne send the picture of him from our last Sam's Club shopping adventure....ADORABLE. The pic is in Wayne's phone & I keep forgetting to have him send it to mine or my email. As soon as he does, I'll post it.
Matthew loves to be outside. That's all he wants to do. I hate it because he doesn't understand why he can't go out when there's a rain storm coming or that it's too late & there are mosquitos & gnats, etc out. I can't wait to get the back yard set up where the dogs have their area to run & play & the boys will have the whole rest of the yard to play in(poop free....lol).
Matthew's attention span is getting a little longer w/each passing day. He can stay focused on something he's playing with or watching for a longer amount of time than he used to....as well as he knows how to play by himself & not always have to be entertained. This last thing is really good for me considering that I'm exhausted by the end of the work day & just want to rest.
Well I better get back to work....LOL!!

YIKES!!!

2008-09-15T12:39:00.002-04:00

Well thank goodness this happened with Wayne yesterday & not me by myself today(or any other day). We went & did our shopping & then he decided that on the way home he wanted to stop & visit his parents really quick. Well we did so, then as we were loading the car to leave to go home, Wayne jumps out & starts looking at the tires. I looked down at my side & said "this back one is very low". Well it turned out between Target & his parents house, we had somehow gotten a piece of wood about 7 inches long in our tire. He did his best to plug it but it was still leaking. So Matthew & I went back into the house w/his mom while he & his dad ran to Sam's. Turns out we also had a nail in one of our other tires. This was irritating to us both because we just bought 4 new tires(off the internet) back in April. Thus nothing we could do about getting free ones, etc for the road hazards we had encountered.
Matthew ended up being really tired & took a 3 hour nap while daddy was gone. He even slept in his own crib last night for longer than he has in a long time. He justs loves to snuggle, that's why he loves to end up w/us in our bed.
I think we are getting closer to finding a name for the new baby. We have agreed on 2 names....
for the first name. One has a middle as well....but the middle name could possibly change as well. Only time will see. We need to go thru all the names again & see what middle name goes w/what first name & see if we find the perfect combo. We'll keep ya'll posted.
Baby's kicking....saying it's time for lunch.....better go feed him....LOL

FOOD!!

2008-09-11T12:38:00.002-04:00

I'm so hungry!! I can't seem to get enough!! LOL!! NO wonder I'm as big as a house...not really but sometimes it feels that way...LOL!!
Matthew was really good last night. We were out to dinner with some of the guys from Wayne's work. It was even Matthew's bedtime BUT he wasn't the least bit cranky like he is when we're home. He was his happy, joyful little self. I was very impressed. I was really afraid he be cranky, crabby baby BUT he wasn't!!
I started reading that book "Memoirs of a Geisha". I love it!! I just want to sit & read it all the way thru til I'm done w/it...BUT sadly I can't do that. I hate having to put it down. It's only taken me like 2 yrs to get started reading it. Now I wish I had read it sooner. It's a very good book.
Well, baby's wanting some food.....I better give in & eat....LOL!!! What else is new??? LOL!!!

Poor Baby

2008-09-09T18:25:00.002-04:00

We put Matthew in the nursery for the 2nd time....he cried!!! They had to come get me because the lady could not get him to stop crying. Poor thing!!
We want to switch which hospital we deliver in BUT my dad thinks we should stay w/the one we already delivered with. He does have a point that it is closer to home. If we do it like we did the last time....Wayne will only be off work the day I deliver & then work the rest while I'm in the hospital....that way he's not "bored" just sitting there in the room all day(he can't handle that...my man of action). The draw back to the "new" hospital is that I might only get to see Wayne the day I deliver & not again 'til he's taking us home. At least w/the "old" one he could "sneak" in before work & then possibly get in a few minutes in the evening as well. We are going to go tour the "new" one next month & I may re-tour the "old" one as well. A few reasons I want to switch are due to the lack of good cold a/c(my thermostat was set on 60 yet I was sweating buckets & the chocolate bars my friends gave me to hand out melted the first night because it was so hot in the room) & then the last two days I was in there I was "forced" to have to walk the halls to hunt down my nurse to get pain meds. NOT fun after a c-section(though I know I needed to walk...BUT not when I was hurting that bad...lol).
Well time to get dinner going.

PHEW!!!

2008-09-07T17:50:00.002-04:00

Well, it looks like we've "ESCAPED" another hurricane. Thank the Lord! I was a little worried about it. Thank goodness it's missing us though.
WE bought Matthew a potty chair today. I think we're going to start trying to get him potty trained here really soon. It'd be nice to have him trained by the time the new baby is born.
Speaking of the new baby....Wayne just realized he's going to have 3 nights by himself w/Matthew. I think he's nervous....mainly because when Matthew's tired..he only wants mommy. I told Wayne it will be a good "bonding" experience for them....& hopefully it'll help once we bring new baby home.
Still no name picked out....waiting on Wayne's list still.
Well better get back out there to help make dinner.

YIKES!!

2008-09-05T18:06:00.002-04:00

Well it looks like we may be getting one of the storms....hopefully not full on like earlier predicted...BUT if it continues the way it's going & or moves a little more south, we will still be on the "worse" side of the storm(more rain, more wind, etc). Keep us in your prayers!
Matthew impressed his daddy last night. He was ready for his nite-nite bottle & went to the kitchen gate to wait for mommy to "climb" over & get his bottle. But mommy told him that she had to go potty befire she could get it.....he left the gate & went to the bathroom door & opened it for mommy. Mommy then told him to go wait at the "bottle chair" & she'd be there in a minute. He obeyed. Daddy was very impressed that he knew exactly what mommy was saying. I told Wayne, Matthew's very smart....he knows where everything is(his room...where he goes for a diaper change, etc, etc).
Well better go finish making dinner.

STORMS??

2008-09-02T12:40:00.002-04:00

There are 3 storms out there...we are hoping none of them come our way...BUT can we get that lucky? I pray we don't get them only because of the discomfort I felt during the outer edges of that tropical storm we went thru a few weeks ago.
We have not decided on a name for this baby yet. I made 2 lists last week....it's Wayne's turn now. Then we'll compare, narrow it down to "identical" names off each list & then go from there. Matthew's name means gift of God...I found another that has that same meaning but not sure we like it or not. It'd have been so much easier if it had been a girl....we've had that name picked out for the last 5 years...LOL!!
Baby's HUNGRY!!! Better go feed him!

News "leaked"

2008-08-25T22:19:00.002-04:00

Well, so much for waiting til Wayne's sister's b-day was over to share the news of what we are having. Apparently Wayne "blabbed" it to his sister the day I told him, then she told her fiance, who said something during her b-day dinner. Oh well...so much for a "surprise" moment...lol.

So for everyone who's been waiting to hear....it's a BOY!!!! We haven't chosen the name yet. We have one picked out but not positive on it. I'm hoping to be able to keep the name a secret til the end this time but we'll see.

I'm feeling pretty good.....just a little sore...baby's pushing a lot(not kicking yet but pushing...trying to stretch my stomach more...lol).

Better close for now. Everyone else(my men & my dogs) are all sound asleep...like I should be.

Net at home (again)

2008-08-23T22:11:00.002-04:00

Finally have the internet at home again. Bad thing is, the computer is in our bedroom which means no net time 'til Matthew is asleep.
We found out last Thursday what the baby is....BUT I can't tell in my blog yet because we have not told Wayne's family yet. And we don't want anyone connected to his family(friends, etc) who have this blog site to "leak" the news.
So you'll all have to stay "tuned" to find out what we are having.

Still Here!!

2008-08-20T12:57:00.002-04:00

I haven't disappeared. I'm no longer allowed to access the internet while at work except for during my thirty minute lunch.....so needless to say there's a lot to do in that thirty minutes. We are trying to get internet access back at home...soon hopefully.
We had that storm come thru on Tuesday morning. Boy did I feel the effects(physically) Monday late evening & then again Tuesday morning. Now I know why they insist on women farther along in their pregnancies to go to the hospital during hurricanes. I truly felt the pressure....not a pleasant feeling...LOL!!
I'm starting to go thru Matthew's "old"/out grown clothes....& minimize for the new baby(if it's a boy). We have way too much. I want to have a yard sale to get rid of stuff as well as maybe make a little extra cash.
Well I better close for today.

FRIDAY!!

2008-08-15T14:03:00.003-04:00

TGIF!!!! I can't wait to go home. My sister & nephews are on there way down right now. I can't wait to see them.
Matthew decided he needed to be up 'til 11:30pm last night. This after the night before sleeping thru daddy coming home late BUT waking up at 1am to find daddy & "party" 'til 2am. Boy am I exhausted!!
Just hungry & tired feeling today!!
Better finish up some work so I can go home for the day!!

LESSON LEARNED

2008-08-14T12:27:00.002-04:00

You'd think that once you had been thru something that should've made you "learn a lesson" that you'd remember it for the rest of your life. Maybe it's just me(or maybe a total human nature thing); trying to see the best in everyone. BUT once again, I have "learned" you don't always see or get the best of everyone. This time is different though!!! I truly have LEARNED the lesson.
I'm doing okay. The baby seems to be fine despite some stress I'm under. So I ask for my family & friends prayers for the health & safety of this baby as well as me. I know that too much stress can cause you to go into labor early, thus why I am trying to stay as calm as possible when I can.

Matthew is really walking up a storm now. He's all over the place. He loves to go to the entertainment center & pull out all the controllers to the playstation, etc; as well as all the Disney videos that are in the side cabinet. He gets a kick out of making a mess...lol.

Well it's time to feed this baby...LOL!!! When is it not....LOL!!

Little Tired!!

2008-08-11T08:16:00.004-04:00

Already just a little bit tired this morning. It was a kind of exhausting weekend. Weekends are way too short!! I think weekends need to be four days long & the work week only three...LOL!! One can dream can't they?!?!
Matthew did very well at the doctor's on Friday. The doctor was impressed w/him. He'd be asking me a question & before I could get the answer out Matthew was already shaking his head yes or no(answering for himself) & funny thing is/was...his answers were correct. Then after the doctor did his part of the exam..he was still talking to me...BUT Matthew was ready for him to go as well as to leave himself. Matthew would point at the doctor then to the door(telling him it's time for you to leave)...then he'd point to himself & then to the door(saying it was time for himself & mommy to be leaving). This really impressed the doctor. It was the cutest thing ever!!

We took dad out for his bithday(again). He & Hazel were really impressed w/Matthew & how much he's changed just in the last two weeks....walking so much better, etc.

We put Matthew in the nursery at church for the first time. He did really good in the beginning. When I went to pick him up though, he was crying. They said it's because he kept wanting to go out the door & they wouldn't let him. I think it's also because they never gave him a drink or anything plus he was tired(so ready for a nap). I think w/the switching of the Sunday school person to the church people "confused" him as well as I don't think the church time workers even knew which bag was his. They no longer have a "system" like they used to that identified the child, his/her bag, & the parent for pick up. So these people had no clue who he was, etc.
We will put him in again BUT we are going to label his diaper bag(as well as him) so that the people know which bag is his & are able to give him his drink, etc.

I'm feeling pretty good today except for being tired & HUNGRY(as usual..LOL)!!