Mommy should have listened

Last night, NyCee decided that she did not want to go to sleep at her normal bedtime of 8:00p. For whatever reason, she decided that she wanted juice, cookies, milk, or anything that she could think of to avoid going to sleep.

Several times, she said, "Ma, potty." I asked, "NyCee do you have to put pee-pee in the potty." She'd nod her head and say, "Yes." Well, after a couple of times of removing the diaper and taking her to the potty only to have her smile while sitting there, I put a diaper on her and put her little self back in the bed.

About an hour or so passed and I thought that she was sleeping. WRONG! She walked out to the living room saying, "Ma. Mommy." To which I replied, "Yes." "I boo-boo potty." So of course when I checked her diaper, she in fact had done the deed. Well, during the diaper changing process, she repeated, "Ma. boo-boo potty." When I asked, "NyCee do you have to put boo-boo in the potty?" She nodded, "Yes." I thought she was stalling again and I told her it was too late for the potty because she already boo-booed.

15 minutes later when I began my bedtime process, she was still lying there wide awake repeating, "Ma, boo-boo." Let's just say, I wouldn't have wasted so many diapers last night if I had just listened to what she was trying to tell me.

Today, perhaps?

Last week I wrapped up another quarter of school and am on a two week break. I welcome the break as I am tired from carrying three graduate courses, caring for a toddler, being pregnant, and planning for the future. Mentally I need a rest.

I completed the quarter with two A's and one B. In the past, I would have beaten myself up about the B. But at this stage my outlook is, "I passed the class and that is one less class I need to take to complete my program." Please don't misunderstand as I believe that we should strive for excellence but not at the risk of having a nervous breakdown. Lately, I have been evaluating my life and realized that I am pretty darn proud of myself. I have had a great life so far and have met challenges head on while enjoying awesome experiences. And it is only going to get better.

Last Sunday, I decided that Tyler should be born this week. Why? Well, because I just mentioned that I am on a two week break and it is just convenient. When I was examined by the OB on Tuesday, he advised that Ty has not even dropped down into position and my cervix is still closed. Tyler is starting off wrong already. I made it clear to him that mommy is tired and would like to meet him this week. In theory, he should cooperate right? I guess since his due date is two weeks away he is well within his right to remain comfortably situated in mommy's belly.

The sooner this child of mine makes his debut, the sooner mommy can go back to work. I know that my patience will be rewarded if I just rest and let God work this out. But neither the day nor the week are over yet so we can keep hope alive that Ty will be born today or this week. HE! HE!

I would wait....

I would wait until the last two weeks of a 40 week pregnancy to begin to crave all the things I am NOT suppose to have. Ice cream, cookies (peanut butter especially), chips, soda, you name it.

Now why in the world didn't I want this junk when I was able to workout three days a week and could burn off the calories I am consuming? It must be because I am carrying a boy. :~)

Easter Ensemble

Despite my constant protest that it is only 30 degrees in Michigan today, my mother insisted that NyCee wore the Easter dress her Nana Ida bought for her. Between the two grandmothers, NyCee had all the makings of a complete Easter ensemble. Trying to get her to smile for pictures was a different matter all together.

She wouldn't smile when I attempted to take her picture without the sunglasses and hat. This was the best photo out of several taken.


Then, when I allowed her to put the sunglasses on, she was too playful and wouldn't pose for the full body shot.

Finally, I just gave in and let her wear ALL the components of the Easter outfit to try and get a good picture.

That didn't work either.

The Party

NyCee really enjoyed her birthday party. Several of her cousins were there to help her celebrate her 2nd birthday.

She began by climbing up the jungle gym contraption

and sliding down by herself.

Next, she rode the rocket ship which she wanted to ride over and over and over again.

After which, she and Taliyah rode a virtual roller coaster.

Finally, after a couple of hours of playing I was able to bring her to the table to blow out the candle on her cake after everyone sang "Happy Birthday."

One would think that after all that afternoon excitement the day would end. Think again! Her grandmother insisted that she dye eggs. I tried to strongly suggest that she is way too young to be near egg dye but her grandmother wouldn't hear of it.

NyCee's face lit up with excitement as each egg turned colors. (Of course, she dipped her hands in the dye and her hands turned green and blue. The two colors she chose to dip her hands in.)

It was a fun filled day and NyCee seemed to really enjoy herself.

Terrific Two!

NyCee celebrated her 2nd birthday today. Well, we really didn't "celebrate" her birthday today I simply acknowledged it. She will have a birthday party on Saturday when it was most convenient for everyone. But I would not let the day go by without some sort of recognition.

This morning started off with a bang as NyCee walked up to me and said, "Ma, potty." So I removed her diaper and sat her on the potty. Sure enough, she put pee-pee in the potty and smiled and cheered at her accomplishment. (I had to complete a final exam today so she went to the learning center for a few hours.) After I completed my exam, I picked her up and we went to the movies to watch, Horton Hears a Who. NyCee was the only child in the theater to actually sit and watch the movie. Every now and then she would chime in, "Elephant", "Elephant running" and I would acknowledge that she was correct.

I lie not. As I was writing this entry I heard, "Ma. Mommy. Stuck." So I proceeded to the living room and this is what I saw:

My first thought was: "How in the world did she get in the container of toys?" Then I thought, "Who knows? Let the fun times begin!"

Happy Birthday Big Girl. Mommy loves you very much!

Goop

"But mommy, I was just trying to make myself look pretty like you do."
Really, I have only myself to blame for leaving an open bottle of hair grease on the bed with a 23 month old inquistive child.

A NyCee On My Back

I decided to lie in bed and read in an attempt to keep my feet elevated. Well, my daughter thought it would be a good idea to climb on my back and continue slumbering ever so peacefully.


And believe me, she was slumbering quite comfortably also.

Employee of the Year

This evening, my dad and several colleagues, were recognized as employees of the year from various schools within the district for their outstanding work and achievements at their learning institutions. This is a great honor as the students along with other faculty members were apart of the voting process.



My father serves as assistant principal at University High School in Ferndale, MI. The school works in conjunction with Lawrence Technical College to afford the students an opportunity to get a taste of the college life while in high school. He has functioned in his role for three (3) years.

Congratulations!!!

Finger painting

NyCee enjoyed fingerpainting with her Aunt Camille. I was a little leary about letting my child near paint and carpet but Camille had it all planned out.

What we discovered is that NyCee did not actually want to finger paint. She wanted to use the paint brush, put it in the paint, then put it in the water, and then paint on the paper. Well, that is a little out of order.

Oh well. She enjoyed the day with her aunt.

Blessed Beyond Measure

The assistant pastor's wife (Tracee) of the church that I have been attending called me and stated that a few ladies from the church were going to give me a baby shower. I tried to decline but Tracee would not hear of it. I have only been attending Cross Current Church for about 5 months. But the love these ladies showed me was overwhelming. I could not have imagined that I would have received so many gifts. There were bags and bags of clothes, undershirts, bibs, crib sets, etc. One woman even bought a bag of summer clothes for NyCee. It took several hours for me to sort through everything and organize it by size.

After I finally went through all the bags, Ty has clothes and needed items until he is about 6 months old. Tears still fill my eyes when I think of how much God loves me to touch these women (who barely know me)in such a way that they would shower me with love and such wonderful gifts. Their kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.

Never underestimate the power and love of God. He will always surpass anything that we can ask or think of Him. "Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." Ephesians 3:20

Comparison

9 months pregnant with NyCee--February 2006

9 months pregnant with Tyler--March 2008

I can not believe I am actually publishing these photos for the world to see. (No wonder my grandfather told me that some things just shouldn't be published on the web.) GREAT GRAPES IN THE MORNING. I AM HUGE!!!!!!!!

All is well

Today, I had my first of the weekly doctor's appointment and I am pleased to report that all is well with Ty. His heartbeat is strong and he is healthy and obviously happy because he dances around all day in my belly.

He is not in the birthing position yet which is fine by me as he needs a few more weeks to gain a little more weight. Speaking of weight, that darn scale is finally starting to move in the right direction--towards the left. I lost 1 pound. One pound may not seem like a lot but I am happy about it because I have to get in shape to return to work this summer. That one pound has this process headed in the right direction. HA! HA!

Thank you to everyone who sent text messages and emails of concern for me and Ty. Hopefully, I will have my computer back this week and can post pictures of NyCee.

Technical Difficulties

My computer is at the shop for repair. 8-((

I am unable to post any entries with pictures until it is repaired.

Once the repairs are made, I will continue to share NyCee's antics and developments with you.

Lil' Baby Cakes

To my surprise, Tyler received a gift today. I was curious as to who it was from given that no name appeared on the return address label. When I opened the box, this was inside:

How incredibly cute, huh? My friend Jacki, who lives in Chicago, ordered it from Lil' Baby Cakes. It is a three tier "cake" made up of diapers, lotions, washcloths, and a teddy bear. Not only was I surprised, but I was overwhelmed at the thoughtfulness of the gift. It is so cute that I don't want to unwrap it to use the items.

Straight Chillin'

After a long day, doesn't everyone just want to relax in his/her favorite chair and just chill?


Looks like NyCee and Elmo have accomplished just that. You've gotta love the Elmo reclining lay-z-boy chair.

The 1 weekers are here...Already!

Well, it's official. My doctor began the 1 week countdowns a little early. Normally, between 34 and 36 weeks, a pregnant woman goes to the doctor every two weeks. While all of my vital readings were good, Ty's heartbeat was a little slow and I am measuring about 3 inches below the target range so he decided to see me again next week.

I am not worried about Ty as he is a trooper. I just don't like starting the 1 week process any earlier than I have to. But oh well, Ty's health is what's most important so I will perk up and follow the doctor's orders.

Shopping for the sexes

Lately, I have been out shopping trying to get ready for Ty's arrival. (Side note: I still have not decided between Frederick Tyler and Tyler Frederick.) Moving along, I have noticed the selection for boy's clothing is really skimpy. NyCee is so easy to shop for because no matter what store I am in: Wal-mart, Target, Kmart or Kohl's, I can always find something for her. Generally it is on a sales rack. For example, I bought her a shirt for $3, a pair of tights for $4 and paired it with a blue jeans skirt. Viola! She was adorable and everyone complimented her on the outfit.

Ty is not so easy. First, unless you have two children of the opposite sex you have probably never noticed how the girl's clothes dominates the kid's department. There are several racks to choose from. Boys get one or two little rounders and the mom has to hope for the best. Second, the clothes in Wal-mart, Kmart and Target are so "cheesy" looking. I do not want my son looking like a big blue sailboat covered in ducks and puppies. YUCK :-(

I am going to venture out to Kohl's and Kid's 'R' Us to see what I can find. But Kid's 'R' Us is expensive in my opinion. Especially, given that children grow so fast and play on the floor and ground all day. I even tried Macy's but their selection was skimpy also. I am open to any suggestions.

Study Bug

NyCee has been bitten by the study bug that has invaded my parent's house. Everyday, my sister's children come over for an hour of study time. No television, no computer, just books and piano.

Kari, the middle child, plays the piano while Taliyah, the youngest and Cian the oldest practice math. NyCee sees them sitting at the table with grandma completing the evening's assignment. I guess, she wanted to be a big girl and join in.

There are also nights when she sneaks out of bed and sees me sitting at the table completing my school work. I see it as positive. Now, I just have to preserve this memory so that when she starts school, she know that study time is a requirement. (smile)