Horse Ranch

Another fun adventure was taking the kids to ride horses at a friend's ranch. A couple of years ago when we were just visiting, the kids had the opportunity to do this as well. I, unfortunately, was sick - so everyone went without me. I have some great pictures from their experience then, but I didn't get to enjoy it. This time I was well enough to go - if you don't count the "big as a house, ready to pop, pregnant and over-sized belly".

I loved riding horses growing up - and had I not be in the condition I was, I likely would have gone for a little ride myself. But it was especially fun to watch all the kids. Annie is a natural - though I've heard that's been said of her before. She really loves to be up there. Jeremy and Peter had never been on - the last time they just hung out on the tractors. They both did great.

I loved that Peter would tell me he was going horse back riding... actually, he would say "I want to ride a horse with Daddy. And you need to watch me." He did start out riding with Bob, but then (for the second time around) he did it by himself (aside from the paranoid mom in me making Bob walk beside him).

As you can tell, everyone had a wonderful time. My girls even told me they want to ride more... that probably won't happen much since they're both still doing dance. Extra-curricular activities are pretty pricey and add up - not to mention all the extra time away from family.

Water Fun

So, back to the family visiting....

Marie's family drove out - that's a really long drive, especially with four kids 6 and under... anyway, they wanted to do some things here that they don't do so much there - but they wanted to stay some what close too, so as to avoid putting kids in the car too long. This worked well for me (and I wouldn't be surprised if my condition played at least a minor part in the decision of locations).

We spent three days playing in water - okay, so I basically sat and watched and took pictures (except the day I forgot my camera) - but everyone else had a lot of fun. I did get out in the boat once - I figured the canoe was pushing my luck.

All the kids loved to be in the "boats", swimming, searching for life (they found a fresh water shrimp - and I know they went looking for crawdads, but I don't think they found one this year). Building a sand castle was fun, of course, except that there was always someone to knock it down and destroy it. That especially made Gabi mad - then it was decided to build two - one for her and one for the boys to destroy.

Fishing is a favorite pass time, at least for my kids! I understand that Haley especially loves to go "fishing" because of the snacks in the boat. However, this time around, she caught two fish - Gabi caught one, Beth caught two, Peter caught two, Jeremy caught two or three, and I think Annie might have gone out too. Everyone who went out caught fish - (I don't have these pictures yet, as this was when I forgot my camera - Marie, are these on your mom's computer?)

When some of the aunts and uncles would take the boats out, many of the kids would "push them out to sea" - hang on to the boat and walk out with it until they had to let go. And as they would come back in, they would swim out to meet it.

Marie and Adam took the older three girls (Gabi, Haley, Beth) out to jump out of the canoe. Bethie jumped first - unfortunately, no one had told her that when you jump into water with a life jacket on that you will initially go under the water. That freaked her out. But after being hauled back in, she would "slip" out of the boat instead. Gabi loved to jump out - and I think Haley slipped out after watching Beth's reaction. Bob and Cheri headed out in the other boat to "play life guard" with cameras - in other words, to take pictures! When they were done, the girls swam all the way back.

Later on, Bob decided to go gunnel jumping off the canoe. I was busy with one of the kids - likely it was Peter - and wasn't able to watch myself, but Marie was kind enough to take my camera and get some good pictures. It was almost like watching it in person. Looks like fun.

And what would water be without mud? Nothing! Annie, Haley and Gabi found some great mud and decided to become Mud Monsters. (Jeremy found the mud too, but decided a mud fight with Aunt Julie would be fun - though she wasn't interested and had her camera out... he forgot to ask her first). For my kids, this was a reminder of back in Maine when they would create mud pits in the back yard just to get covered - hey, it cool off pigs, right? Why not people?

One of my favorite activities to watch was Jeremy and Grandpa our last water fun day. It started as a little friendly tossing of sticks between Bob and his dad - then Jeremy got involved. He kept finding twigs and tossing them at Grandpa, then Grandpa would toss stick back. Grandpa was laying on the blanket to start with, but then moved to a chair where Jeremy began working behind and around him. They were having so much fun!

Though I was not in the water, it was fun to watch the cousins having so much fun. And it was fun to see the other activities around us too. And being out in the fresh air all day was certainly good for my emotions and my health.

Stomp Rockets, Geysers & Fireworks

First off, I don't think I got any pictures of kids in the pools at Grandma's house this time around. They were in there only a couple of times, really, because we were gone a lot of the time. Second, these are only a sampling of pictures (Marie, you'll be getting a CD with everything we've got - which may mean some duplicates - and I'm sure a lot more fun and interesting pictures to choose from.)

But, Sunday afternoon we had to pull out the traditional stomp rockets. We did this again later in the week too. We also had to set up geysers - what would a visit from family be without these two things?

The kids always love to see who can make their rockets fly the highest - who can catch which ones - how many get caught in the trees. And love to laugh as the angle gets reset and then causes the rockets to fly in different directions and even into people's faces.

Geysers may be short lived - in that they are pulled, fly high and are done, but they provide laughter and enjoyment. Of course, if you're a kid, they are most exciting because when all is done you can scavenge through the grass for the mentos candies!

My favorites were Jeremy's and Haley's - When Jeremy pulled the string, one of the mentos got stuck and didn't go all the way down. So the soda spurted out and around in a huge ball like spray. When Haley did it, she was so cautious that she didn't pull it hard enough, the bottle tipped over and pointed towards the rest of us and she kept pulling until yelled at to stop. Then it was reset and she was told how to pull it fast. We nearly all got a soaking!

Being the 4th of July, we took the oldest 6 kids down to the fireworks. Aunt Marie had brought along glow sticks for the kids - which was great considering the length of time we waited for the fire works to begin. Aunt Marie also started the kids on a game of Telephone - which was added to with Uncle Mike and Aunt Hannah as well. This game continued even during the fireworks.

He's Here

Our newest little bundle arrived July 14 at 4:17am. Cute as a button. Mellow and sweet. Jacob Paul Nielsen.

A Week of Family

Last week was full of adventures and fun since Marie's family came to visit for the week. 8 cousins all together (one only 5 months old) and they had a great time. In honor of their vacation, Julie and Jeff, Mike and Hannah, and Cheri and Andrew all came up for various different parts of the week. It made for a nice visit and fun memories to be captured.

Marie's family was the last to leave - very early Monday morning - and we miss them already. There is something truly magical about the friendships of cousins. Something different and untouched by any other kind of friendship. I'm very grateful they had this wonderful opportunity to be together!

The next few posts will be various different adventures from our week - as long as baby keeps quiet like he seems to think is important, then all such adventures will be posted before he gets here... otherwise, baby might make an appearance in the middle some where.

The Stork Took A Detour

See that stork to the left? Well, apparently he got lost, because our baby is NOT, in fact, 3 days old. If any thing, our baby is at least three days late. We're still at home - we're not heading any where fast.

The Doctor Is In

Earlier this week while I was on the computer, I had the following conversation with Peter:

P: "I'm the doctor. The one you go to."
Me: "Oh really. Well, what can you tell me about this baby?"
P: "Umm. Nothing. I can't help you. I'm with another patient."
(A little while later)
P: "Okay. It's your turn."
Me: "What are you going to do?"
P: "Listen to the baby's heartbeat."
(when I didn't respond right away)
P: "Mom, you have to lay on the couch."

So, after that, I was putting him to bed last night and in his prayers he mentioned baby. Usually it's something about the baby coming soon, or today, or tonight or whatever. But I can't always understand all his words because he talks into his folded arms. So I asked him if he had prayed the baby would come tonight.

P: "No. In 4..." (at this point he's trying to put up just 4 fingers and can't figure out which of the five is the extra one - in the process, he finds himself with both hands wide open) "In 10 more days."
Me: "Really - that's almost 2 whole weeks. Do you really want Mommy to be pregnant for two more weeks?"
P: "Yeah. 10 more days and 5 more doctor visits."

Thank goodness it's not up to him!

The Scoop

For all those just "dying" to know.....

Yes we've had two appointments since the last appointment posting. No there is still no baby here in arms or cradle or anywhere else other than the big, round, over-sized and completely unbalanced tummy.

Here's what we've learned -

1. The scale I was on that said I jumped 6 pounds two weeks ago is wrong - apparently it's 3 pounds higher than the other scale. So I gained 3 that week and haven't gained a thing since (which also means I didn't actually loose 3 pounds last week either).

2. My blood pressure seems to be "normal" again - though we've constantly done the normal, high (for me) and very low throughout this third trimester.

3. Baby's head is "way down there" (with eyebrows raised) (yeah, I could have told anyone that... I can feel it!)

4. Dilated far enough that a little more pressure should put me into active labor (seeing that I don't hit active labor - or anything really leading up to it - until I'm between 3 1/2 and 4) - Just because a little more head pressure should do the trick does not mean that it will happen today, tonight or even tomorrow.... it just means we're in the "the zone" as I call it. We may still be here for several days (and yes, I'm cleaning house and walking and all that - I don't believe there is any way to speed up the beginning of active labor - at least there never was with my other four)

Anyway - we're doing fine - we're having a great time with the visiting family - and we're passing the time almost entirely with happy and peaceful feelings (except when I walk too far and then pay the price with a serious pain in the side and am over tired). Having the family up to visit is great for keeping the kids busy, happy and not complaining that the baby isn't here yet (although they are sweet enough to continue to remember him in their prayers). Soon - I'm sure - and yes, we'll let you know! If you don't hear from us in person, by phone, on this blog or FB, then you can safely assume the little guy is not yet here!

Surprising Baseball Skill??????

Both my boys are left-handed... although I'll admit that I've watched them training themselves to be ambidextrous (I think because all the "older" people in the house are right handed). Anyway, ever since a ball has been tossed in the back yard with kids in baseball gloves, I've told Bob we need to get Jeremy a left handed glove so he doesn't have a "handicap". Bob's response had always been something along the lines of it won't matter - if he starts learning right handed, he'll play fine that way.

Okay... so, all these years (he's only 5) he's been "playing" like everyone else. Grandma Nielsen found him a left-handed glove. I thought this was great (honestly, I don't think it's been tried out yet... tried on, but not tried out). Yesterday (since cousins had arrived) the bat and balls were brought out. These are the plastic ones, mind you, and the kids were all using the "fat bat". Anyway, Bob is pitching and Jeremy is up to bat. He nailed it. Then again. And again. I think he might have missed one (if that). I was pretty impressed. I had no idea he could hit a ball coming toward him without adult assistance. And then I noticed it....

Jeremy was batting right handed!

Impressive, I thought. And I just had to wonder how it would be if he actually did it left handed. Well - apparently being left handed does not mean he'll do better that way. He hits much better right handed. Practice and experience? I don't know (like I said, I had no idea he could hit).... the other thought - he may well be left handed, but he might likely be right eye dominant. (I'll have to look into that - it's like me... I'm right handed, but I'm left eye dominant... when I shoot a gun, it better be left handed or I'm likely to completely miss the target!)

Daddy's Best Friend

This little baby must be Bob's best friend. Aside from the fact that I've NEVER gone through knowing about the "warm up" stage (early labor) before this pregnancy, this baby is introducing me to much more than just that.

See, I had some "warm up", things were steady and seemed to be going some where contractions prior to Scout camp. Everything got real quiet just before Bob left and didn't even hint at starting up again until he officially returned Saturday. Then it was real light and mild. Then it seemed to be nothing again until about 1/2 hour before Bob started teaching his class Monday - they were harder than Saturday, but still obviously not the "real deal" - again, steady, getting closer together and harder. (Bob's class was an hour and they didn't gain speed until he got home). They became lighter over night, but continued at a steady pace all through Tuesday - while the family cleaned house like crazy. Bob had YM last night - needless to say, things got really quiet about the time he left.

His schedule today involved a dentist trip (first thing this morning), tutoring in the afternoon and then hockey tonight. Let's just say we've had all of one contraction between tutoring and hockey.

It would appear that this baby pays attention to Daddy's schedule - to heck with the fact that it's all stuff Daddy can drop so baby can make his appearance... nope, if Daddy books something, the little guy gets nice and quiet and decides we can wait it out a little longer. It would certainly appear the little guy has taken sides - Daddy trumps Mommy! =)

Reading As A Life Skill

Jeremy has taken the bulk of the school year to decide he was confident enough with his reading to just read anything that comes into his hands. He, of course, now loves to read to anyone who will listen, to himself, and to show the girls he can write as well as they can and read as well too. (Just like siblings, right?)
The other night Bob was going through the newspaper - reading whatever stories were there and looking over the ads for the grocery stores. Jeremy, knowing that we always look over the ads and then figure out what to buy based on what's a good price and when, saw the ads were just sitting to the side when Bob was done. So, being the intelligent individual that he is - (or wants people to think he is), he sits down on the couch, picks up the paper and begins to read.

J: "Wow! Mustard is a great price! It's only 99 cents!"
B: "Do you like mustard?"
J: "No."
B: " Does Gabi like mustard?"
J: "No."
B: "Does Beth like mustard?"
(Beth, who is listening in): "NO Way!"
J: "No."
B: "Does Peter or mommy like mustard?"
J: " No. I don't know."
M: "Not really."
B: "So it doesn't make sense to buy mustard, does it, if no one likes it?"
J: "No. But it is a good price.....Oh! And crab is only 9 hundred and 99 cents!"

He's Home!

HE'S HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He snuggled me first!

He laughed while letting the kids climb all over him.

He waited to unpack to spend more time with me!

And once again there was peace at meal time.

There's no place like home with Bob!

Stresses Of Creativity

Ever feel like you're in over your head? That seems to be the deal with this diaper bag... what was I thinking? Oh, yeah... I wanted something cute, functional and to my own specifications... not to mention the satisfaction of creating it myself......

So the creating process has taken the better part of several months - in part because I was working on other projects and creating other things as well. Then, I finally got around to doing what I wanted - that was last weekend - and got about half way through. I finally started in again this evening and I'm irritated because what should have been a simple finish up has turned into hours of "what the heck" moments.

The good news.... I'm learning sewing skills I didn't know I didn't have.... I've just spent the last hour researching elastic cording (because I was certain I wanted to use that for my button loops) and how to sew it properly and keep it in place and keep it from pulling out. Who would have known elastic cording was such a pain! Now I think I may have figured out what I need to do... time to try again.... I do hope it works this time or I might have to go crazy! (And figure out something else easy and cute for the loops... I hate regular thread loops because they always twist up).

But... once this is done, then the rest isn't so bad... though the handles are likely to be time consuming because I do believe a good section of them will be hand sewn on.... we'll see... not likely to be finished tonight after all! Oh well... it's a good thing I have tons of totes floating around... we just might find ourselves using one of those until this diaper bag gets finish - that, of course, depends on baby.

Peter and Baby

No - baby has not yet arrived - but that doesn't stop Peter from interacting with the little guy. Today we were playing toss with a bean bag - the bag would sometimes not come near my hands - being thrown too hard - and hit my face, neck or belly. When it hit my belly, Peter would stop and ask "Did that hurt the baby?" then run over and give my belly a hug and kiss.

My favorite part was when he ran over to "kiss and hug" baby for what appeared to be no reason and then he told me "The baby was crying."

Latest Update

Because I'm sure there are some of you who actually like to keep up with this....

Latest appointment update:

I've been really itchy all over my neck, ears, cheeks, arms and belly since about Sunday. It's only gotten worse and today I actually broke out in a rash.

After having stopped gaining weight, then losing a pound last week, I've gained 6 this week. That's a big spike - bigger than all my other spikes when they happened. My blood pressure was also high - don't know the exact details of how high - it was probably just high for me. Obviously this is of some concern, but the swelling was fine - not completely gone like last week, but just barely there.

Apparently having Bob around is a really good thing for me. When he cooks and runs the "kids chores" I seem to be "perfect". Apparently doing things is not good for me - I've felt fine - but I have been on my own with standard child care, meals, and bedtime routine... let alone the fact that I've been helping with the clean up and all too. Strange to think that makes a difference.

Anyway - we're about a week out - or two depending on which date you go by - and I'm hoping the end is near. Not so much because I feel crummy - really, this is the first pregnancy where I feel well enough to go late - but more because this back and forth wacky stuff is getting on my nerves - and if there is something to it (other than doing stuff), then it's time to be done (for both our sakes).

On the other hand - I've finished up another set of jammies - the last two are just waiting for trim. Then the diaper bag and nursing pillow to finish - the latter should take less than 1/2 an hour. And if I'm feeling ambitious - it's a nursing shawl and blessing suit - then all projects are done until I hit the Christmas swing of things. Looking forward to Bob's return on Saturday - and hoping the edgy feeling that's come over me goes away!

A Mid Week Pick Me Up

Over the last couple of days we've made progress on the house. The best part is that the kids have, for the most part, gotten along. We then had friends over yesterday afternoon into the night - the kids loved it, they played well, and the adult visit was nice for me. We even took all the kids on a walk. It felt great until the last little bit home - then it felt like I either pulled something or that the baby had shifted to a place that shot pain at every step.

Today we were run down and tired - the kids were great all morning, getting along, staying mellow - and I ended up falling asleep again. We did lunch, and then I sent everyone for quiet / rest / nap time. It was great - it was quiet and as they started getting up, once again they were getting along!

We did a simple left-overs dinner, then started in on clean up between bike rides with grandma and baths to cool off. We've made a lot of progress and the kids haven't felt like they spent all day doing it. I'm loving the increase in clean in the house (even without Bob here to make sure it happens). So they are staying up to watch a movie and eat ice cream as a "reward".

The best part of my day... Bob called just before dinner. He was checking in - which I wasn't expecting. I knew he'd be thinking about us - and about how the baby was holding up. But I didn't think we'd hear from him until Saturday when he returns home. He was happy to hear that the kids have done so well and that we're making progress without falling apart! He was also glad to hear that things have been really quite in the baby / labor department since they've been keeping him very busy with the scouts and helping them get their badges! As I mentioned to Bob, I think the baby knew that he needed to be there this week. And Bob, being his wonderful, thoughtful self, thanked me again for giving him this week. He loves to work with the youth, he loves to camp, and he does not take it for granted that the family sacrifices for him to be gone during these kinds of times.

For myself, I love that he has opportunities to do this. I love to give him the time when we can. And I love that though he loves to do these things, he never forgets the family (that in some way we're with him when he's gone) and that when he comes home his focus is undivided upon us! I love the way he loves us... there is never any doubt about where we stand with him! And what a wonderful reassurance and loving reminder from my dear husband to help get through the remainder of the week! How I love this wonderful man in my life!

NAMES

And for anyone who cares and is trying to keep up - yes, we're about 2 weeks out from baby's arrival and still not a single name.... I need a list... anything, anything, anything you can think of! Thanks!

So What Do You Do...

So what do you do during scout camp week.... if you're Bob, you go three hours away from your ever pregnant wife to have a blast with ten boys and another adult! (Okay, that sounds like complaining- actually, I'm fine. Given history, we don't have to worry about an appearance of the little guy until after Bob gets back. And he loves that kind of thing - and it's part of his calling - and well, he'd be sadder around here knowing that everyone else was down there.)

For the rest of us.... we gathered together yesterday morning and made three plans - a meal plan (so I we can eat some what healthy using what we already had on hand without fighting), an activity plan (play dates, dentist appointments, library... that kind of thing) and a chore plan - one that is designed to take all week, but leave us completely clean and ready to welcome daddy - and if we're really extra, extra lucky, baby brother - home this weekend! We can guarantee daddy, but baby brother will likely prove to keep us guessing! =)

Anyway - we made a good dent in some of the "bulk" yesterday - the girls have a play date this afternoon at our house, so they know today's work must happen this morning. I've included my sewing stuff in with the chores - I'm ready to pack it up and shift gears completely. I have everything cut out that needs to be, but I need to finish up some jammies and the diaper bag. I plan to attack more of the diaper bag this afternoon while the kids are entertained - and hopefully, if all goes well, I can get some sewing in every day through the end of the week and actually accomplish my goal.

We're hoping to start family walks in the evenings tonight as well - this close to baby's date, we feel it's safe enough to get back in routine. And though there is nothing that will "make" baby come, I figure everything I can do to help get through this early stage (which takes weeks and weeks) is a bonus and can only make labor a little easier (right?) though who knows about sooner. I'm just hoping to not be a big fat blimp over 4th of July weekend - somehow, I don't think it will be my choice!

First Swim of the Summer

There is no town pool around here - and we don't have one. It's also been relatively cool for the normal temps - so I've been told. But the other day it was plenty warm and we were invited by some friends to go swimming. I gave away my maternity swim suit last year and didn't worry about getting one for this year because I figured it was really only about a month's worth of time - just not worth the money.

I put on some lightweight pants and shirt instead - not planning to swim, but to sit near Peter - maybe soak my feet - but wanted to be prepared in case something happened requiring a sudden plunge (like last summer).

We had a wonderful time. The girls didn't need swim vest this year - they were tall enough for the shallow area. Gabi put her swimming skills to use and stayed in the deeper section for most of it. Though it did start to be a strain for her after a couple of hours.

Jeremy had a blast going to wherever he wanted with the swim vest on - but was hard to get many pictures of. Gabi went diving for sticks, playing ball, and just swimming around. Beth practiced putting her face in the water and blowing out bubbles - and not starting to take a breath before coming up. She also practiced swimming where she could put her feet down when needed.

Jeremy and Peter both went out with Bob a few times - Jeremy, especially, learning to lay on his tummy and kick. And Peter stayed on the step as much as possible. He just kicked around for awhile, and then we managed to get him to sit on the top step. Near the time to leave, Peter decided he was "brave enough" to swim on the top step. For him, that really was a huge step!

All in all it was a wonderful afternoon out as a family with friends and enjoying the water!

Jeremy Turned 5

This was the first year that Jeremy actually counted down (for himself) to his birthday. He was so excited about his party (which was just a few friends). Being as far along as I am (having only about 3 weeks left to go with this pregnancy) I told Jeremy I would not be able to make him a very fancy cake. He wanted a Looney Tunes party. He also wanted a strawberry cake and strawberry ice cream. Let's just say we're grateful that Peter can actually have strawberries again! (He has no more sensitivities to food!)

Anyway - I made a Strawberry Chiffon Cake with a light and fluffy frosting (with strawberries in it). Then sliced strawberries to decorate the sides with. I printed off a picture and posted it on sticks and stuck it in the cake. Jeremy was thrilled - and it was easy enough - which is what I needed.

The kids played ball, tag and hyper dash. Then we tried out Splash Out - Daddy had filled the balloons and a few - most - were actually too big to fit in the ball. It became more fun to have the kids stand around Bob while he tried to put the balloons in the ball while holding it over their heads - which got most of them wet! The only person who didn't like getting wet was Peter.

He loves his presents - and later that night we went back to do gifts with Grandma and Grandpa. He got some books, moon sand, play dough, coloring book, water gun, gardening tools & buckets, and clothes. He was thrilled!

End Of The Year Awards

The end of the school year is when all sorts of awards are given out. Due to being extremely tired and not feeling very well, I forgot the timing of this assembly. Fortunately Bob was able to be there. In kindergarten there are three awards - Bethie received them all. Gabi brought home five, I think, and I don't know how many there were - but she ranked high in all subjects.

A few days before this, was the last of the reading awards. The school goal was 10,000 hours for the year. They surpassed this - a great accomplishment (seeing that it's for K-4 and it's a small school). Beth and Gabi were the last to be recognized (that's normal) and where at bench marks 22 and 24 respectively (the goal was to get to bench mark 10 by the end of the year). As the top readers in the school, they were each given a gift certificate to the local book store.


The skill of reading is something I've always been grateful that my children have picked up quickly. But more than that, I love to see them reading - to know that they love to read and understand that books are the movies of the imagination! I love it! And I love that it shows!