Tuesday, March 31, 2009

**TUNA UPDATE** TUNA UPDATE** TUNA UPDATE**

The two cans of tuns have been returned to the store where they were paid for in full.
Thanks to everybody who was concerned.
I slept much better last night.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Emily's birthday party pics





Emily turned four on March 7th. It was a Saturday, and made for a perfect backyard birthday, complete with perfect weather, and a Backyardigans theme. Emily had five friends over. We ate pizza, jumped in the bounce house and trampoline, played in the sandbox, and hit the pinata.

Now this may make Emily and odd-ball, but she is the one four-year old I know who still takes a nap. The party ended at 1:30 (right when her nap begins) and she was already pulling blankets to go to sleep. Ahhhh yes. She was out like a light and slept hard!

It was a good day for Miss Emily Grace!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

I stole two cans of tuna today

Today was grocery shopping day. Normally I go to three grocery stores to play the grocery game, but I knew there was no way that I could do three today. I planned on just two.

By the time I got done with the second store I was so tired. The check-out clerk was extremely slow, and it seemed like her slowness just perpetuated the feeling of being tired and sore.

When I finally got out to my car I could feel myself getting wheepy. This is what I do when I am over-tired. I loaded my groceries and pulled my purse off the top shelf of the shopping cart... and there laying under my purse were two cans of tuna.

I hadn't paid for the tuna. And the idea of returning to the store to wait in line with the super-slow check out clerk just wasn't an option.

I got in my car, so upset from being tired, and hating that I can't do what I normally do. I was also upset about being a thief. I vowed to return the tuna cans tomorrow on the way to Emily's dance class.

So there you have it. I'm a tuna thief.

What I am thinking about right now...

So far we have looked into cutting back our utility costs. I've been the coupon queen at the grocery store. And we eat out less. This is the next item up for thought in the Johnson household. Mind you, multiply everything by two!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

30 Weeks






So I'm about 30 weeks right now. This is the scary picture update of my large belly! The babies move around constantly, and I imagine this will lesson as there is less room to move.

Here are some pictures of what has been going on at our house. Emily was sick with a stomach bug one evening, and the next week she decided her baby would be "sick." Too funny. We've been spending a lot of time outside (before the past week of constant rain) and Emily and her friend Joseph (or if you're Emily, "Jofus") were riding on his gator that Em loves. And then there is the one that I love of Scott and Emily making a paper-bag puppet. And if you're wondering who that stylish girl is in the shades, well, that is Roxy the Rockstar. I dunno, don't ask!

I have yet to post pictures of Emily's birthday pictures. I'll try to get on that. Scott has been busy working on National Boards that are due Tuesday, and he is booting me off the computer right now. Our internet has just been fixed this morning for the first time in a week, and for that we're grateful. Spring break is coming up the week after next, and I am still just really holding on to be able to work. THe babies are getting big. We still haven't painted the nursery, but the cribs are in. I just don't want to pressure Scott about that right now with his due date looming (march 31 for his National Boards) but we will get on that during the spring break.

Yep, that's just about it. Enjoying the constant rain this week has brought, and the 70's weather that has been oh so pleasant. And trying to sleep in between the 8-9 trips to the bathroom I take every night. So far, so good! :)

Friday, March 20, 2009

swollen

Today could be described as a very bad day. I won't go into the details, but let's just say that by the time I drove home today I was in tears. I was very, very down in the dumps after a frustrating and challenging long day.

But now I am at home. My sanctuary because my family is here. I am sitting on the couch typing during "Family Friday Movie Night." A scheduled event for each week that Emily looks forward to. Nothing fancy, but we eat our dinner in front of the movie of her choice. Tonight its Peter Pan. Again. And it is fine with us. She is sitting right beside me, cuddled under the blanket, head on my shoulder. Scott is on the other couch snoring softly. Seriously a wind-down time that is so needed at this time of the week.

I am so grateful for Emily. She amazes me with everything she does and says. This week she told me she didn't want to go to dance class any more. She said it would only be fun if there was a ball. I smiled. She plays in the backyard, and can name five or six different birds that fly in our yard. Her favorite is the "Carolina Bird." (or Carolina Wren.) She can't wait for her "babies" to get here. She doesn't call them "brother and sister" but rather calls them, "My baby boy" or "My baby girl." She helps Scott and me pick out things for them, and tells us about what she will do with them. And daily she asks me when will they be ready to come out. I can't wait to go on the tour of the maternity ward with Scott and Em this Tuesday.

For four years Emily has been the only child. She has not had to share Scott and me with anybody else. In less than eight weeks she will be the big sister to two new babies. I worry about how she will take this adjustment. One baby is enough for any child to need adjusting to, but two new babies at once has got to be more challenging. I'm sure Emily will do just fine, eventually. I just pray that she always knows how much Scott and I love her, and that it will never lessen no matter how many babies enter our family.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

10 + 1 thoughts on the weekend.

1. Friday night we had dinner with some great friends at one of my favorite restaurants. The she-crab soup didn't disappoint, and it was great to catch up with friends.

2. Friday night after dinner Emily "got sick" all the way from her bedroom, down the hall, and into her bathroom. Which leads me to two thoughts: I will never confidently know when Em has the flu, and when she just needs to empty her stomach and start over. I'm glad we own a carpet shampooer.

3. Emily went to a friend's birthday party on Saturday. I had only met these parents once, and found them delightful. They were so mellow, and their beautiful home was very "lived in." I could tell the mom didn't run around and clean like a crazy person before the party, but rather enjoyed her Saturday morning with her kids. I need to learn to be more like this woman.

4. We took a trip to the outlet mall Saturday afternoon. Specifically we were looking for infant crib bedding at the Pottery Barn Kids outlet. What a bust that was. The only thing I found were two crib bumpers that would go perfectly with what I want to do in the nursery, but they were $129 each!?! Seriously, everything else in the entire place was cheaper than Target for bedding, but it wasn't what I wanted. On a better note, Emily make out like a champ at the Carters, Osh Kosh, Children's Place, and Stride Rite outlets. We got some great deals in those places.

5. I went to church with Emily by myself... something I rarely do. With national boards deadline quickly approaching, Scott got in a groove and decided to stay home to type in a quiet house. It was weird sitting by myself, and it make me realize how hard it is for so many moms to bring their kids to church without their husbands.

6. I played another round of the grocery game today. I will never get over the thrill of watching my grocery bill go from $142 to $68. Today was a great grocery shopping day.

7. Goodbye second trimester. It seems like the moment I hit week twelve I got over the being tired, and life returned a little toward normal. I've made it well beyond the "point of bedrest" with Emily's pregnancy, and am going strong. Other than the pneumonia I dealt with, I have had very few problems throughout my second trimester and I am grateful.

8. The third trimester: Let the discomfort begin. I sometimes have to remind myself that I am hauling around and growing two people. Both are already over 2.5 lbs, which is wonderful that they are so healthy, and growing at the same rate. My belly sometimes moves in earthquake-like waves that are extremely crazy to see.

9. Due date: I'm still teaching every day, and though my principal says he'll be thrilled if I make it to spring break (April 6) I plan on making it to at least May 1. So far we have no reason to think that I won't. We were thinking that maybe I could go to 38 weeks, which would put me at delivering around June 1. (I was shooting for this date because I would be able to make it to Emily's dance recital on May 29). But my doctor says that the babies would be over 8 lbs each by that point, and there is no way I would be able to carry them that big.. there would be no room. So looks like the c-section is scheduled for May 15.

10. Emily refers to the babies as her "little girl" or her "little boy." I love this. While we were shopping we picked out some onsies and things. She walked around Carters saying things like, "Oh how cute! This would be perfect for my little boy!" We got a onesie for each baby that says "I'm the little brother" and "I'm the little sister." Scott thought these would be perfect for them to come home in from the hospital. I love to hear Emily excited about her new siblings. She is so darling.

11. Now it is dinner time. After my exhausting grocery shopping trip that my nap didn't fully help to recover, I'm very thankful for the frozen lasagna I threw in the oven. The buzzer just went off. Yummy. Easy. Perfect.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Weather inspired taste buds

I've always had this thing with music that went with the seasons. I know I've talked about this before, and Heather probably remembers my fascination with Fat Boy Slim and summer. And Travis and Radiohead in winter.

And my comfort food correlates with the weather. Give me a rainy day, and I'll prepare you an awesome pot roast and mashed potatoes.

But this past two weeks are weather has been all over the map. We had a "snow" day one weekend, only for Emily's birthday party to be beautiful and 82 the next. Now we're back this weekend to the cold and rain. I put some stew meat on in the crock pot on Thursday thinking it would be cold and rainy, and it was still warm and pretty. Well shoot. I can't eat a stew when it is 80 outside?!? That is just crazy talk!

And now today it is very cold, and all I keep thinking about is the she-crab soup that I will order when we go to Copper River Grill with friends tonight. Seriously, it was the promise of this soup that got me through the bitter-cold day.

When did I become such a weather-inspired eater? Its not like we're talking about summer vs. winter vegetables.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Connections

Tonight during dinner Scott was telling me about something that happened in his classroom. When there was a lull in our conversation Emily randomly asked, "Why do we have a throat?" So we exchange glances, and proceed to explain that a throat is for carrying food to our belly and air to our lungs.

Scott and I continue our previous conversation and again there is a lull. Again Emily speaks, continuing where she left off with her previous question, "well... because I swallowed a yellow jewel the other day. I keep looking in the toilet, but its not there." Scott and I question her, and say something about not putting things in our mouths, choking, etc. Then we thought the conversation was over.

Then after dinner Emily looks at me and says, "Maybe I should check my lungs?"

It is then that I realize she is super concerned that if the yellow jewel wasn't found in the toilet (which I'm impressed she understands that connection to her belly) then it must be in her throat, since Scott and I told her job of the throat is to carry to the belly and to the lungs.

Too funny. Very insightful, yet hilarious. I love toddlers. When they explain themselves they make total sense!

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Birthday Girl!

Our baby turns FOUR today! Where did the time go? She amazes us with the things she says and wonders. Scott and I delight in her personality... she is such an individual! Our biggest blessing! We're so thankful for her and the joy she brings us!




There is nobody quite like Emily Grace!

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Back at school today

I was finally able to return to school today. I was nervous that I would be exhausted by lunch time. But I found that my kids really helped pull me along. They are so full of energy and life, that it is hard not to be taken by their contagiousness.

One of the things on my "to-do" list today was to pick out a picture book to read at our school's Barnes and Noble night tonight. I'm signed up to read during the 6:15 slot, and I really hadn't thought much about what I would pick. Before dismissing them for a bathroom break I asked them if they would think about their favorite picture book read alouds, and meet me back on the rug with one if they can.

Every single kid came to the carpet with a book.

I was a little surprised, and at first I must admit I was afraid they just grabbed a book with little thought. But I was so wrong. My kids really thought about it, and were so excited at the idea of remembering the journeys we'd taken together with those books. As each kid gradually made their way to the carpet, the others would remember that book, and comment, and always with a smile.

We went around the circle and shared each one, and the kids told why they chose the specific book. Eventually we very naturally decided on a group of about six that were some of our favorites. It only seemed right to scrap what I had planned, and to read.

So there I sat with my "pretzel legs" on the floor. Surrounded by my kids, and so pregnant I didn't know how I would get up. And I read each of those stories. After each one we talked and laughed and shared about why it was such a favorite.

Eventually we finished up, and we realized we were late for library. Like ten minutes to library. The kids love to go and exchange their books and our Media Center specialists is killer awesome. But it struck me as so special that these guys were so engaged with me reading and talking with them, that time didn't matter. They didn't notice, and neither did I.

I couldn't have picked a better, impromptu, way to re-connect with my kids after being out almost a week. It was fun.

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Sulfamethoxazole

Turns out third time may be the charm! Today is such a better day after starting my third antibiotic yesterday. I still can't breathe in deep without a coughing fit, but I feel much better. Emily has a mild fever, and Scott is taking her in to the doctor this afternoon for what we suspect is either a sinus infection or ear infection. Some antibiotics and she should be fine.

Since she was up a lot last night, Scott stayed home from work today to take care of us. That was great, because I haven't even been able to take care of myself really, and Emily really needed somebody to take care of her too. Scott make sure everybody got their medicines, fluids, and warm blankets before we were adequately comforted for naps. Then he got busy picking up and cleaning the house. Boy am I thankful!


On a funny note, I was catching some news on T.V. this afternoon, and scrolling along the bottom was this headline: "Megan McCain blames presidential campaign for her diminishing love life." Apparently there is a story on this on cnn.com

I will go check it out... I'm bored and it sounds amusing!

Monday, March 02, 2009

Weekend Reflections

We had a "snow day" today, so the work week doesn't really begin until tomorrow. Here are my reflections from a weird weekend...

- Mom being sick is good for dad and his daughter. Scott and Emily were pretty much on their own all weekend since I was in bed. This allowed Dad to take care of the mundane tasks that I normally do. Some highlights were the obvious jungle adventure (previous post) and the "matching tattoo" of a caterpillar on Emily's right upper shoulder. Oh, and I can't forget the peaut butter, jelley AND banana sandwich he let Emily make by herself.

- Being allergic to penicillin is not cool. I began my third antibiotic today in hopes that it will clear up my sinus/repiratory/ear infection before I have to be admitted to the hospital to treat me for pneumonia. It would help if I could take a heartly dose of penicillin.

-Seeing the growing babies never gets old. I love ultrasounds, and since we're having twins, every visit promises an ultrasound. I love it! Right now both the baby boy and baby girl are reasuring 2 lbs. This is bigger than an average singleton baby.


- I would hate to be a weather forecastor.
We were told by several news sources (Including the national weather service)to expect up to 5+ inches of snow. The schools all canceled school for Monday, only for us not to even get a single flake.

- The Neti Pot is my friend. So gross, but works so well.

- Starburst jellybeans are the best stuff every! And the babies both love sweet sugar. I ate a handful and they started moving like crazy. Scott could see my tummy rumbling around and he thought it was quite weird. The were really moving and kicking.


- I really hope to get to school Thursday.
Pray that the meds keep me well!