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)

Little Lady

I have no idea why my child decided the middle of the kitchen floor would be a good place to eat her morning snack. Whatever works for her, right? But I am glad that she is being a lady about it. Notice her prim and proper position--her legs crossed and mouth closed while she is chewing. Hey, I will take what I can get.

No Will Power

Ever since I stopped working out three days a week, my diet has gone to hell in a hand basket on a jet plane. My gosh. I have eaten cookies and chips and muffins and ice cream. When I was working out, I would limit myself to two Weight Watchers ice cream bars a week (1 point each) and granola bars to curb my sweet tooth when it struck. But this week, oh my gosh. I have really just over did it. I even had Hagen Daaz ice cream. An entire container of Hagen Daaz ice cream. Butter pecan. Oooh, it was so good. That started the decline. I should have kept walking past the freezer section in the store. I didn't.

For the past 2 hours, I have been having an internal struggle over eating the last three (3) peanut butter cookies. If I eat them, I will feel guilty. But I really, really want them. I keep telling myself that if I give in and eat the last three cookies, that could translate into other areas of my life by which I do not exercise self-control.

Really, that is too deep a thought at 8 months pregnant....

I ate the cookies.

Shoud I be sharing this?

Well, I have contemplated all night as to whether or not I should post this information on the blog. It is definitely a T.M.I but it is an accomplishment also. So here we go...

Last night as I was preparing NyCee for bath time, she began to pat her bottom saying, "Ma, poo-boo." So I thought, well she's naked anyway why not put her on the potty? Sure enough, she put poo-boo in the potty. Every time it hit the water, she would clap and say, "Yeah!"

Of course, I congratulated her on this huge accomplishment and told her that she was a big girl for telling mommy that she had to poo-boo and she put it in the potty. Again, she smiled, clapped, and said, "Yeah!" After which, she got off the potty, flushed the toilet, held out her hands saying, "hands." (That means she wants to get her hands washed.)

Ironically, I tried to start working with her on the potty at the beginning of the year. She was doing very well for a couple of weeks then she just stopped. Well, she seems to have gotten her potty mojo back so after her birthday next month, I will start working with her again. I am hoping that she will be potty trained by this summer because buying 2 boxes of diapers a month will be expensive.

Glamour Girl?

No so much! Judging by the outfit, she is definitely NOT headed to the Red Carpet. But the hair is FABULOUS!

Intensity

I hope that NyCee focuses this intensely at the learning center to the lessons being taught as she does when Dora the Explorer comes on TV.

HDTV Snob

If you have never had the privilege (and it is a privilege) to watch a television program in High Definition, you don't know what you are missing.

The HD box on the living room TV died on Saturday evening and we had to use a regular box to watch television. YUCK! 5 days of no HDTV. My dad had to order a new box and we had to wait for the installer to come and connect the box. It was a long 5 days of watching fuzzy TV.

Thankfully, he arrived today because one more day of fuzzy TV was NOT going to work for me.

Expanding

(Warning: Viewer discretion is advised)

Today starts the official countdown to Tyler's birth. I saw the OB for my normal monthly appointment where I was in the waiting room for 45 minutes and spoke with him for about 5 minutes.

He advised that my belly measures the correct size and the baby's heart rate is 160 beats per minute. Good and strong. Well, below are updated photos of Tyler stretching my belly.

Shirt down:

Shirt raised:

When I look at my belly it doesn't appear to be as large and round as when I was pregnant with NyCee. Of course, I was about 40 lighter then too. I also realized that my son must be impacting my ability to count. I posted an entry in which I stated that I was 6 months pregnant and that was just two weeks ago. Well, that can't be right because I am 32 weeks today which would mean I am about 8 months pregnant. So I really have to slow down my daily routine.

I asked my doctor if he would consider inducing my labor to avoid any surprise water breakage or labor pains during an inopportune time. He stated that he would consider it but not until the 39th week or so. As I see it, if he induces my labor, we both know what is going on that day and can plan accordingly. He can go to the golf course for a couple of hours. I can make the necessary arrangements for NyCee. Really, my plan works. Plus, if the labor is induced, I get the drugs early.

You know you are pregnant and ghetto when...

You know you are pregnant and ghetto when you take your mother's car to the service station for an oil change at 830a, whip out a bowl of cereal and a cup of milk, proceed to eat the cereal and follow that up with an apple all while waiting for the technician to finish his work.

Snack Time Sharing?

"I'll eat some of mine."

"Then, some of mommy's."
"Well, mommy doesn't need her yogurt so I will just eat both."
And she ate both containers of yogurt. In fact, she turned them upside down in an attempt to scrape out every drop.

Routine

Evertime we come in the house, NyCee turns to close the door and then begins to remove her winter gear.

First, she unzips her coat,

then, she removes it and takes it straight to the closet,

next, she attempts to "hang" it up,

but sadly, she misses the target each time and begins to cry.

I still think it's cute how at such a young age she recognizes routine. I encourage her to keep trying everytime the coat falls on the floor. Of course, she will not be able to actually hang it for several years, but she is a big girl for trying.

Hats Off!!

I tip my hat to educators everywhere. To my cousin Cari, Mrs. Richards (my niece's teacher) and educators across this great land: GOD LOVE YOU!

I spent a day in my niece's class and I don't have a clue how Mrs. Richards deals with hyper 9 year olds for 6-8 hours a day--especially when each has consumed 6,000lbs of sugar. Oh, my gosh-a-pickles! Being an educator really takes a lot of patience and a call from God.

Thank you to Cari and all those who answered that call and devote their lives to stirring the minds of our children. Hooray to you!

(Side note: It was also interesting to see that Mrs. Richards wears a microphone in the classroom. She turns it on and says, "If you can hear the sound of my voice, please stop talking." Her voice is just above a whisper but sure enough, the kids calmed down and stopped talking. I thought that was pretty cool!)

~~~~~~~~~~~
P.S. My aunt had to remind me that my parents are educators as well. (Oops-a-dinkle, I forgot about them. My dad is an assistant principal of a high shool and my mom teaches math.)

Pouting

I can only assume that due to the cold weather and the early morning hour my child suffered a temporary lapse in her ability to make sound decisions when she boldly stood in defiance and starred at me after I denied her request. As if she were saying, "I am not going to do what you said because you didn't do what I asked."

Needless to say, that lasted for all of about one minute and her ability to make rational decisions returned very quickly.

"Please, somebody make it stop!"

If 750 pounds of snow is not falling from the sky,
then it is 750 degrees below zero.

"Please, somebody make it stop. I plead with you. Please, make it stop!"

This weather is wearing me out!

Pattern

"NyCee, would you like a cup of juice?"
"No."
(A few minutes later)
"Ma, juce peez."
~~~~~~~~~~
"NyCee, would you like a snack?"
"No."
(A few minutes later)
"Ma, snack peez."
~~~~~~~~~~
"NyCee, would you like to sit on the couch with mommy?"
"No."
(A few minutes later)
"Ma, up peez.)
~~~~~~~~~~
"NyCee, would you like to read a book?
"No."
(A few minutes later)
"Ma, book peez."
~~~~~~~~~~
"NyCee, are you ready to eat dinner?"
"No."
(A few minutes later)
"Ma, eat peez."
~~~~~~~~~~
"NyCee, have you finished eating?"
"No."
(A few minutes later)
"Ma, finish."

You get the picture.

Clingy

There are several reasons why I did not plan to have any more children but one of the primary reasons is my concern for how NyCee will adapt to this change. Lately, she has been very clingy and needy. She was like this when she stopped going to daycare and that was understandable as she was at home with me all day. But within the past couple of weeks, I have noticed that she doesn't want to sit in her chair alone and eat her snack. She wants to eat the snack on my lap. Or if I am cooking dinner, she whines, "Up, Peez" constantly. If I walk out of the room, she immediately follows behind and starts whining and crying. I don't understand what is going on with her.

I try to include her, as much as a 22 month old can be included, in the pregnancy. I let her touch my belly when the baby is moving, and she replies, "Baby." I acknowledge her by saying, "Very good. There is a baby in mommy's belly." But I am really very concerned that she will not adapt well to his arrival.

Granted I am not the only woman in society to have children who are two years apart but I don't have a clue how handle both of them at the same time. How do I chose who gets my attention at what time?

10 weeks: Start the Countdown

Well, I am finally in the final 10 weeks of pregnancy. I don't know why doctors lie and say that pregnancy is nine (9) months because it's not. It is 40 weeks--give or take a month or two with five weeks in it--a woman is still pregnant for 40 weeks.

I have heard that every pregnancy is different and I finally believe that to be true. NyCee was very calm in the womb for the most part. She had times when she would dance and play around but nothing like her little brother. Ty bounces, stretches and of course kicks me right in the bladder and holds that position for a good 1 or 2 minutes.

I have not started the countdown for the most obvious reason: Ty's birth. I have started it because going to the doctor once a month is just annoying. I have to sit in the waiting room for about 20 or 25 minutes (and we all know how I feel about that.) Only to be walked back to the patient room where I am weighed (sheer torture), blood pressure taken, urine sample handed off to the nurse, and I wait for the doctor to arrive. He knocks, enters the room, listens to the baby's heart beat, and says, "See you in four weeks." Honestly, I would save time if I could just do that at home and email him the information.

The second part to the countdown begins because this is my last visit for the monthly doctor's appointments. Shortly, I will have to go every two weeks and then every week to sit through the same monotonous routine until Tyler decides to arrive. While I am confident that the visits serve a purpose, I just wish I could figure out how to streamline the process.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rule of thumb for today: When you are 6 months pregant, it is not a good idea to try and complete your monthly grocery shopping when it is a blizzard outside and you are hungry. Why? Well, I learned the hard way that shopping carts do NOT roll through snow and 2. I probably spent an extra $67.6 million buying everything I saw because I was hungry. Additionally, I ate several items as I walked up and down each aisle trying to be certain that I did not miss anything on my list.

Biker Babe

NyCee seems to really enjoy "riding" her bike that she received for Christmas. (Notice: it is stationary so all she can do right now, is rock back and forth. I did that intentionally.) Nonetheless, she jumps on her bike everyday and imagines that she is on the open highway. It's actually very cute because she sings and dances while "riding" her bike.

Prior to snapping this shot, she was standing straight up on the seat with her arms in the air shouting, "Hoo-rah!" (I wanted to capture of a photo of that but didn't want her to be startled and fall off the bike.)

Mother and Daughter Day

I decided a few weeks ago that I would set Sundays aside to spend with NyCee and Ty (when he comes along). My reason for this decision is because I have recognized how quickly children grow up and how easy it would be for me to miss it due to work and school and all the other things going on in life. I do not turn on the computer, check emails, attend to school work or any thing else. I try to focus on playing with her and giving her my time and attention.

Yesterday, after church and naptime, NyCee and I enjoyed dinner at Big Boy's Restaurant. (For those of you who are not native Detroiters, I have provided a link for the resturant.) It's not fancy but I recall my parents taking my sisters and I there when we were younger.

As you can see, she enjoyed the slice of banana cream pie we shared. (Several diners in the restaurant spoke of how well she sat up in her chair and ate her dinner and played quietly. You have NO IDEA how good that made me feel.)

After dinner, we settled in to watch the Superbowl. (I am so mad the Patriots let the Giants score a touchdown with 35 seconds left in the game. The Patriots would have had a perfect season-- 17 wins 0 losses. Oh, well) Anyway, I guess NyCee grew bored watching the game because she began playing with my feet. It started when she removed my socks and attempted to place them on her feet. Growing bored with that...

she moved on to putting her baby doll's cups on my feet. That entertained her for quite a while.

All in all, it was a good day and I am glad that I made the decision to have a day for my children. If I start it now, I will be in the habit when I return to work this summer.

Aw, Man!

No Grey's Anatomy...... :(
No ER.................. :(

Writers Stop Striking!
Writers Stop Striking!
Writers Stop Striking!

Pretty please!

You know it's cold outsde when...

You know it is cold outside when your normally gleeful, 22 month old daughter, stares at you in disbelief that you are donning her coat, hat, and mittens, when she just watched the dog go outside for all of 1 minute. (Mocha stepped outside, politely turned around and walked right back in the house.)

It also didn't help that when we walked out to the van, the doors were frozen shut. What's the purpose of the automated car starter if the car is not going to be warm in the 15 minutes you started it before going outside?

BRRRRRR!!!!

NyCee Speaks

I am very proud of how NyCee is developing. Her language skills are improving daily.

Lately, she has been saying:

"Ma"
"Up, peez" (Up, Please: when she wants me to pick her up)
"Juce, peez" (Juice please)
"Snack, peez"
"Tank you" (Thank you)
"No"
"Apple"

But my all time favorite has been, "AW, MAN!"

NyCee does not watch any television at that learning center. But when I pick her up, I let her watch Dora the Explorer. There is a character named Swiper on the show. Whenever Dora prevents Swiper the fox from confiscating an item, he replies, "AW, MAN!"

Now, the purpose of my daughter watching the show is to enhance her language skills, counting, and problem solving abilities. But does my child take advantange of this material offered? Of course not. The one piece of slang vernacular used on the show, she manages to pick up. Go figure!

Final Entry

This will be my final entry to the blog. Thank you to everyone who has read the blog over the past year and a half.

Right now, I am uncertain as to whether or not I will resume the blog after Tyler's birth. That is three (3) months away and I try to deal with things day by day.

I wish to send a heartfelt "Thank you" to everyone who has watched NyCee grow to this point. I will not forget your kind words, thoughts or prayers for us.

Please know, "I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power..." Eph 1:16-19a.

For inspirational, heart-warming, funny narratives, please continue to visit the following blogs:

Undomestic,
Confessions of a CF Husband and
My Life in a shoe

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!

A couple of weeks ago I went grocery shopping and when I sat down to dinner that evening, I realized that one item was missing. It was a meat item so I checked the freezer in the garage where the meat is housed. Nope, not there.

I called the store and was told to bring in my receipt and the item would be replaced. I complied.

While looking for something in the freezer atop the refrigerator, I found the missing item. Oops-a-dinkle. I have to be more careful.

EWWWWWW!!!!!

There are not many things that REALLY irritate me. Yes, I say that things are, "wearing me out." But really they aren't. But nothing irriates me more like cold piss on a hot summer's day than when people do not wash their hands after using the bathroom.

Now I truly just can not wrap my mind around the difficulty of completing this necessary step. In most cases, when you leave the stall, you will pass a sink. Why is it so hard for people to stop and take 2 minutes to wash their hands? After all, they were in contact with waste. BIOHAZARD! Hello. That is the purpose of using the bathroom~it rids your body of the waste produced.

I have lost track of the number of encounters I have had over the past few weeks. I just want to scream out, "WASH YOUR HANDS! NASTY MCWASTY! ARGHHHHH!" If my 22 month child knows to wash her hands after using the potty, why can't adults get that concept? Honestly, now that wears me out.

Peanut Butter & Hair

In an effort to assist me when she was done with her snack, NyCee decided that she would remove her bib and place it on the table. What she failed to realize was that her hands were covered in peanut butter so when she removed the bib, she left gobs of peanut butter in her hair.



Oh, did I mention that I just washed her hair a few days ago?

Sunday's Best

I love having a little girl! NyCee received this dress as a Christmas gift also. How incredibly adorable?

'Fro Friday

On several occasions, my cousin Cari has complimented me on the neatness of NyCee's hair. She often states how the different styles are so cute with the beads and hair bows. Little does she realize that every Friday and often into Saturday my child runs around with an Afro.


This is NyCee's wild mane. Now, do you understand why I keep her hair neatly combed during the week? Can you imagine what the neighbors would think if I let her walk around like this?

Awesome Testimony!

This story is not about me but I wanted to share it with those who read the blog as a point of inspiration.

During Sunday morning service, Pastor Mike told the congregation of a little girl named Syndey who could only hear at 30%. Syndey is about 3 or 4 years old. Well, he prayed for her and had the congregation command her ears to open so that her hearing would be restored 100%.

Well Praise God that Syndey's hearing has been restored. We were told during last night's service that she is hearing better than ever. God is so amazing and it just reminds me that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" Hebrews 13:8. Truly NOTHING is impossible for God!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I also wanted to share a little bit about the trip to Peru that Pastor Mike and his wife took last week. Please visit the church's website Cross Current Church and click on the link for Peru update.

This community in Peru was destroyed by an earthquake in Aug 2007 and these people are still working to restore their homes. It touched me tremendously because often times I think about all that I lost last year. My beautiful home, my furnishings and all other material possessions. My things were lost because of a poor decision to trust someone who had no intentions of providing for me. These people lost everything through no fault of their own.

The next time you begin feeling sorry for yourself that you don't have all the "things" you want in life, think about these people and lift your hands to God, open your mouth and praise Him. Because I guarantee you, the roof over your head, the food on your table, the warmth of your bed, and the clothes on your back is a lot more than these people have.

"Out!"

Notice those sparkling eyes, wide grin and dimpled cheeks? Well, this cute as a button, 21 month old, gift from God above, stood in the doorway of the bathroom this morning and let out three simultaneous FARTS! Yes, I wrote Fart. She is did not poot. Nor did she pass gas. This little one let out three ferocious farts and then smiled and giggled after she expelled the gas from her system.

Then, she politely stepped into the bathroom, turned and slammed the door shut yelling, "OUT!" As if she were telling the farts to remain on the other side of the door.

CLASSIC AM COMEDY!

Name Debate

I can not decide between:

Frederick Tyler Thompson

or

Tyler Frederick Thompson

Either way, he will be called Ty or Tyler.

What do you think?

Just one step behind

Lately, NyCee has been one step behind her cousin Ella in the antics and stunts that she pulls. Ella, who is three months older than NyCee, lives in Minnesota. Yet, after reading my cousin Cari's blog about some new stunt Ella has pulled off, inevitably, NyCee will follow suit. Not quite to the extreme as Ella but the actions are the same.

Yesterday while we were in the kitchen, NyCee motioned for something on the counter (chips, I believe) and I told her "No." Next thing I know, she walked over to the other side of the room, picked up the step stool, walked it over to the location of the item on the counter, climbed onto the step stool, and proceeded to reach for what she wanted. I was in shock that she even knew what the step stool was for.

Then, I sat her on the bed to write for a few minutes while I prepared her bath water. When I returned to the room, she managed to write on the bed spread, my wallet, a couple of dollar bills, and oh, yes:

her leg.

She and Ella have only met once but I really think they communicate through some sort of baby mind language that penetrates the boundaries of distance.

No Pain; No Weight Loss

Yoga + Water Aerobics = OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! OUCH!

Although my calves hurt, I feel much better since I have started exercising again. The proof will be the scale when I go to my doctor's appointment next week.

Pregnancy Potty Problem

Pregnancy Power

6:30a~ Rise and Shine
7:40a~ Drop NyCee off at daycare
8:00a~ Attend water aerobics class
9:30a~ Grocery shop
10:45a~ Drop groceries off & refrigerate necessary items.
11:30a~ Head to the library to study
2:30p~ Depart library and head back to parent's house to put the groceries away. This includes organizing the items in the cabinets and bagging and tagging the meat for the deep freezer.
4:00p~ Start dinner
4:45p~ Pick up NyCee
5:30p~ Eat dinner and clean up dinner dishes (I clean as I prepare dinner to avoid a mess afterward.)
6:00p~ Watch the evening news and spend time with NyCee
7:20p~ NyCee's bath time. During bath time, organize clothes and books needed for tomorrow.
7:45p~ Bath time ends. Read bible verses and story to NyCee
8:00p~ Lights out. Sleepytown time for NyCee
8:15p~ Prepare lunches for the next day
8:30p~ Have my bible reading time
9:00p~ Shower and study for about an hour or so
11:00p~ Mommy goes to sleepytown.

Whew! And that was just today!

Nana Ida Turns 50!

NyCee and I visited her Nana Ida today for her birthday. She turned the Big 5-0! We enjoyed a nice, quiet day of lunch, cake and ice cream. The real celebration will be this weekend as Nana is leaving for Niagara Falls. She deserves a nice, relaxing vacation.

And of course, NyCee enjoyed herself because she had 2 1/2 pieces of cake. (I am so glad that there are no more birthday celebrations planned between now and March because she is on sugar overload!)

Happy Birthday Nana. We love you & have a great time on vacation!

Buh-Bye

For the past several days, NyCee has been saying, "Buh-Bye" every 5 mins it seems like. If she closes the bathroom door, "Buh-Bye." If she walks out of the room, "Buh-Bye." If a program is ending on television, "Buh-Bye." But the cake topper, was when she picked up a purse, put it on her shoulder, and walked toward the door once again saying, "Buh-bye."

Maybe she is practing to following in her mommy's foot steps and become a flight attendant. She has perfected the art of saying, "Buh-bye" regardless of what else is going on.

A Great Start to the New Year!

Late this afternoon, a UPS worker knocked on the door with two packages. One of which was addressed to me. Immediately, I noticed the return address and a smile came over my face.

It's official. I am a college graduate. The package contained my degree:



Although I completed my undergraduate work in September, it really didn't seem real. Especially because classes started again two weeks later. Yes, the classes were graduate work but until today I really didn't FEEL like a college graduate. But I now hold the proof in my hands. WAHOOO!!!!!! What a great start to the new year!!!!