Two Weeks

We have been home for two weeks now. I can't tell if it has gone fast or gone slow, I've just kind of lost track of what day it is. Our first week home went really well. Chris took the week off which was wonderful!! I was able to relax and focus on Evan and learning all about him while Chris took care of Madi. They had a fun week. They went to work together in the mornings and he took her to preschool and they just hung out together. She was Daddy's little shadow.

Evan is doing good. He is still a little off during the night. He sleeps really well during the day and everyday he is staying awake for longer stretches at a time. But he is still waking up to eat about every 2-3 hours. During the day he eats and goes back to sleep no problems. But at night he is eating and going back to sleep but as soon as I lay him in his bed, he wakes up and screams. I pick him up, rock him a bit and he goes right back to sleep. (Does someone sound spoiled already?!) I'm not quite sure what to think about this yet. I remember having to rock Madi until she was sound asleep before laying her in bed. And I know that part of this little routine we have going is my fault also. I am just so exhausted at night that he eats, I burp him and then find myself waking up an hour later still holding him. I just can't seem to keep myself awake to get him where he needs to be. This is one of the big differences between the first baby and the second. I don't mind getting up and being up all night, but at least with Madi, I was able to nap and rest when she did. Which meant I could get a lot more catch up sleep then. Now, I have about an hour in the afternoons when they are both down that I can get a quick nap. That's if I can get my mind to stop running about everything else that needs to be done. And I feel so guilty about just sitting an vegging when Madi is up because I want to make sure I am spending enough time with her and not having her feel neglected or having to come in second all the time to the new baby. It's a big juggling act right now and I just don't want to fail either of them.

Thank goodness for preschool!!! Madi has an out and something to keep her occupied for a couple of hours every week (that I don't have to plan myself!) She is having a really good time with preschool. She is always singing new little songs that they learn. I have already seen a big difference in her recognizing letters and numbers. Although they haven't learned anything but A and B, 0 and 1 the last couple of weeks. She is paying attention and wanting to learn at home much easier. I tried several times to actually learn the letters of the alphabet, not just know the song, but know the letters by sight. She just didn't have any interest. But now she will name off several letters and numbers while playing in the tub.

We have had some other outings the last couple of weeks.
Evans first outing was to the doctor on the 14th and then to Target on the 15th. I thought that would be a quick, easy trip. Dropped Madi off at preschool, Evan had already eaten and was sleeping away. But we weren't there for more than 10 minutes and he filled his pants. And boy he was not happy. He screamed and screamed. I finally had to go change him in the bathroom. Not what I was wanting to do with a four day old, yuck!
On Saturday, the 19th, we had a busy outside day. We had a family reunion in the park at 12:00. We ended up staying until 5:30 visiting. It was very nice. Madi played with cousins and Evan slept. Then we headed to a wedding reception and finally left for home at 10:30. So that was a long day but we all had a lot of fun.
Friday we went out and did some shopping, made our first trip to the library. Madi loves going to the library to play. They have a nice play area and there are always lots of kids there to play with. Then we went to lunch with Nana and Papa to Madi's new favorite restaurant, Pizza Hut! Evan slept the whole time, surprising though because he should have been up and ready to eat about half way through lunch. But luckily we didn't have to try and eat and feed at the same time. That night we went out again with Dan and Jane for supper and then Madi went home with them for the night.
Saturday morning was the Smokey Hill Museum Street Fair and Parade. Evan did great during his first parade. He slept (big shocker!!) He even slept through the fire truck blasting his horn right in front of us. I hate when they do that, scares the crap out of me. He just jumped and kept sleeping. Then he managed to sleep through three marching bands. Jumped again a couple of times but kept on sleeping. Of course Madi was on cloud 9 during the parade. She didn't care what was going down the street, she was just looking for people handing out candy. At one point she yells "Look, that girl has CANDY for me!!!" as she turns the corner to start coming down the parade route.


Madi and Evan at the parade.




Chris and Dan rode the tractors in the parade.

And then finally, on Sunday, we made a trip to the zoo. Ella's 5th birthday was last weekend and they came to the zoo this weekend and we tagged along. Ella and Madi had a blast spending time together and they really didn't care about the animals. They had fun just running around and playing together. It was a lot of fun to spend time with all of them at the zoo. It was really windy and I was worried about Evan swallowing too much air, but he did really well. He was a little fussy that night but not bad.


Evan at the zoo.


The girls!! Ella, Ava and Madi. Such cuties!


Our first family photo. Madi was mad because we made her get down off the tractor to take a picture and Evan was mad too.

So, we have had a bunch of firsts the last two weeks and a lot of running around. But that's what we do. And no better way to find out how to do all of our running around with two kids than to just do it.

Sunday night Evan's cord finally fell off and his circumcision is looking great and healed up so he finally got his first official bath tonight. He screamed bloody murder the whole time. He did not like the bath at all! And what a difference between him and Madi. Madi never screamed and fussed, from day one. She just layed there. But Evan doesn't like having his diaper changed and he doesn't like having his clothes taken off and putting them back on. So it really wasn't a surprise that he didn't like the bath. Hopefully he grows out of that. And Madi was the big helper. She was so excited to give him a bath. She tried to calm him down. When he cries she is always there being a little mommy. She will say (in a high pitched talk): "It's okay, Madi is here." "Hold on little guy, almost done." "Here, here, here's your binky. Momma, move him closer so I can give him his binky."


I like the little finger sticking up. I am sure in baby gestures, he is really telling us what he thinks about the bath!!!

Evan had his two week checkup today. He is 7 lbs. 9 oz. and 20.8 inches long. He is doing well. She is pleased with his weight. Even though he is eating a little too much. He started wanting to take 3 oz at a time this last week and she said he should still only be eating 1 t0 2 oz every 2-3 hours. So I am going to try and back him back down to 2 oz. He also has a goopy left eye. She prescribed some drops and said it could be just a clogged tear duct. Nothing to worry about and it should work itself out within the first year. We go back on November 6 and he will get shots that day. :(


And anytime Evan is up and in his bouncy seat, this is what you will see. Madi standing over him giving him a million kisses. She is a really good big sister and she loves him to pieces. She has been helping by making bottles, tries to calm him down when he cries, she will run and get things for me if I ask. She is doing amazingly well. I couldn't ask for better kids, I just love them so much!!

Have a great week!! I can't believe October is almost here but I am loving this fall weather.

Love, Amy

Meet Evan Daniel Helm

Evan was born on September 11, 2009 at 3:51 pm. He weighed 7 lbs 4 oz and is 19 1/2 inches long. He has a little bit of dark hair and is so adorable!! Of course, I am a little partial! I can't express how much we love him and are so excited that our family has grown. It feels so wonderful!!



Labor went really well and much faster than with Madi. I was only dilated to a one when we arrived at the hospital at 7:00 am Friday morning. By 12:00 the doctor came in and broke my water and I was at a 3 at that time. Once he broke my water, the contractions really picked up. I was dealing with the pain pretty well but had this nagging thought that I better get my epidural before it's too late. So at 2:15 the anesthesiologist came in and started the epidural. At 3:00, our wonderful morning nurses were leaving and we had another wonderful nurse come in. She checked me then and I was at an 8-9 and she said, 15 minutes and we will be ready to push!! What, already?! She was frantically setting up the room and calling the doctor, while my contractions were getting increasingly stronger and stronger. I don't know if it was because the epidural hadn't been in as long but I felt so much more with this labor than I did with Madi (6 hour epidural). But it worked out great because I was able to feel the pushing this time and every push counted. We actually had to wait through 4 contractions for the doctor. VERY PAINFUL!! 3 contractions, 9 pushes and Evan was here!!!!

We brought Madi into the room first to meet him. She was so excited! She walked in and with a big gasp she said "the baby is out of your tummy!" She came over and Chris helped her climb up and she immediately started her loving on that baby. It has been nonstop kisses for him ever since. She can't walk by him without stopping to give him kisses. And she likes to hold him, but he gets heavy quick so they are short holds. We definitely shouldn't have dragged our feet on the name, because she is having trouble remembering his name so far. She keeps calling him Fredel!!! But she is getting better.

It is so amazing how much you forget from one baby to the next. And the nervous jitters of every noise and sound he makes are still there. Friday night was a very long night. He was a very noisy sleeper that first night which made me jump and check on him with every little noise. We had a nice room with a queen bed, which made it much easier on Chris to stay at the hospital. But between me jumping up and Chris being unable to get comfortable enough to get some good sleep, he ended up going home at 3:30 to get some good rest. Which he needed, having to keep up with Madi and keep her occupied while at the hospital the next day. And Madi did such an amazing job at the hospital. I really thought we were going to have problems with her getting bored and rambunctious. But she was so super good all weekend.

Sunday morning Evan had his circumcision done. YUCK!! Very painful for the little guy, I felt so bad. But everything went well and we were dismissed at 1:00 pm. We went home and Dan and Jane followed us out and helped get everything inside and unloaded. Mom and Dad came out shortly after with a bunch of food. Jason, Tabatha, and Jaxson got here about an hour later. We had a nice relaxing evening.

Chris has been so wonderful!!! I don't know what I would have done the last two days without him. He took some extra time off this time to help with Madi. They spent all day yesterday together. It has made it so much easier for me to be able to sit and relax and not have to worry about trying to keep up and entertain her all day. She had preschool this morning. I took her, but Chris picked her up. I was able to run to Target and pick some stuff up and then headed home and able to take a nap.

Evan is a little backwards right now with his time. Monday he slept all day long and was up all night last night. He has done a little better this morning. He was up for about an hour and hopefully I can keep him up a little longer this evening so we can get him turned around. So far I have noticed he doesn't mind sleeping by himself during the day, but last night, he wanted nothing to do with sleeping in his bed. He fell asleep several times in my arms, I layed him down in bed and not 2 minutes later, he was awake and screaming. I was so exhausted, I gave in and we slept in the recliner the rest of the night (a whole 2 hours!!) Madi was really good about sleeping in her bed, and I know he is still very young and it probably won't affect him either way at this point, but I don't want him getting used to sleeping while being held. So far, he seems to have the same temperament as Madi did. Not fussy and very laid back. Except when it is time to eat, he gets a little impatient. And it will be nice when his circumcision is healed up. You can tell he is still in a lot of pain during diaper changes and when he poops.

Yesterday morning was his first doctors appointment. Everything went well. He weighs 6 lbs 11 oz. The doctor was pleased with his weight. His color was excellent. She said everything was perfect. We go back on the 28th of September.

Please feel free to come out and visit anytime. We love having visitors and would love to show him off to everyone!!! Thank you for all the well wishes and congratulations. We love you all!

Chris, Amy, Madi and Evan

Today's the Day!!

Yesterday I had my last doctor's appointment. It didn't go well. Blood pressure was 145/105!! Yikes, way too high. So, induction has been moved to this morning at 7:00 am. Of course, I can't sleep. I got about 4 hours, I should be good to go! Since the protein showed up, I have been steadily feeling worse and worse. It is time!


Here I am yesterday morning. I fit perfectly in between the molding!! I guess I can always go back and measure how big I was, haha!!!


Another big day for Madi yesterday! First day of Preschool! What a big girl, I can't believe it. She did so good and of course it didn't faze her a bit to be left. She had toys and kids to play with, she was good to go! She was all smiles all the way to town. It made it so much easier to drop her off. When I went back to pick her up, they were on the playground. Of course she didn't want to leave! But she said she had fun and played. "But I didn't get to make a craft." Sounding bummed. That was going to be her highlight, make a craft and be able to bring it home in her new backpack! Hopefully next week!!

Thank you to everyone for all the thoughts and prayers for today!! Hopefully I'll be able to sit down next week and post lots and lots of pictures!

Love, Amy

It's Scheduled!!

Went to the doctor again this morning. I tried taking it easy this weekend but it didn't help. My blood pressure was okay 140/85 but I have protein in my urine which means that the pre-eclampsia is setting in again. He still didn't put me on bed rest, thank goodness. But lots of resting from now on. I go back on Thursday to check everything again. If things are still going okay, then I will be induced on Monday at 6 am. Babies heartbeat was 145 and I gained 3 more pounds. I am dilated to 1 and my cervix is pretty soft. I did test positive for the Group B Strep at the last appointment. But that just means I have to take some antibiotics while I am in labor so it doesn't pass to baby. So, only two weeks early with this baby!!


We did have a nice Labor Day weekend. Jason and Tabatha and Jaxson came to town or at least to the lake. We went out Saturday and spent the day. We finally got some pictures of Jaxson and Madi and I hope to get some of those from mom soon and will share. I was so worried about Madi holding Jaxson and keeping him still that I didn't even attempt to take any pics. But Mom and Jason both got some good ones. We went for probably our last boat ride of the season and Madi just had to go swimming. Thank goodness Uncle Jason was there, he is her lake swimming buddy. They didn't stay in long though. Madi was an ice cube after coming out but we had to drag her in, she loves jumping off the boat. Last night her and Daddy went swimming in our pool. After she got out she told me that we have to get rid of our pool because she only wants a lake and Papa's boat when we go swimming. I guess that's THE only way to swim anymore!

Sunday we went to visit Chris' parents and ended up leaving Madi there for the rest of the day and night. She practically kicked us out of the house. We then spent the rest of the day driving to 8 different Wal-Marts. Doesn't that sound like fun? We are party animals!! Chris has been trying to hunt down and stock pile ammo, "just in case." And since you can't find a certain kind here in Salina, why not travel the state of KS looking in other places? Well, it did work. We hit Wal-Marts in McPherson, Newton, Valley Center, and 3 in Wichita between 12:30 and 4:00. Then we turned around and headed for Concordia Wal-Mart on our way to Bellville for the last race of the season. Chris made the comment (and now I have written proof of it) "our children should never have to buy ammo." Doesn't that mean he has enough now that he doesn't have to buy any more? I bet that doesn't happen!!

Monday morning we actually slept in!! It was so nice rolling over and seeing 9:20 on the alarm clock, AHHHHHH!! But shortly after getting up the phone rings and Madi is mad at Grandpap and wants to go home! What a stinker, she probably didn't get her way. We pull up in the drive and she is standing in the back by the garage. I honk and expect her to run our way, ready to leave. What does she do? Sulks and glares at us. I told Chris, bet she doesn't want to leave now. And sure enough, we walk up there and Madi says, I don't want to leave. She never wants to leave when she is with others. Makes me feel so loved! But say the magic words "Let's go to the park" and she is off and running. We stopped at Dillons and bought a loaf of bread and went to Jerry Ivey Park and feed the whole loaf to the ducks, geese, and fish. We then headed home for naps and rested the rest of the evening. Chris made supper and took Madi swimming, while I layed on the couch, bliss!!

Well, I need to go rest while I still can. Madi has a birthday party to go to tonight. Thursday is the first day of school (and I will have pics to share)!! Doctors appointment in the afternoon and we will see if we make it to the weekend. Have a great week!!

Love, Amy

Checkups and Outside Fun

Yesterday was my weekly checkup. Didn't go as smoothly as the last. My blood pressure is starting to creep up there. I wasn't surprised, I had checked it Tuesday at Dillons and it was very high then. But it came down okay at the doctors office after laying down for a bit. Tuesday it was as high as 154/94 and it came down to 128/82 yesterday. So we checked my urine for protein, a sign for pre-eclampsia (which I had with Madi). And thankfully the test came back negative. My body doesn't like to be pregnant for more than 36 weeks!! This is the same point we were with Madi when I started doing this. But, thankfully, no bed rest!! YAHOO!!!! I don't want to even think about that, what a nightmare that would be. But he wants me getting plenty of rest and watching for headaches that won't go away. If that happens, I am to high tail it to the Dr. office or the hospital (especially this weekend, being a long weekend.) So, that's what I am trying to do. I got the bags packed Tuesday night, all the baby clothes and room organized, car seat is upstairs and cleaned. I think I am ready!

Baby hasn't been moving as much lately, probably running out of room! But his heart rate was 142, running the same. I gained 2 pounds, in a week!! Not surprised on that one either, sweet tooth big time right now. Need to cut it out for the next couple of weeks. I go back first thing Tuesday to make sure everything is going okay.

OOOOHHHH! The doctor visit was interesting and pretty funny this time. Madi went with me and she was very curious about all the new things in the room that haven't been in the other rooms. Like stirrups!! "Mommy, what are those?" "That's where a mommy's feet go in so the doctor can check the baby." After the doctor was in and out several times I had to undress to do the Group B Strep test. Madi was not very thrilled, "Mommy, why are you taking off your shoes and pants? What are they going to do to your foot?" Meaning the stirrups, haha!!! "Everything is fine, the doctor is just going to make sure that I am not sick when I have the baby." "OH, I wish Daddy was here!" I may have to start leaving her behind from here on out, too many questions are already surfacing for a three year old. She asked last night if the baby was going to come out of my belly button, that would be very interesting!!!


Saturday we were trying to figure out what to do for the evening. We thought about going to the races but I really don't think Madi is ready for that and I am not going to spend the whole night running up and down bleachers or playing at the park (if they have one). So instead, we packed up a picnic supper and headed to the lake. It was fun, relaxing, and of course gorgeous outside. We unloaded and Chris and Madi took off to scavenge for wood. Madi thought that was pretty cool. And after seeing Daddy break limbs across his knee, she started doing the same. She was one strong chick and proud of herself. We had hot dogs and chips and marshmallows. I know, very nutritious. Oh well, it was a treat. I think this was Madi's first campfire and definitely her first time to cook food in a fire. She did good and thought it was neat.


Collecting wood.

Burning her marshmallow.

Madi the photographer!

Hanging with Dad

After we ate we drove around the parks looking for deer. They have a lot of walk in hunting areas around the lake. Chris would love to buy a house or land and put a small house on it that they can use during deer season. I think everyone is getting tired of doing the tent for deer camp. It's a lot of work and it is cold and uncomfortable. Maybe some day. We did see a lot of deer and turkey, but mostly in the parks. And those deer are not scared of vehicles or people. They just stood there and looked at us. Madi wanted to pet one, of course that didn't happen, but for her amusement we did try to get one to hop in the back of the truck and take a ride with us!!

And then Tuesday was the start of dove season. We have seen a ton of dove around here along the roads and on the electric lines, but of course, opening day comes and they disappear. Or at least they weren't flying in our backyard. Chris set up a line with some decoys on it, but they weren't fooled, nothing came close. But Madi and Daddy went and sat outside looking for them. Madi was only out for 15-20 minutes at a time, short attention span!! But she loves hanging out with Daddy. It will be fun to see her in a couple of years out doing all these things when she is better capable of doing them. She's already got her gun picked out and whenever we are in Wal-Mart, we have to check them out. They have a little pink .22, we tried it out last weekend, but her arms are not long enough yet. Two more years and she will be ready!!


They are sitting right outside our bedroom window, too funny!!


So cute!!!

Labor Day Weekend!! Have a fun and safe holiday!

Love, Amy

The Name Game

We have been struggling coming up with a name. Well, maybe not struggling, because most of the time we just haven't even been trying. We'll throw out some names, usually goofy old names like Ralph, Herbert, etc. (Chris thinks that is helpful) and then not talk about it for a couple more weeks. Or we will come up with a couple of names, sit on them for awhile and then talk about them again and decide we (Chris) don't like them anymore. Start over!! Madi has even gotten involved and the last several months her contribution is Fendel. Don't know where that came from but she is stuck on it and it has not changed.


So, please help us out!! We have a couple of names narrowed down. Please vote on your favorite or leave us a comment with another suggestion. Hopefully this will help us out, but don't be surprised if this kiddo is not named from this poll. We do have three and half weeks to go for SOMEONE to change HIS mind again!

Love, Amy

31 Days!!!

As of yesterday, we have one month to go, YAY!!! I don't mind being pregnant and I don't want to rush him being here, but I am so tired and having a terrible time getting comfortable, especially at night. I feel like I am lacking in everything. Just kind of hanging out and barely getting by waiting on the baby to come so we can get back into doing everything we used to. House work gets done whenever, cooking barely gets done ever anymore, and spending time and entertaining Madi is not what it used to be. I feel bad for Madi and Chris.



Madi is getting excited for the baby to come. She is really excited about being the big sister. She is already helping out and getting the babies room organized. She helped fold all the receiving blankets and burp clothes the other day. She loves to fold laundry, so she is a big help there. When you ask if she is going to help with the baby, she will usually say yes, I'm going to change the poopy diapers. Alright!!!! She has even been practicing with her doll and changing her stinky diaper. We will see when that first diaper comes how long she sticks around to "help"!! But she is soo lovey with other babies, I am anxious for her to have her little brother here all the time.

Went to the doctor yesterday. Everything is still going great! Gained 3 pounds. My blood pressure was a little higher than it has been but still normal 130/84. Babies heartbeat was 145. He is head down. The doctor asked how big was your first? I said 6 lbs 9 oz. And he said, well, you won't be having another 6 pound baby. By the way he is laying and feeling from the outside, he's going to be bigger. Oh well, Madi was 3 weeks early also. So I wasn't expecting to have a baby that small. But let's hope for a 7 to low 8 pounder, that would be great!! I start going weekly now. He wants to keep a close eye on my blood pressure.


Chris got the new furniture done Sunday and moved in on Monday. I went out and got the little odds and ends the last two days to finish it up; lamp, hamper, basket for the diapers. I finally got the baby book, that almost slipped my mind all together. I'm using the same bedding that we made for Madi for now. Later after he gets out of the baby bed I want to do a farm yard/tractor themed room. Mom found some really cute fabric with that theme and is making a blanket and I'm going to get more fabric for a curtain and then go from there decorating the rest of the room later. The walls are bare. I can't find anything I like for a baby birth record sampler and since we still don't have a name picked out (I picked up a book, again, from the library today, hopefully we can get something picked out this week!) I don't have his name on the wall yet.










Saturday we went to Valley Center to have a surprise birthday party for Tabatha. She was surprised!!! She had no idea. Her mom and sister came to take her out shopping and we snuck in after they left to help get everything setup. It was such a gorgeous day, so it was really nice to be outside all day and not dying in the heat. They had a really good turnout.



Tabatha, her mom and sister after pulling up and seeing everyone.




Me and my precious girl.




Madi was taking photos, she did a really good job!!




Nana and Madi.




And of course Jaxson!! He was wiped out and past his bedtime. But he did so well. He went shopping with the girls and then got to meet everyone at the party. I couldn't get enough of that little guy, even when he drenched me in spit up!! I forgot about that fun stuff!

Can you believe this is the last weekend of August? This month went soo fast and again we are having beautiful, cool weather. I was dreading being pregnant during the summer, but it really has been very nice and mild. But does this mean it's going to be a super cold winter? We'll see!


Love, Amy

Thoughts and Apprehensions for the Next 5 Weeks

I have been so frustrated with blogging lately, I just keep putting it off. I have a video from the fair with all three girls doing their pedal pull that I can't get to post. So frustrating, maybe I need to try a new program to make my movies. We've been keeping busy around here, but nothing fun or interesting to really write about. Madi doesn't have a lot of changing going on like she used to when I first started this. I could write something almost everyday when she was a baby. Of course everything was interesting and new going on at that time (at least for me!) It is fun to look back and reread the old stuff. Which is why I started this blog. More for myself to keep track of everything. I'm not a big fan of keeping a diary or a log. You should see Madi's baby book, I am so ashamed at how badly I have done with it. But this seems so much easier.

So, I guess what I am saying is thank you to those who are still checking in even though I have been extremely boring and lazy with this lately. I'm sure things will get better when #2 comes along.

Speaking of #2 (because he still doesn't have a name.) We are getting closer and closer. 5 more weeks!! Next Wednesday is my next appointment and then I think I start going every week. Not sure how those last 4 weeks go since I never made it that far with Madi!! Chris is just convinced that this baby will be coming within the next 2 weeks. Which only means he needs to kick it in gear and get my dresser done (hint, wink). We finally got the baby bed put up this last weekend. I got all of Madi's toys moved out and the baby toys moved in. She still is not happy about losing her playroom. I really don't like having all the toys all the way downstairs either, but it really is the only thing that is going to work. So, she now plays with the baby toys. She's learning how they all work so she can teach the new baby!! I also rearranged the cupboards in the kitchen and got all the baby bottles washed and sterilized and put away. Made a spot for all the formula again and all that fun stuff! Now I just need that darn dresser so I can wash what little clothes I have for him and get that all put away and organized.

It was so nice with the first one because you have baby showers and everything is given to you. You don't have to think about all the stuff that needs to be bought and what you may need or want, someone has already done all that thinking and just gives it to you. I never stressed about what size of clothes I should buy because I had plenty given in every size. However big Madi was going to be when she was born, we were more than covered. But I am so nervous about not knowing with this one, that I can't even bring myself to buy clothes for him yet. I bought a package of onesies a couple weeks ago (0-3) and Madi picked out a pj outfit. Aunt Beth sent four outfits with a newborn, 0-3, and 3-6 sizes and I have a couple of other outfits that I was able to carry over from Madi and then a bunch more clothes that are going to be in storage for awhile. And that is it. I figure, I have something for him to come home in and then we can do some shopping later. I just feel so much more unprepared in some areas this time. And I really didn't think that would happen. It's nice having all the big stuff though. Much less money going out this time around. But I feel so silly at not being able (or wanting) to buy stuff. I have looked at diapers for the last month, every time I go into Wal-Mart or K-Mart, and I can't bring myself to buy any yet. Is that not just the silliest thing ever? I am so weird about things. I figure, that this way, Daddy and Madi can have a special shopping trip together while I am at the hospital and they can pick up diapers and clothes. It will be fun for them to do together. Although, after writing that, I can't imagine Chris going clothes shopping with Madi in tow, that would be a sight to see!!

Okay, so those are some of my apprehensions right now. At least the big ones. I have others. Is it normal to be nervous on the second go around? I keep imagining that I am going to be in the middle of Dillons with a cart load of groceries and my water is going to break. How embarrassing!! I think I will start picking up a roll of paper towels to shop with in case that happens. I don't want someone else to have to clean up after me. "Excuse me, there is a big puddle of water in aisle 11, sorry. And can you please put all my groceries back for me, I'm headed to the hospital now." And I am nervous about delivery. Why shouldn't I be? It hurts and it takes forever. At least the forever part was true with Madi. Maybe I'll get lucky and have a short delivery like others I know (Andrea, Gina, not fair)!!

Enough of all that talk. It's going to make my blood pressure go up and then I won't have to worry about my water breaking in the middle of Dillons because I will be on bed rest again. Oh, that would be terrible with an active 3 year old running around ( I shudder just thinking about that scenario playing out again.)

Last night we went to visit Madi's preschool. We got to meet her teachers and see the classrooms and playground. She was soo excited. We went out and bought her new backpack yesterday morning. I told her it's for school to bring home all her crafts that she is going to make. So before we left, she had to fill it up with all her "craft" supplies and bring it with us. It consisted of paper, crayons, markers and a bowl that we have been using to trace circles with. She then went to her room and brought out an arm load of books to bring along also. She doesn't start until Sept. 10th so we still have some time. Seeing her reaction to the place last night, I think I am going to be the nervous wreck left crying at the doorway. I can already see it, she's going to go bounding in, not even looking back or saying goodbye. Just excited to play with toys and kids. "Mom, mom who? KIDS!!!" But I can also already hear the comments from the teachers. "Well, we didn't have a very good day today, again." "Madi didn't want to share toys. Madi is having trouble being quiet during class time. Madi isn't minding very well." There are draw backs to staying home with mom and mom alone. I am hoping this time will be good to get those socialization skills with other kids and adults in place before going to school full time.

The only other thing that is preoccupying me right now is planning and getting things rounded up for the Yesteryear Museum's Antique Engine and Steam Show. It is coming up on October 10th and 11th. I have probably already talked about this, but mark your calendars! Chris and I are doing the kids area. So I am coming up with crafts and games ideas.
1. I am collecting toilet paper rolls to make windmills out of (save your empties please!!!)
2. I put together a coloring book this week.
3. We went up to the yard waste drop yesterday and started collecting tree branches to make fishing poles out of. We had a terrible storm come through last Monday that tore up a lot of trees in Salina so there is a lot of tree branches available. I'll have to make several more trips, an hour is all I could do yesterday.
4. I then need to get a board painted like an under water scene so the kids can "fish" from it with their fishing poles they just made.
5. I also need to see if I can get some good sized pine cones collected to make pine cone bird feeders. Has anybody seen pine cones falling yet, or trees with pine cones?
6. We will also have the kids making macaroni necklaces. Finally a craft that will be easy to put together!
7. Kids can also play a bean bag toss game. Which the museum already had so that is done, yeah!!
8. Chris needs to make a big table or enclosure that we will fill with shelled corn and have containers and toys to play in.
9. And finally, we are going to have a large pile of hay and throw in some pennies and let the kiddos root around in that. Whatever they find they can keep. That should be a big draw!

A lot of work and planning. Not the perfect year or time to be doing all this since, who knows when I will go into labor and get all this done. But it should be fun and if we only do half of the things that we have planned, it will be 100% better than what was available last year. Since they didn't have any kids stuff last year. Other kids stuff available that weekend will be a tractor pulled barrel train. On Sunday we will have the kids pedal pull. They also have a cake walk for the kids to do and we may get a popcorn or cotton candy machine out there this year. And then plenty of interesting and fun things for the adults and all the family. We are still having show committee meetings and getting everything ironed out. So I will keep you updated and informed. We would love to see as many people come out as we can.

Have a great weekend, it's almost here!!!
Love, Amy

Update Before the Fair!!

We have had some fun the last couple of weeks. We took a trip to Beloit on the 25th and spent some time playing with the girls and visiting while Jason, Tabatha, and Jaxson had family pics done. Can't wait to see how they turned out. Then that evening we went to a party for John and Sharon's wedding anniversary. Had a nice but late evening. They had a DJ there with karaoke setup. Madi spent a lot of time playing and dancing on the stage. We even got her to sing a little bit of International Harvester, until she got too embarrassed and ran off the stage. And then later in the night all the kids entertained us with the chicken dance. It was very fun to watch.

On Monday the 27th we went to McPherson to the water park with Gina, Kenley and Kaleb. Of course Madi had a blast. She loves swimming and I love their water park. Even though she can't have her water wings on, it doesn't really matter because they have the zero depth entry so she can play all she wants and swim around in water that isn't constantly over her head. They also have a little kids slide that I couldn't get her off of. We also played in the splash park and took a ride down the lazy river. Both girls wanted to go down the really big slide. But you have to be a certain height to go on and of course they were both inches too short. Kenley stood at the measuring line first and we said oh darn your too short Kenley and then Madi got up there and she was just under the line and I look down and the little smarty pants is standing on her tip toes as high as she can to try and make that line. It was way too funny. But surprising they were just fine with it. Next year they will be big enough. Hopefully we will be making another trip to the water park this weekend. (Andrea, if you guys are still up for it, Sunday would be great!!)

We have been having trouble getting our pool clean and free of algae the past couple of weeks. That week that it rained every night and was cool during the day, we just weren't using it and the chlorine levels got away from us. It didn't matter what I did, we could not get it cleaned up. Plus all the plowing going on around us and not having it covered, really made a mess of it. So we finally decided to just drain it, clean it really good and start over. We started syphoning it out on Friday night and still had a good amount of water in it Sunday night. It took us another 3 hours with a bucket bailing and the shop vac pumping it out before we finally got all the yuck out. My wonderful husband had the tough job of scrubbing the bottom and getting all the algae off. And finally got water pumping back in just after dark. Even though it was still a little cold, we were able to finally use it again Monday night and had a lot of fun. So, the pool is open again for anyone to come play. July has been so mild and rainy that we really weren't able to use it anyways. But it looks like August is going to make up for it and hopefully we can enjoy it again for awhile before we close it down.

Saturday we went to Goessell, KS for their Threshing Days event at the Mennonite Museum. It's a lot like our Fall Festival at the Flywheels Museum so we wanted to go and get some ideas and see other peoples events to help make ours better. They had a really nice setup and grounds for it. But I think it helps when the whole town gets involved (especially since it is a really small town.) They had a parade which went the whole length of town. Madi was super excited. She loves parades and candy. She made some friends with two other little girls who were next to us. They shared their blanket and they played and collected candy together. It was really nice. We then tagged along with them to the kids area. Madi rode in their wagon with the girls and somehow managed to lose a shoe along the way. Poor kid had to walk around in the wet grass and mud with only one shoe on. Of course I was a mess. We ended up leaving and driving to Emporia to Wal-Mart to buy new shoes (two pairs, just in case). We then went back to the show. They had the Oliver Tractor club there. These are really nice tractors and you don't see them around here very often. So it was really cool to see all these Oliver tractors coming down the parade route. I got some great ideas that I am going to have to steal for our kids area at the Fall Festival. They had some really cute craft projects for the kids, which I hadn't even thought about doing something like that. I was just trying to come up with games for the kids to play. But we are definitely going along with the craft projects, they were super cute, easy and very low cost to setup. If anyone would like to help out, I am collecting empty toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls until the first week of October. Then I can decide if I get enough collected if we can make the windmills out of them.

Tonight starts our Tri-Rivers Fair. The parade starts at 5:30 and we are looking forward to that. Chris is going to drive his John Deere in the parade. This will be his first time in the parade and he is excited. He went out last night and bought a whole new outfit just for this. He is too funny. We also got Madi a new pair of cowboy boots and she had to put her cowgirl outfit on last night like Daddy did. She even found her a long string that she was doing rope tricks with!

Tomorrow night is the kids pedal tractor pull. Madi wanted to do this so badly last weekend but the program said it was for 4-12 year olds. But when we went to watch they had kids as young as 1 1/2 entered. She was not happy that she didn't get a turn. So we have to get her entered for tomorrow night. It should be cute to watch. Hopefully she will be satisfied with her one chance and we don't have a huge meltdown getting her off the thing!

Friday night is the demo derby and we would like to take Madi to that. I think she would like it. Of course they will also have the petting zoo and all the 4-H animals on display. We might try the rodeo. We did the draft horse show last year and there was not enough to keep her attention, so I think we will skip that this year. Saturday, all the guys will have their tractors out again to display and the Museum group is doing an old fashioned hay bailing demonstration. So it will be a busy fair weekend. I'll have lots of pictures of course and will share those next week!


Here's Chris in his new duds!!

And Madi in her new boots showing off her rope tricks!! I just love her in a skirt and cowboy boots, it is just too cute!


I forgot about my monthly checkup this morning. I was paying bills and got to the Doctor bill and it hit me that I had an appointment this morning. Of course I remembered with 10 minutes to get there, we were late by 10 minutes. But we no more than sat down and they called my name and the doctor pretty much followed us right in and we were out in 10 minutes. Maybe it doesn't pay to be early to everything all the time!!

But everything is still going good. I gained 4 pounds, blood pressure 127/78 still great and the baby's heartbeat was 145. I go back in 3 weeks for some more tests and then another two weeks and we start checking my cervix and see how far along we get.

I checked my ticker yesterday and couldn't believe there are only 52 days left until my due date. It is going so fast. Chris started on the dresser Sunday. Hopefully he can get that done next week. I finally got all the toys moved down stairs yesterday and have an empty room except for the bookshelf and a few baby toys that will stay. I want to get the baby bed put up so Madi can get used to seeing it in there and knowing that that is now the baby's room. She is still a little upset about losing her playroom and insists that the baby should go downstairs, not the toys. I finally bought a package of onesies for him Monday!! It's the first thing I have bought. Madi also picked out a sleeper outfit and stuffed Pooh for him. She was so proud of herself! I looked at diapers today but couldn't bring myself to buy any yet. It's been so nice not to buy diapers and there is definitely not been a long enough reprieve from that in between these two!

I've been feeling pretty good. I've been getting really tired again and taking naps in the afternoon (when I don't get stuck on the computer! Dang Facebook is so addictive!) I've been having some sharp pain in my upper abdomen from I can only imagine something being pushed into my ribs. It is very sore and very bothersome sometimes. He is very active at night and whenever I am trying to rest, which is a little annoying because he really gets to moving. Every night for the last two weeks, I wake up to him kicking and hitting at the same time on both sides of my belly. Feels very weird. He also has taken residence again on my bladder which makes me feel like having to go to the bathroom all the time. Yesterday I had to remind myself that I don't really have to go again since I just came out of the bathroom not 5 minutes before that.

I need to get some things rounded up and get ready to head to town for the parade in a couple of hours. Hope everyone has a great fair weekend!!

Love, Amy

The Last Month

Wow, finally I can get an update done. I procrastinated and when I finally wanted to sit down and write, my internet wasn't working. Then of course, it takes a week for the internet company to get here to fix the problem. Not very happy with Kansas Broadband, I would not recommend their service. Oh well, here we go...

I didn't really want to write about this, but I better so I have a record of it. July 2nd we had to make the agonizing decision to put Oliver to sleep. The decision wasn't all that bad, because he was really bad off, but the aftermath has been horrible. We knew he was continually getting sicker and sicker over the last year. He was 13 years old and slowly fading. He had developed pneumonia and they found that his heart was enlarged. After giving him medication he went into shock which sent him into heart failure. By the time we got to the vets that afternoon, his heart had stopped once and he was hooked up to breathing machines. The vet said he could possibly come out of this, but he would have to be a couch potato. No running around and getting excited. Which if you have ever seen Oliver, that would have required sedating him and we just didn't think that would be fair. It was terrible seeing him hooked up to the machines and he couldn't even focus on us, he didn't even know we were there.

We have joked that it would be better when he passes. Quieter, no nipping at Madi all those little annoying things that he has developed as he got older and meaner. But now that he is gone, it's like we lost one of our children. That first night was terrible. Chris and I both cried ourselves to sleep, he just wasn't there with us anymore. The last couple of weeks have taken some getting used to also. Every once in awhile I catch myself thinking where is Oliver or expecting him to meet us at the door when we come home. I could hear him scratching at the chair to be lifted up or drinking water in the back hall. Just weird things like that. Madi has her days where she talks about him and asks about him. She is at a perfect age for this because she is content with a simple answer and then she forgets about it, she doesn't dwell on it. But we make it happy also. She asks where Oliver is and then reminds herself that he is in heaven playing with God and running around with the other dogs, not sick anymore. But we have decided that we don't want another pet right now. At this point all I can think about is having to go through all this again in 10-12 years. No way!

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On to happier subjects!! This was the first year in 20+ years that there hasn't been a ban on fireworks in Saline County. So this was going to be great, we finally live in the county and have plenty of room to have a great party and shot some fireworks. Of course I also have a big kid for a husband and he was ready to play.

We made a trip to Missouri the week before to buy fireworks. We thought we might get a better deal at their stores that are open year round and get some bigger stuff too. So we had a full load of fireworks, the whole back end of my van was completely full. We bought for our two employee's also. But once the stands opened around here, Chris HAD to go visit them to make sure we got a good deal. Of course we found we didn't. And so what does my husband do? He buys more fireworks, so he could get the good deals of course! We also found that the big stuff we bought we could also get at the stands here also. We just weren't for sure since we were never able to buy the larger items we never really paid any attention to them.

So, on July 4th, I spent the day cooking snack foods and Chris worked outside getting things done for the party. (One great thing about having parties, we get all the little jobs done around here that we have been procrastinating on, it's great!) We had a great turn out, considering we waited until 5 days before to invite people. Next year we will do better! And boy did we have a fireworks show! We started at about 9:30 I guess. They shot a bunch off and then took a break and then started shooting more and finally ended a little after 11:00! We also had a beautiful night for it. We had gotten plenty of rain for several days before the 4th, so we didn't have to worry about setting any wheat stubble on fire. It was cool, not a lot of wind, just perfect. We actually had to pull jackets out, it was that cool, with a north wind, FANTASTIC!!!

The big surprise for the night was that Madi and Kenley (Chris' cousins little girl, she's 3 months older than Madi) had absolutely no interest in the fireworks. They were so happy and content running around and playing all night, that they didn't even sit for more than 5 minutes the whole night to watch. Crazy girls!!


Madi and Kenley cruising! Can you just see
them doing the same thing in 13 years?!


Maybe they couldn't sit down because they were
high on sugar from cupcakes and lollipops :)!!!

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July 5th was my 29th birthday! I never really put much into my birthday because the day before is always filled with fun that the next day all I want to do is relax. I consider fireworks are my celebration and that's all I need. We did have plans for this day but everything got mixed around. We ended up sleeping in and then spent most of the morning cleaning up from the night before. We were going to then head to the lake. Jason and Tabatha and Jaxson were getting there that morning and wanted to go visit. And then we were going to leave Madi for the night and head to Bellville for the races. We did make the races but never made it to the lake that day. Chris' truck tire had a flat and we had to get it fixed so he could make it to work the next day. And then we got a call from Chris' dad saying that the back window of one of the work vans parked at the shop had been broken out. So Madi went down for a nap and Chris headed into town to deal with the broken window. Thank goodness nothing was stolen. Someone had thrown a large rock through the window just to do damage. Obviously, someone needs to find a hobby (a good, non destructive one)! Oh, and I also got a nap in!! I could spend my birthday like that every year; sleep in, be lazy, take a nap, and then go see a race!!

Monday and Tuesday we spent at the lake with Mom and Dad, Jason, Tabatha, and Jaxson. We had great weather Monday. Not too hot, absolutely no wind. We were able to go out in the boat and Madi went swimming with Uncle Jason. She loves to swim and be in the water and also ride in the boat. I never thought she would have such a turn around from year to the other. Last year, we practically had to strap her in and force her into the boat and then you could get a good 15-20 minute ride in and she was ready to be done. This year, she would probably walk around all day in her life jacket ready to head to the boat. She loves to ride in the very front with all the wind and bouncing for as long as we can keep Papa out there!

Tuesday it was terribly windy but we had the whole park pretty much to ourselves, it was really nice. We went down to the beach and swam for a little while. Madi is convinced that where ever she is swimming, there is a whale in the water somewhere. And since we were at the lake and it was much bigger than our pool at home, there must be several whales swimming out there. She doesn't really fuss much about this little story she has made up when we are at home, probably because she can see the bottom. But she was a little more apprehensive about getting into the lake with these whales swimming around. It took a bit of convincing to get her in and comfortable. She is beginning to get quite the imagination lately!!


She is such a cool chick!


I've come to the conclusion that the "whale" that she sees swimming with her all the time is me!! I'm always swimming with her when this story pops up, so that must be it :)





Tuesday night before we headed home, Jack and Charlie and Dixie came over for a play date. Dixie and her husband run the marina and we always try to get together when we are there. Jack is 6 months older than Madi so they have fun playing together. Charlie turned one earlier this year but he likes to play along with them. I think all three of the kids were tired this evening because our little play date was filled with tears and tantrums for awhile. Madi wasn't wanting to share very well which was upsetting to Charlie especially! But once we got the squirt guns out, they were all smiles. Of course, who wouldn't be when you have Dad there to shot water guns at!! I just love Madi's smile in that picture!

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I haven't done a Madi update in awhile. She is such a little stinker right now. 3 is definitely a little more trying times than 2. She is feeling out just how far she can get away with things and taking no for an answer often lends itself to total meltdowns. She is also becoming very active and very rough at times. She really doesn't know her own strength and unfortunately, my stomach is getting the brunt of it (poor baby). She is not catching on that my stomach is not her personal bounce off toy. It hurts and I cringe when I see her coming. My internal organs don't have a lot of room to go anywhere and often feel like my ribs are going to explode!! But she can also be a love bug too!

She has also become very inquisitive. Her favorite phrases right now are "why" and "what's that for/do?" Car rides have become very long when we play the asking questions game the whole time.
"Mom, what's in that field?"
"Soybeans."
"What are soybeans for?"
"It's a type of crop that feeds cows."
"Why does a cow eat soybeans?"
UGH, "Because!!"
We have some of the silliest conversations some times. And we can have the same conversation over and over.

She is also a little helper. Wants to help with everything and doesn't understand that she can't help with everything. She gets so mad when I won't let her help me at the stove. WWIII begins when I start making supper. But she is a wonderful help with laundry and loves to fold! Thank goodness, because I hate that job. I'll keep her at it until she is older and that can become her chore!!

She has also become Daddy's little shadow. As soon as he pulls in the driveway after work, she is running out the front door and is with him the rest of the night. They like to hang out in the shed together. Chris can fiddle with things and she can help and then go ride her bike for awhile and then come back and help some more. On the weekends she likes to go run errands with him. Which is great for me too. Gives me a break and someone else can entertain!! Last week Chris went out and dug the trees out of the waterway with the back hoe. Madi wanted to ride along. This was the first time she has ever rode in the digger or been around it when it was on. She usually runs the opposite direction when the big machines get turned on. I was really surprised. But it also almost gave me a heart attack! At one point all four tires were off the ground and that thing was just a jumping around. All I kept imagining was that thing rolling over. I snatched her out of that thing real quick. Which she was happy to be out also, she said that was scary. I said I bet it was, Mommy was scared too!











Madi is getting more and more fun to be with. Not that she wasn't before, but now that she is talking, walking, potty trained, can entertain herself for periods at a time, it makes life easier and more fun. Plus, we get to be kids again when we do things with her. Like going swimming everyday if we want, going to the zoo and to the movies, playing at the park, all those fun things we did as kids and now we get to do them again. Plus, now we get to start all over.

Raising a second child I am sure is going to be much different than with the first. This one will be out and about more and sooner. I don't expect Madi to be content to be cooped up in the house. But there will be a lot of adjusting on her part also. She is going to have to learn to sleep through noises at night and not be the center of attention all the time. There are a lot of things to think about and wonder about in the next two months. What is our life going to look like? Interesting and scary at the same time and still nervous about having another baby. I thought it would be a breeze having the second one. In some ways it is and other ways, it's just as nerve racking as the first time.

July 8th I had my 28 week checkup. Everything is clipping along just fine. I didn't gain any weight this last month. My blood pressure is still good and the baby's heartbeat is still at 150. I had to do the diabetes test this month. I didn't hear anything back about it. They said no news is good news! So I'll just keeping going like I've been going until the next appointment.

Even though I haven't been gaining any weight, I can definitely feel a change in my comfort level right now and the ease (or lack of) getting around these days. I've been very tired and it has been nice to be able to sit down and take a nap in the afternoon. Not that I don't have plenty to do around here, but I can't help it. I sit for more than 15 minutes and I am out. And my wonderful husband has nothing but nice things to say to me lately, he is such a sweetheart!
Here is a sampling of some of the lovely things he has said lately:

"Chris, I need to find a festive shirt for the 4th, I just can't seem to find one."
"Go over to Salina Tent and Awning, they'll make you a shirt in whatever color you want!"

"Amy, let's go measure your stomach!"
"Why would we do that?"
"I have a new 100 ft tape measure, it's a bendable one, it won't break when we put it around you."

"Chris help me up."
"Let me go get my power wench first."

Now go back up and reread the part where I said my husband has nice, lovely things to say to me and read it with sarcasm. He is such a butt!! Now I know why Madi keeps talking about the whale she is swimming with! I wonder who she got that from?!

Love, Amy