Our Christmas Elf

To look at our list of family accomplishments, I really would have been okay not putting a check mark next to “Whole Family (Excluding Newborn) Barfing at Once on Christmas Eve.”

Christmas 2012 ... Ready for holiday fun at Great Grandma and Grandpa Theobald's home!

Happy Maddie!

Maren and Madeline meet ...

Madeline Frances Jarvis. Born at 5:29 p.m. on Saturday, December 15. Weight 7 lbs 4 oz. Length 20 inches.  Completely precious.

My apologies to the next person who gives me advice on how to get this child out of me ... you are going to get kicked in the teeth.

Dear Matt,

Just thought I'd let you know that last night when you told me you felt my phone buzzing on the seat at dinner and I should check it for a text message, you didn't feel my phone ... you felt me ripping one (or several).  Instead of putting me into labor, yesterday's spicy food just jacked with my stomach.  Sexy, huh?

Love you.

Megan

Baby #2 Stats. Heart rate was 140 and no change on the business end of this deal.

My plans for the weekend … walking to the downtown winter farmers market on Saturday morning … don’t care if it’s pouring and 20 degrees and I have to crawl back because of my knee.  Pedicure.  Thai food.  Mexican food.  Holiday shopping on Sunday … maybe some deep lunges as I walk through the mall if it’s not too crowded and I don’t have too many packages to carry.  Leftover Thai food and Mexican food.  Shots of Sriracha on Sunday night if there is still no serious action. 

Time for this pregnancy to be over ... I had to tame my belly button with a Band-Aid this morning.

I'm telling myself that tonight's visit to the hospital was this child's way of  ensuring I have an understanding of the check-in procedure at the new facility.

Baby #2 Stats. Heart rate was 151, dilated 2 cm and 70% effaced.

Thanksgiving 2012 ... one of many failed attempts at taking a photo for Grandma Jarvis' holiday card.

Thanksgiving 2012 ... Celebration at Great Grandma and Grandpa Theobald's Home

Baby #2 Stats. Heart rate was 151, dilated 1 cm and 50% effaced.  We were 1 cm and 80% effaced with Miss Maren at the first weekly appointment.

A text with this picture came from Vanessa today … Maren shoved a ball up her shirt and said, “Baby!”  I guess this is about what I look like these days ...

Maren helped me put away the baby clothes last night.  If you would like her organization services at your house, give us a call.  

Seriously … my knee remains the size of a grapefruit and I continue to drag my leg around behind me because bending it is a joke.  The four stitches in my neck from my "abnormal cell" adventure are making me quite thankful it’s scarf weather.  Matt says I'm snoring like a 300-pound woman.  And now I feel like a ticking time-bomb who is going to have her hoo hah blown to bits at any given second to deliver a baby.  I realize it could be far worse, but I think I need to look into some self-help chants to keep myself in check.

Maren and I had a conversation about "boobies" tonight at dinner.  She started it.

Baby #2 Stats.  Heart rate was 137 and he or she has settled into the right position.  Now to mind the doctor's orders and not have this baby for at least another two weeks ... damn stress ...

I just called Baby #2 a stinker for trying to dislocate one of my ribs, and immediately following my comment, I received what felt (and looked) like a little jab.  Hello, feisty!

I gave in today and cried.

Dear Maren,

Someday your daddy and I will tell you the story of this picture.  For now, I'll just say we're so happy you are okay and still our silly, spunky peanut. 

Love you ... more than bunches.

Mom

Maren chose to wear a pink plaid hat to daycare today that's at least two sizes too small for her head.  As hard as Matt tried and as sneaky as he tried to be, she would not allow him to take it when he dropped her off.  She was sitting at the table eating her breakfast looking very, uh ... special when he left the room.

Maren's Mr. Potato Head creation ... kind of reminds me of Sloth from the movie Goonies.

According to one of the daycare teachers, Maren was trying to style a ponytail for one of her friends today.  Unfortunately, the friend she chose for practicing her hair-styling skills has very little hair.

If work-life balance means going to bed at 2:30 a.m. on a consistent basis, I guess I've got it figured out.

Baby #2 Stats. Heart rate was 155 and he or she is still hanging out in a breech position.

I think we can add resourceful to the list of traits to describe Maren ... Matt turned around in the kitchen tonight to find her holding a cereal bag she had pulled out of the trash ... proud as ever as she shoveled granola crumbs into her mouth.

Great grandparents with their great grandbabies!

Yes, I realize I've just done something dicey by hacking this image from the photography company's website, but I couldn't resist sharing Maren's "school" picture.

I think we are going to have a bit of an obstacle to overcome with Maren's potty training ... she thinks she has to be nude to sit on the toilet.

Hello, sciatic nerve ... I have not missed your shenanigans since my first pregnancy and I would appreciate it if you would chill out with this pregnancy.

I think Baby #2 might be another little person who likes to boogey.  While sitting through a work conference slideshow set to some loud and funky music, it felt like there was a combination of the Electric Slide and Y.M.C.A. happening in my belly.

Charleston, South Carolina ... contemplating her next move at Fort Sumter.

Isle of Palms, South Carolina ... my apologies to Baby #2 if things are a bit warm the next couple of days ... falling asleep at the beach resulted in a fried belly. 

Isle of Palms, South Carolina ... a stroll on the beach with Daddy.

Isle of Palms, South Carolina ... Maren's first visit to the beach.

In case you have a babysitting date with Maren, Matt and I thought we should share our trick for how to eat around her without her knowing you are eating.  It’s actually quite simple … you open the refrigerator door, position the door as a shield, pretend as though you are looking at something, and stuff your face.  This even works with non-chilled items if you are able to transport the food container to the refrigerator without her getting suspicious.

We're so pleased that Maren and Archie are such good buddies.  Not only did our sweet daughter try to give our furry friend a drink of milk from her sippy cup this weekend, but she also offered her nose-picking prizes to him several times.

Baby #2 Stats. Heart rate was 136 and all seems to be running according to schedule.

Baby #2 is jacking with my taste buds.  Coffee still doesn't taste great (not even the foofy drinks) and while waiting for our carryout order at a local tavern earlier this week, I started salivating over their summer beer selection.  For those of you who aren't familiar with my beverage preferences, I love my coffee and I don't drink beer.

We survived the trip to Colorado ... two long days of airline travel and a day trip in the car that included five hours of driving.  I'll admit that, at one point, Maren was picking her nose and Matt's comment was to let her do it because it was occupying her. 

Colorado ... donning the proper accessories for the gondola ride from Telluride to Mountain Village.

My advice to the lady at the eyebrow threading place … listen to the directions a pregnant woman gives you.  If she tells you not to change the shape of the eyebrow and just do clean-up, it’s best to follow those directions.  And if you choose not to follow the directions, don’t argue when it’s over.  A woman who has a body going haywire really isn’t in favor of her face—the one part of her body that isn’t doing disturbing things—being added to the “jacked up” list.

Being silly at the pool!

Vocabulary update ... Maren looked down my shirt this week and said "boobies."  Matt said a dirty word, which Maren (thank goodness) repeated as "bock."  And "bye-bye" is becoming "bye-bye, y'all."

Baby #2 Stats. Heart rate was 124 at today's appointment and the ultrasound showed a healthy little person with long legs!

Maren kissed her first boy today … a little guy at daycare.  Matt’s comment … “We shouldn't have taught her to kiss people.”

Keep your toilet lids closed if Maren comes to visit you ... her new pastime is dipping things into the can. 

Seriously.  Why do your boobs have to explode in size before they have a baby-related job?  I’m completely disgusted by this ridiculousness on my chest and I know it’s only going to get worse.

What ... is it not normal to sit on the flour canister when setting up your mixer?

Baby #2 Stats. Had another appointment today. Heart rate was 142.

My Grandma Theobald has a sister who says she ate Chef Boyardee constantly when she was pregnant with her son … her son is now a chef.  I frequently crave Dr. Pepper with this pregnancy.  Might Baby #2 be a doctor?

One more post from our visit to the fair ... a video post that I'll introduce by saying we were on our way to the car until the music of a local band caught Maren's attention ...

Maren at the Fair - June 2012

First carousel ride ... she held on to the horse for dear life and there was not much smiling.

Getting a kick out of Daddy blowing bubbles.

Miss Maren had sushi (cooked!) for the first time tonight ... we're assuming she liked it based on the frantic signing for "more" that occurred after the first piece.

Father's Day 2012 at Eagle Creek Park ... checking out the playground with Daddy after a picnic and a hike.

If I lose my mind, this week was probably the beginning of the end.  Pregnant and chasing after a toddler while trying to juggle a that job that won't let up is usually enough to make me feel incompetent, unorganized and frazzled.  But this week we added a construction project to the mix that will touch almost every room in the house.  I guess it's a good thing I can't drink.

Oh, geez.  Maybe I shouldn't have had so much water to drink from my water table ... my belly sort of looks like it might explode.

Seriously, Baby #2.  You have one heck of an appetite.  I’m on the prowl for food hourly.  If I’m sporting fat pants sooner than later, this is your warning that there are going to be some very grumpy days ahead.

First trip to the Indianapolis Zoo with Grandma Jarvis ... based on the amount of dancing and waving, it seems that the dolphin show was Maren's favorite thing!

Our boat captains for the summer ...

Baby #2 Stats. Had my 12-week appointment today. Heart rate was 157 ... and let's just say I didn't consider this stinker's game of hide-and-seek in finding its heart rate a fun time.

I've been reviewing potty training books on Amazon for the last hour.  My "Items to Consider" list now includes such things as dolls that pee themselves and books called "Where's the Poop?"  I'm not feeling very hip right now.

A potty chair has entered our house.

We did our first art class at the local art center today.  Maren created quite the masterpiece ... on her canvas ... on her face ... and on her shirt. 

Fifteen-month checkup. Weighed 22 lbs, 8 oz and measured 30.25 inches long.

Maren thinks her cousin Mason is pretty nifty.

Maren has learned to pick her nose ... and sometimes she eats her bounty.  We are now taking all suggestions on how to eliminate this behavior.

Maren's daycare doubles as a beauty salon ... today she came home with pigtails!

Dear Maren and Daddy,

Ten days is a really long time.  Miss you bunches and can't wait to see you.

Love,
Mom

Crossing the finish line at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Mutt Strut 2012!

A text from Matt this morning ... "I guess it was inevitable ... she's figured out how to take off her shoes."

The fish tank at the doctor's office is quite interesting!

She contemplated going with me on my trip, but eventually decided against it.

Figuring out this walking thing!

What the kitchen looks like after trying to make a meal and keep Maren occupied at the same time ...

Poor Matt. His beer fridge is now a milk fridge.

Ready for Easter!

Check out Maren's hair ... somebody at daycare styled her hair into a ponytail today. See that drawer she's in ... I keep produce rubber bands in that drawer. She spent 10 minutes trying to put more rubber bands in her hair once we got home this evening.

Maren and I rocked out to "Flashdance ... What a Feeling" on the way to daycare today. I sang and she waved her hands around every once in a while.

This is what happens when Maren knows there are more blueberries in the bowl ... blueberries you hadn't planned on giving her until after she finished her vegetables ...

First visit to the library!

We made the transition to the Toddler Room at daycare this week. Maren's nickname with her new teachers ... Little Bit.

Silly, silly, silly!

Maren Jarvis ... The Great Prognosticating Toddler

10:50 a.m. Got a call from Miss Vanessa at Day Nursery. Maren went from sitting to standing without assistance this morning. The best part … Maren clapped for herself after she did it.

Seriously, seriously struggling with the toddler menu we are forced to use at daycare. Maren had a soft pretzel and applesauce for breakfast today ... I can't comment because if I do, I won't stop.

12:37 p.m. Received a text from Miss Vanessa at Day Nursery. Maren stood alone and took a step today!

Dear Maren,

This was one of the first pictures I took of you ... and I don't believe the pictures I have taken since come close to telling the story of what an amazing year it has been. While I frequently wish I could stop time, I can't wait to see what fun we will have in the coming year.

Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mom

Mommy ... I'm not sure why you set it on fire, but no worries ... I'll eat this thing you are calling a birthday cupcake, and in fact, I'll eat the entire thing!

I didn't put a bra on until 2:00 p.m. My sweatshirt has yogurt all over it. My fingernails look like they've been chewed on by a wild animal. I can't remember if I brushed my teeth today. I just picked at my face for 10 minutes because I'm stressed about work. My nose is running and I'm thinking about wiping it on my yogurt-decorated sweatshirt.

I'm one hot momma.

Survived the first non-family, teenage babysitter.

Because one tub photo isn't enough!

Having fun in the tub!

The end ... thought I would be ecstatic when this day came, but I'm feeling like a bit of a failure instead.

See those bananas in the grocery cart? I ended up having to hide them because twice I discovered Maren twisted around into some ridiculous position ... chewing on a banana.