Poop!

know it hasn't been long since the last post, but things seem to happen and change so quickly around here. We had a few really hot days down here in San Diego (almost 100 degrees) so I tried to stay home with the kids because I didn't want Jack playing out in the super hot sun, plus I didn't want to sit and watch him in the sun, either. However, it almost might have been better to go to music class because it's air-conditioned. We had the missionaries over for dinner and I made this Peanut Butter Cup Chicken Mole (a Rachel Ray recipe) which I served over rice. it was really good, but a bit spicier than it was supposed to be because I had a little more of the chipotle in adobo than it called for (the heat level was better the next day after I mixed some sour cream in with the sauce, chicken, and rice).

Wednesday was the day that Jack's nose started running, we thought it might possible be allergies because Justin was having them and his nose was just clear. However, the next morning we woke up and Abbigaile had a runny/stuffy nose . . . and now I do, too. Abbigaile went to the doctor on Thursday for her well-baby visit and she's now 10 lbs. 12 oz. and 22 ¾ in long. It's amazing how quickly they grow at this age! She had four injections and an oral vaccine, as well. She really wasn't happy for the rest of the day because of that and the fact that she couldn't really breathe all that well—poor thing. We have to go back in about a month just to have her head circumference checked and her next real appointment is in two months. I don't think I've written about why we have to watch her head circumference so I'll update you all briefly. Her old doctor was concerned that her fontanel (soft spot) was really small, so they referred us to see a pediatrician to see if she needed an MRI done on her head. That pediatrician said that as long as her soft spot remains open we should be okay or we may have to have them surgically separated (as it would limit brain growth). Her new pediatrician isn't too concerned because some kids just don't have as big a soft spot as others, but is still going to keep an eye on her. So, that's that.

Now, here's the reason for this post's title. Now is the beginning of wedding season, so luckily Justin was home with us Friday morning when this all happened. Because we're more seriously think about potty training, and because Jack's getting a bit older, he's not really wearing a onesie under all his clothes anymore (he'll sometimes wear just a little undershirt now).It is because of this fact that his diaper is more accessible to him. So, on Friday Jack not only poops twice that morning; he also proceeds to put his hands in it twice, as well. This is not the first time he's done this (it happened once during naptime and he called me in to change him), but it is the first time that both hands were covered in poo! I didn't see it as I was in the shower and Justin was getting Abbi dressed after her bath . . . luckily Justin caught him before he got it everywhere. He was put into timeout in his crib, but then he went and did it again later that morning. He's being very defiant in his potty training right now. We're not even thinking about the whole pee thing a whole lot, but we do try to go poo poo on the potty and will sit there with him and talk or read a book. There have been a few times where he's been sitting on the potty for a while and then he'll state that he's "all done." He then goes away and poops in his diaper and tells us afterward. I know we probably need to go about things a little differently, but I'm thinking about getting more serious in a few weeks when Justin's around to help me with it for a couple of days a week.

Justin only has 20 days left until he graduates! If anyone wants to come it is on Saturday, May 16. Call or email me and I can give you more details. Justin is still working hard at his job, school, and he's the most amazing father and husband. We're definitely looking forward to a couple days a week with him! We're discussing the possibility of grad school for Justin, especially because CSUSM isn't accepting applications right now (and possibly not for Spring 2010 semester either) and it would be really great for him to have his masters degree; not only for Justin, but for our family, as well. We'll just take one thing at a time.

I'm thinking about taking either an aerobics or dance class this summer, maybe I'll take both. It'll be good to exercise again and get fully back in shape (or at least more than I am now). I'm also kindo of excited about running again—I just have to get motivated to go out early and do it. Maybe within the next week or two I will. Oh! I got this cool new thing called the "Ped Egg." It's awesome and it was only $10 at Target! I don't know about you, but I don't always have the time or money to go and get a pedicure. Although it's nice to be pampered every once in a while, I like the fact that I can now have smooth feet at home and I don't have the expense of going to the salon. Anyway, I highly recommend this product especially now that beach season is upon us. Last thing for me—I pretty much finished with the Cheer movie I was working on! I just need one more song and I might change some of the transitions.

Oh yeah, since our last post Justin has turned 27! Woo hoo! Jack stayed with the Lowell Grandparents (thanks again) and we went down to San Diego and picked out a really beautiful picture of Christ at the bookstore (since our home was lacking one), went to dinner at Red Robin, and spent a little bit of time with my Dad, Teresa, and Randen. While at the bookstore we found a beautiful panoramic sepia-toned picture of the San Diego temple that we both really like . . . so that'll probably be the next picture we purchase (maybe for our anniversary?).

Yesterday was a long day, but we had a lot of fun. We spend most of the day with my mom and sister. We hung out at the mall for most of the afternoon and attended the Jaguar Auction that evening with them; we were also able to spend time with my Dad and Teresa J At the mall, Jack decided he was going to run away from us. We were finishing up lunch at Panera and he thought it would be funny to dash out the exit and run halfway down the mall (it's a big mall too!). I was nursing Abbigaile at the time so my mom chased him for me; however, she couldn't run because she had flip-flops on and some nearby people helped her to catch him. Unfortunately Jack doesn't know about stranger danger yet and he has no fear. I never thought I'd be one of those parents, but I'm thinking one of those kid leashes might be a nice future investment for him since he doesn't like to sit in the stroller all that much. He really liked the Build-a-Bear store and pushed around a teddy in a stroller for a long time. They also had a little stuffed dog on roller skates that he liked a lot, as well—I think we'll have to go and make him a little something in the future.

I guess that's it for now. I'll try to post again soon and I'll get some pictures for this post up a little later. Love you all!

Time Flies

Wow! I can't believe it has already been a month since my last real post . . . time flies when you're having fun, right? I was looking at the pictures I last posted of Abbi and she looks so different already. As of today our little girl is 8 weeks old and it has gone so quickly. I think it does with the second child just because you have more to do and take care of than with the first child. Anyway, Abbigaile is growing and thriving; as of the 31^st she was 9 lbs. 7 oz. and I think it was 21 in. long this puts her in the 10^th percentile for height and 30^th for weight. She's filling out nicely, even though she's still in her newborn clothes, and has already been holding her head up quite well. Abbigaile is smiling a lot more and starting to coo a whole lot more. Unlike her brother, she doesn't care for the binky at all, she prefers to suck on her little fist instead. She is quite spoiled at times and loves to be held. Her favorite spot is up over the shoulder, so it makes it hard to get things done sometimes (I'm actually typing with one hand right now). As a result of this, I think I'm going to have a very strong left shoulder from supporting her J We have a doctor's appointment next week, so we'll be weighing her again and she'll be getting some more shots. I think that's really all that's going on with Abbi at the moment. Oh yes, she still has that sweet baby smell. Sometimes when I'm holding her and she's asleep, I just love to take a deep whiff of that sweet baby yumminess (is that a word?).

Jack is turning into such a big boy! He's talking a whole lot more, and I think other people can understand him, too. Justin and I still understand more than others, but he's definitely speaking a lot more clearly. He likes to tell me things about "my stista'" and I think it's so cute. He says her name a lot more now rather than just "baby" and he still loves to kiss her and talk to her. He's definitely helpful and will even throw away Abbi's diapers. When she's fussy or crying, he'll try to comfort her (as long as he isn't the cause) and will pat her belly or stroke her foot. He tends to do the things he's seen me do. There are times when I'll be in the middle of something and he'll go tell her "I's okay" and give her kisses. The other day we returned home from grocery shopping and I set Abbigaile down in her car seat so I could run to the restroom (that's definitely harder to do in public with 2 kids when you're by yourself) and so she was crying, I heard the crying lessen and when I came to see why, Jack had found a binky in the diaper bag and was trying to give it to her. Isn't he such a sweet boy!?!

Jack is also becoming very intelligent and loves to learn. He now knows almost all of his capital letters! The only letters he's still having trouble with are R and W (sometimes). He knows his numbers 0-9, except 4. Jack does pretty well with most of his colors, and knows a few of his shapes; I think his favorite shape is a triangle. He still loves playing with his train and cars, coloring, and reading. His favorite show is either Thomas the Train or Word World (yes I let my child watch TV—I know it's bad, but at least it's somewhat educational). Oh! I almost forgot to blog about this . . . Jack went poo on the potty for the first time on April 7^th (I know you all don't need to know the date, it's more for me); we were so excited and proud of him. We're not really pushing the potty training right now, but we're starting to get more serious about it now that Abbigaile is here and Jack is becoming more verbal.

Last Saturday we had the Annual Lowell Easter Egg Hunt, thanks again Mark and Jody we had a lot of fun, and Jack had a blast. Although he didn't want to participate at first he got the hang of it and did quite well. For Easter the Jack got some wooden puzzles, a Car's bucket and Car's eggs; he loved them all. Abbi got a cute yellow sundress and a cute striped outfit; she, of course, has no idea.

I think that's all that's really going on with the kiddos right now. I just have to rant about one thing really quick. I can't stand Huggies diapers! There, I said it! They leak like crazy even when I'm diligent about changing her. I don't know if it's just my kid, I don't think it is because our friend's little girl leaks, too. I'm tired of having three outfits a day! So even when I can get a pack for 5 or 6 bucks, I'm not doing it! Thank goodness that as of this moment we only have 2 left. Hooray for Pampers! Okay, I just had to get that off my chest.

Justin has only one month until graduation! His graduation ceremony is on May 16^th and we couldn't be happier! I feel like we just started the semester, but that's probably because I'm not the one doing the homework and going to class. Justin's birthday is this Saturday and we're going to go out and do something, but I'm not sure what yet. We'll probably just go to dinner and hang out since we'll have the little peanut with us, but any time spent together is great! I'm glad that after almost 5 years, it'll be five years at the end of July, we still have fun together and can make each other laugh.

I'm not really doing anything new right now, just being a mom and dealing with the day to day. I went and got my hair cut, twice (that's another story). I'm doing some digital video editing, and although the program I have isn't my favorite (I think it's just a limited version), I'm doing an okay job. I'm looking at going back to school to finish my degree, but admissions for Fall 2009 are closed and they don't know if they'll be open for Spring admissions yet. I can only take one more class at Palomar for my undergrad work, so I'll do that then we'll just have to wait and see what happens. I guess that's pretty much it for now. I'll post again soon!