Wednesday, May 29, 2013

May 29, 2013

Happy belated Memorial Day!

Friday I decided to wear William out enough so that he would take two naps and not be too cranky for our trip to San Antonio that evening. So... We went to Inflatable Wonderland at the mall. It has a bunch of inflatable jump houses and obstacle courses and slides. William was able to do them all through his determination and unusual strength. One lady watched him for a long time and then asked me if he was 3. I said that he was 21 months. She told me her son was 24 months and could not do nearly the acrobatics of William. I told her he is very physically active (an understatement). Future gymnast? We'll see!

Friday evening we headed to San Antonio (yes, William took that second nap). When we got to the hotel, William was so excited that he didn't go to sleep until 10:30. It was exhausting for everyone involved. We got up bright and early Saturday morning to find that it had rained all night, but that Francis's parents and sister's family had both made it in safely late the night before. 8 inches of rain fell in less than 24 hours, causing major flooding on the highways. But, what was bad news for San Antonio, ended up being good for us. We could see SeaWorld from our hotel and when we got there, it was nearly empty. The day was great! We got to see all the shows we wanted, played in the water area with the kids, and generally wore ourselves out. William and my niece Abby had so much fun. They are super cute together too. I am so glad they get along and are sweet to each other!

Sunday we went back to SeaWorld only to find what we had feared: a mass of humanity. It was hot and humid and crowded, so we rode a couple rides and stayed for a show before heading home. We had lunch with Francis's parents at a Rudy's on the way back to Austin. It was so nice to spend time with them and Cyndy, Chris and Abby. I hope we will get to do it again soon!

Monday was Memorial day and we spent the afternoon at Scott Meintzer Pool. It has a small lazy river and a very shallow end with lots of fountains for kiddos as well as two small water slides. Francis took William on the family water slide with him. After that, there was no turning back! My lilttle daredevil LOVED it. Francis spent the next couple of hours getting in line, sliding down the slide with William only for him to ask to do it again. It was super cute, but Francis was exhausted by the end. We had yummy fajitas on the grill that evening. All in all a perfect day.

This week is Show Week at The Little Gym. William got an award today and had a little "graduation" ceremony after he showed off all he has learned. I guess this is the first of many graduation ceremonies. He's growing up so fast!

I have a Dr. appointment this afternoon to check up on Robert. Hopefully everything will come back normal. He kicks all the time so I know he has been busy. Francis likes watching him move around. It makes him chuckle.

Well, that's it for now!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

May 22, 2013

I've been meaning to write about this for a couple of weeks now, but I always forget so I am going to lead with it. After my last Dr. Appointment, William got the doodle pad (it has a little screen with a pen and round magnet attached with strings), and decided to "check out" baby Robert for himself. He puts the little magnet (which looks very similar to the Dr.'s wand) on my tummy and then looks at his "screen" to see what is going on. I ask him if every thing looks good and he says with a huge smile, "Yes!" He does it at least once every couple of days. It's super cute! I got a picture but you can't tell much. I wish I could get it on video.

It was a busy week again this week, but I don't even know where to begin. I set up my registry on Friday at Babies R Us with the help of Arlene and her daughter Caitlyn. After that we all four (William too) went to lunch at the mall and went shopping! William got a Lego train set that he now LOVES. He plays by himself just putting the train together, pulling it around, and then taking it apart to build again. I've rarely seen him so interested in something. Amy (my neighbor) watched William on Friday so Francis and I could have a night out. We went to the Alamo Drafthouse where we ate and watched the new Star Trek movie. I can't remember the last time I saw a movie on opening weekend, and it was very thrilling!

Saturday we washed the cars, waxed Francis's car, and mowed the back lawn before we ran out of energy. We went to a party at The Little Gym on that night where they had pony rides. William spent almost the entire time there on the ponies. I think he rode at least 8 or 9 times. Can't say he's afraid of animals!

Sunday we went to church, had lunch and in the evening we went to a Leadership meeting for our Sunday School class. I volunteered to help with socials and Francis felt led to become the new assistant director for the class. I'm proud of him because it is so out of his comfort zone. He really felt strongly about it.

We've mostly been on regular schedule this week, but there are always kinks. We tried to go to practice time on Monday, but the teacher had lost her keys over lunch so we waited for 30 minutes out in the heat (the kids had fun) before heading home. Before you feel too bad for William, we came home and set up his new kiddie pool. I put Bob the Tomato (a sprinkler) in the middle of the pool and put his little  jungle gym slide over one side. It's a pretty sweet set up and William has been out there almost ever since playing in the water.

Everyone is asking how I've been feeling and the answer is just great. My little acrobat (Robert) moves all the time, but other than that I feel normal. I think part of the reason is that William is keeping me so busy that I don't have time to focus on how I'm "feeling" and start to focus on any aches or pains. It's been a good pregnancy so far and Robert is a trooper!

That's all for now!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

May 15, 2013

Happy belated Mother's Day!

It's been a busy week here. William and I have been hanging out with people almost everyday it seems like. Thursday we went with Arlene and her daughter Caitlyn at the Round Rock outlets. We had a great time, but it started to rain (this is an outdoor mall) and I ended up running through the pouring rain carrying William, the stroller, and my purse (and Robert) for a total of 50 extra pounds... Yeah I kinda screwed up my knee for the rest of the day, but thankfully it was better by morning.

Friday, William and I went to the Lakeline Mall with Amy from across the street who is also pregnant. We went clothes shopping and I got an adorable dress for Mother's Day as well as a nice shirt for both William and Francis. After hurrying back and quickly feeding William, we went on to church for Parent's Night Out. We dropped off William and went to Iron Cactus, a nice Mexican Food restaurant. There was live music and we sat in a cozy booth. Other than the intense storm raging outside, it was very relaxing.

Saturday, Francis and William went Mother's Day shopping while I went out to lunch with Becky. It was fun getting to catch up with her and just talk without interruption. I wish we could do it more often! When I got back, Francis, William and I spent our afternoon at a splash pad where William had a ball!!! I wanted to take him to one this year before we go to Sea World in just over a week so he could be reacquainted with fountains and splashing. He was hesitant at first, but he loved it!

Sunday was Mother's Day. I got breakfast in bed (well, sort of) and opened my cards before church. They were very sweet. At church we got our photo taken and I got a red as well as a yellow rose. Francis and William took me to lunch at Carrabba's where we had no wait (amazing!). In the afternoon I got part of my present: and outdoor umbrella. Francis eventually wants to build a roof to cover the porch, but this is a great start! We had dinner at Red Robin, so I didn't have to cook! Overall a good day!

This week had been catching up on chores and errands as well as going to the Little Gym and story time at the library on Tuesday. William is getting better at sitting during story time. Eventually I think he will get it! At the Little Gym, William is mastering all sorts of skills. He loves somersaulting and will do it across the floor. He also likes the uneven bars. He'll stand on the low one and have his hands on the high one, walk down the bar while holding on, and then swing down and lift his feet in the air in front of him. His teachers (and I) are amazed. He's so strong and determined. No fear!

As for me, allergies have been horrible. Robert moves ALL the time, but other than that, I don't feel "pregnant" which is good. I am still able to get around and have a good amount of energy. I am also still able to pick up William for the time being which he appreciates at times.

I think that's all for now!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

May 8, 2013

The words of the week? Back to back William has learned to say "No" as clear as day and "mine". But it's not the terrible twos...he just is answering questions. Do you want this toy? "No." Whose toy is it? "Mine." It's really funny because he says them so calmly. I am waiting for the day he screams them but it wasn't this week, thank goodness.

William has also picked up the game of tag. I don't know from where he got it, but he'll run up to me, say "tag" and run away. It's pretty adorable.

I have energy in fits and spurts, but I spend the time in between being so tired. I feel a little bad for William that I don't have more energy, but we do keep pretty busy. We went to the Children's Museum in Austin on Monday with some other wonderful ladies and their kiddos. It was fun to see William run around and explore, but it was my least favorite of the children's museums I have visited (the company excluded of course). We then had lunch in downtown and walked around with Arlene, Morgan and their girls until William fell asleep. He actually napped two whole hours. That has got to be a record. Yesterday we went to storytime at the Pflugerville Library and got to see Angel and her son Ranger. They are so fun and the boys had fun looking at the books, dancing to the music and doing the crafts.

I found out yesterday that because we booked William at the Little Gym for this upcoming season during priority enrollment, Robert will be free for the rest of the season when he hits 4 months. I am going to have two little gymnasts running around in no time. He's not even here, but I know he'll enjoy TLG because he moves all the time in utero. There is very little time when I am sitting still and can't feel him moving. He's going to be an acrobat like his brother. It's so funny how their personalities are present even in the womb. I can't wait to hold him because I feel like I already know him!

Short entry, but I have so much to do. Tata!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

May 1, 2013

May already? How did that happen? Well, I didn't post last week, but I have a good reason. But before I get there, I've got a lot of catching up to do!

Thursday before last, William, my mother and I headed to Plano. We had a great trip (William was awesome!) and then we spent all day Friday preparing for the gender reveal party. I ordered the cake and it had cute bees on it and "What will Baby P Bee?" written on the top. It was adorable. Both sets of my grandparents came in town and all of us with my parents had dinner at Red Hot and Blue BBQ. Francis came into town late Friday night, but I didn't see him until the morning. Saturday, we continued to set up until the party at 2. Everyone was there including all my grandparents, my sisters, my parents and in-laws, 2 people I've known since elementary school, 2 people I went to high school with, someone I went to college with, and and some other extended family. Additionally, we streamed the gender reveal on the internet so that at least 20 other friends and family could attend the party from far and wide. It was so wonderful and I felt so loved. We revealed the gender through the cake. Helping William cut the cake, we revealed bright blue icing on the inside! We're having another boy! Everyone was excited. His name is Robert Christian Phillips and we are so blessed he has decided to join us this year. Thank you to everyone who is a part of this time in our lives!

Sunday morning, Francis and I left William for the first time to take a much needed vacation to....Maui, Hawaii! My mother and William walked me to the car and William waved and said "bye, bye" and blew kisses. I gave him a ton of hugs. As I drove away, I saw William picking up the newspaper and handing it to my mom. I broke down a bit, but it was for the best. I've left William overnight before and so has Francis, just never at the same time. My mother, father, and in-laws did an awesome job watching him. I had no doubt, but it hurt my heart a little to be so far. I checked in every day via FaceTime and William always looked so pleased to see me, but I could tell he was having a great time. He's such a sweet boy. I'm so blessed to have him!

After a long day on Sunday, Francis and I finally made it to our hotel and turned in. We woke up early Monday morning (around 4 am) and watched the sunrise from our hotel and took it easy. Mid morning, we headed up to Haleakala National Park in order to go to the top of the crater. It was a good half-day trip and Francis especially loved seeing the clouds move through and up the crater in a swirling mass. the view from top is like no other. It's like being on another planet. So amazing! The trip back down in the car was rough on me and all the curves took their toll. I made it down though and after a dinner overlooking the Ocean, we went and saw a cool show called Ulalena about Hawaii's history. We were so tired that I think some of it was lost on us, but it was very visually interesting.

Tuesday we made the trip to Hana...otherwise known as the "true test of marriage". The actual road is 56 miles long and has 54 one lane bridges (for two way traffic) and around 216 curves. We made it finally just in time for lunch to the Black Sands beach where we had a picnic. We then went on around to Hana and The "seven sacred pools" where we swam for over 2 hours. Francis even jumped off a waterfall. The views were totally worth all the trouble. We then made the decision to go around the backside of the island (as opposed taking the same way back) even though it said not to in our car rental agreement. It was totally worth it not to get carsick and it was an adventure that can only be described in legend. Dirt roads and mostly one lane, two way traffic made for an exciting ride. Tuesday night we had dinner at another nice restaurant on the ocean where we could watch the sunset. It was beautiful!

Wednesday we shopping in the morning and snorkeling in the afternoon. It was so cool!!! We went on a boat tour where we got to see whales (it's way late for them to be by Hawaii) and then went snorkeling in the reef. There were all kinds of fish and Sea Turtles. One sea turtle looked up at me from the bottom of the ocean where he was resting and decided to check me out. He came to the surface so close I could touch him and stared at me for a couple of minutes. Francis and I watched in awe. After a bit, others noticed he was there and scared him back to the bottom. It was beyond anything I can describe. We had a late lunch on the boat (hamburgers) and when they had some extra, we packed some up and took it to our hotel. Paired with some fruit, we ate a picnic on the beach and watched the sun set and stars come out. It was so romatic and possibly my favorite thing we did.

Thursday, we went to Napili beach. I like swimming, but I don't really like sand, lol. We had a great morning and then came back to the hotel to clean up and change for dinner at a Luau. The Luau was awesome. Francis even got to wear his Hawaiian shirt! Friday we went to the Ioa Needle and hike around the State park. We then went to the airport, hopped a plane to Honolulu and then went on to Dallas, arriving about 7am Saturday morning. My wonderful in-laws drove us to my parents' house where William was waiting outside with my mom. The smile on his face was priceless! He hugged and kissed us and we heard all the stories about his week (playgrounds, the zoo, malls, and many chick-fil-a trips). I missed him so much, and was so glad at how happy he looked!

After a nap and lunch with my parents and in-laws at In and Out Burger, my mother, mother-in-law and I went shopping for clothes and baby items for Robert. We got him some cute stuff and also some stuff for William. I now have two hats and a shirt and onesie that each say big brother and little brother respectively. They will be great for pictures!!! Thanks so much! We all had a steak dinner together and just got to enjoy our wonderful folks. We couldn't ask for better!!!

We drove home on Sunday and have spent this week adjusting back to life in the fast lane. William is getting back into the swing of things and I am almost done with laundry. William now knows how to bear walk and somersault independently and has picked up some interesting habits that make me smile. The hardest thing this week has been that William is missing his Nana and Sweetie. He's been asking for both of them. He is not used to not getting his way now. When I told him he couldn't do something on Monday, he got very upset. I said, "you are really missing Sweetie, aren't you?" He screamed back a resounding "Yes!" and then tried to call her on my phone. Fortunately it's been a relatively easy transition.William is also picking up a word or two per week now and his vocabulary is rapidly expanding. He is always surprising me!

I had a Dr. appointment on Monday with Dr. Brown. Everything looks great with Robert. His heart rate was 146 and he was even sucking his bottom lip on the sonogram. William was doing the same thing this morning and it made me smile. Robert is moving all the time. William and Francis have both gotten to feel him and it makes them smile. I'm so proud of my three men. They are the best!!!