See this cute face?
Know what it said to me yesterday in the stall at Walmart as I got up? As loud as it could in it's best singing voice??
I see London, I see France, I see you's underpants!
Nice Talon. Nice!
The power of words. So many of you remember my rant on the lovely mom I met that told me if this baby is another boy, then I must be a good boy mom. This was evidently supposed to be a compliment? ... I'm not really sure. However, she was a mom I had met one or two times. Our children are in the same kindergarten class. Now, some time has passed since we originally talked about what a great! BOY mom I am. I do have to agree. I mean, my hair is hardly ever done, my makeup is sometimes done, but most likely not, and the last time I wore a dress Lion remarked, Hey Mom - why are you wearing girl clothes?
So as time has passed the aforementioned mom invited me to join her carpool after seeing me there two times/day every other week. So now there are three of us. And we talk on a regularish basis about the transport of our children. What she doesn't know is that I have a knack for names and faces. If I meet you, and I mean really meet you, chances are that months down the road I will remember your name and face ... or at least your face, which can lead to awkward moments where I appear to be a stalker. Yesterday I saw said Mom at the Kindergarten Christmas party, and you know what she said, "Oh! You're pregnant?" Okay ... I guess I'm not memorable. Or maybe it's because my HAIR and MAKEUP were actually done (and before 8:30 in the morning). Totally different creature.
But you know what - her words upset me that day, and I guess still do to this day because there is hidden meaning behind them -- to me at least. The lesson this has taught me is that one flippant phrase might fly out of my mouth one day and be lost to the wind, but it might have a lasting impact on those who hear it. As with most things Kara, the point doesn't really hit home until I am the one affected. Guess I need to start watching what I say.
And start doing my hair and makeup. Here's to 2010!
So, recently I have felt what some would describe as guilt pangs. I am so excited to have this baby! Really excited! I would say the most excited I have been to have a baby - ever ... and this is number 3. Can you blame me? Look how cute baby will be!!!
However, this where the guilt steps in. Am I really so excited because baby is rumored to be all GIRL?!?! Surely not. I mean, she can't go get her nails done at 2 months. That kind of stuff has to wait - years. And by that time, she'll be in full female hormone rage (which terrifies me) and won't want to hang out with her mom then ... I feel like I am being ungrateful for the wonderful, loving boys I already have, who are so much fun and have taught me many things, like stuffed animals really do make good missles and an occasional round of rough-housing is actually quite fun!
Guilt ridden and up at the ubsurd hour of 6 am, I started thinking about why I am so excited. I mean, jusband will be out of the country for the birth and first 4 months of her life. NOT exciting. Then it hit me ... I do not have to go to work. I don't have to worry about getting the perfect schedule so I can throw her into daycare and run back to work while worrying about her well being and sad I missed all the baby stuff. Nope. I get to enjoy it all! When she doesn't sleep, the next day will suck, but I don't have to put on a smiley face for 30+ strangers ... just my boys.
I don't think it will be easy by any means. Mainly because my partner in crime will be on a mission fighting the bad guys. But I am lucky that I have this opportunity to finally do it this way!
Definitely Heaven blessed!
Aren't those toes the cutest?
p.s. Everything is looking healthy as well! Heart, brain, kidneys, growing on target!!
Besides a giant pumpkin? 21 weeks as of last Friday. Level II ultrasound today! I want to say I'm so nervous that I just don't care anymore, but we all know that AIN'T the truth ...
cranky pregnant lady - that's what I am!
So today we went to give Talon his second H1N1 booster. While waiting in line the lady looks me up and down focusing on the expanding belly and says, "You need to be getting one of these too. You are .... ummmm ... a ... ummm ... caregiver?!" HAHA! To be 21 weeks pregnant. Pregnant lady belly, or just FFFAAAAAAAATTTTTTT!!! Hilarious. I told her I already had one, and he was here for his booster. I let her feel awkward, which maybe wasn't the best, but it made me laugh!
Thanks Elizabeth ...
1.What were you doing ten years ago? I was at The University of Texas finishing up the second semester of my sophomore year. I had just broken up with my highschool sweetheart about a month ago. Thanks to that, I was a TON (literally I think) thinner than I am now. Ahhh - the good ole days. I was learning how to be a single college woman!
2. What are five things on your to-do list?
1. Finish/start Christmas shopping
2. Laundry
3. Shop for Thanksgiving
4. Decorate for Christmas
5. Pack to go to Houston to have this baby!
3. What are snacks you enjoy? Too many to name - I especially love french fries, flavored coffee creamer, candy, chocolate, and ice cream!! Mmmmmmm .... and thanks to the lovely DASH - something fresh.
4. What are the places you have lived? Nebraska; Cali; Kingwood,TX; Kentucky, Austin,TX; Germany; Oklahoma; and Utah
5. What are five things you would do if you became a billionaire:
1. Build our dream house
2. Pay off the student loans
3. Vacation, vacation, vacation
4. Hook the fam up with some extra cash
5. Donate - anything with kids and reading; helping women
Now, I tag Judith and Steph. Copy the questions, and post your answers, ladies!!
Thanksgiving needs to be celebrated by all - even in utero. Baby diet will resume as soon as all green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and pie is gone!
Aside from September 15, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! What could be better, family, friends, and amazing food!! Do you know what makes Thanksgiving extraordinary? An excuse to eat:
And especially made into:
Jusband needed some for his early Thanksgiving celebration (Lucky! That's the only downfall of living so far from family - only one Thanksgiving around here). He picked up the supplies so I could make it nice and fresh for all his work friends. Except he bought cream of mushroom soup ... ROASTED GARLIC. Don't get me wrong, I love garlic probably more than French's Fried Onions, but I am glad that dish went to work with him!
But at least we know for next Thursday.
Lion, Talon and I have all been vaccinated against the swine! I am just hoping and praying that it won't adversly affect Benton Baby #3!!
Awhile back - May - I was debating whether or not to go with the PedEgg . I, of course, procrastinated all summer long and finally, moving into November, broke down and made the purchase. Acutally my jusband did ... guess that says something about my feet, right?
I just have to say that it is FAN TAS TIC or TAN FAS TIC (love you Whitters!). My heels have never been better and the price was right. Although I did miss out on the fabulous foot/calf massage that usually comes with a pedicure.
This is some art work from one of my favorite artists! 
I am Wonder Woman, so these artist renderings of some of my favorite pals are spot on! Can you name the superheroes?
Yesterday Lion had the day off from school, which would have been nice, except my head hurt so bad I couldn't see straight. He and Talon spent the day catching up on a 9 weeks worth of day time television that they had both been missing out on. While they were watching some thing I DVRd because you know I can't have the watching YoGabbaGabba or Barney, Talon tried to fastfoward the commercials. After Talon stopped, started and almost deleted the show, Lion quickly grabbed the remote. Lion decided to give his little brother a remote lesson. He said - this button is for play, this button is to fastforward, and this button fastforwards backwards. HA! They crack me up!
This is just about what my day consisted of yesterday:
Over all, day 1 was a success. I think I consumed a weeks worth of veggies in 24 hours. The boys were not fans. Thank goodness Halloween is tomorrow. That should hold them until they adjust to life without fries!
Here's to our health!
So it turns out this time that my blood pressure is off the CHARTS! Now usually, as with my weight, I'm worried, but that usually subsides with the next cookie. However, no one informed me that this can be dangerous for BABY!! That is a whole new story. I can not hurt someone that is so innocent, so for now - I have to make a change. A big fat one and for the next 5 months. On the plus side, I am hoping it will carry over after baby is here, but I have to say good bye to all my favorites. Adios French fries, delicious chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookies, and many more that I am failing to mention.
My younger sister does not have this problem, and we are very similar in size, so weight is part of my problem, but it's you GENETICS! that I have to blame for this one. My father says that his grandmother had high blood pressure - so you know McDonald's wasn't the one to blame there. However, McDonald's isn't helping my situation at all. Luckily for me, other people suffer, and I have found a great new book to help me through the next 5 months.
Enter The Dash Diet.
Unlike other 'diets' I've tried in my life, this one is not for weight reduction - especially weight reduction for the family trip to the beach in a few months. I'm hoping that this will be good for me and the entire family for the long run. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers guys because if you are familiar with my love of processed cheese products, you know how difficult this will be for me ... especially when I'm pregnant.
I am happy to announce that I made it a whole week and hit new week (16!!) and month (4) mark without feeling like crap! Thanks Baby!
The flip side, my skin has turned into that of a 13 year old girl. My chin has not been this bad since the 7th grade Valentine's dance. The only good news is that my DVR does not care what my skin looks like.
We may (fingers crossed) get a sneak peak at baby next week. All girl thoughts will be held until then, and the BIG fatty ultrasound on December 2. Healthy, beautiful baby girl PLEASE!
As you can tell, we are a little bit OBSESSED with the gender of Baby Benton. Don't get me wrong, we will LOVE whatever sweet baby is sent our way, but a little girl would be added perfection. Onto the point! While we were out to dinner because everyone knows a pregnant woman should not be required to cook, and lucky for my, Jusband agrees, I received this fortune:
YOU WILL SOON RECEIVE SOMETHING YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED
Except it was written in Blue instead of Pretty in Pink. I can pretty much guarantee you I haven't always wanted 3 boys.
Oh wait, I already have 3 boys:
Well, I said we are a bit crazy here wondering about sweet baby Benton. They have some crafty DNA test that looks for male DNA in my blood - if it's there, then I'm having a boy. It comes with a 95% success rate. Let me tell you this though - it was an awful test. You had to prick your finger and bleed in 4 circles ... all of that for this:
Congratulations!
Based on our Pink or Blue test results, we are pleased to inform you that you’ll be having a baby
BOY!!!
We would like to thank you for using our Pink or Blue® Early Gender Test and hope this experience has brought you joy. Every Pink or Blue® DNA Test result carries a 95% accuracy rate and a money-back guarantee. If you have any additional questions or comments, please feel free to contact us through email or at 1-866-6-WHAT-R-U (Mon-Fri 9-5pm & Sat 10-4pm).
Except for the Boy was in bright blue! Still holding out hope that technology is WRONG and there is a sweet baby girl in there.
On the flip side, I SWEAR I feel baby moving like crazy this morning. I forgot how cool that feels.
Gas to drive Lion to karate: $6/day
Karate lessons per months: $40
New belt and testing every other month: $50
Lion giving a kid a black eye because he and his older brother were holding him down during karate practice: PRICELESS
We may be short around here, but we don't take anybody's CRAP!
And maybe this karate isn't such a racket after all.
Obviously it's been awhile since I have blogged. I have no excuse for the month of June, or even July really - except lack of motivation. But August - I have you covered. Morning sickness this time around is REALLY something special. I'm hoping it's because baby is a girl, but I've read too much to know it really has nothing to do with it. I'm going to guess age and weight this time around; both of which are significantly higher than with any other pregnancy. YIKES! Maybe they can do a tummy tuck when they do this c-section ...
Speaking of my baby girl desire, we have gone a little crazy with baby predictions this time around. Little background info: Baby is due April 9, so she'll (can't blame a girl for trying) delivered April 1 (no joke). That makes me 10 weeks and 1 day as of today. That means I can try crazy things like:
I didn't take a picture of my result, but it looked pretty much just likes this:
I'm still holding out hope that the Chinese calendar rings true for us!!
I have been known to not do things that I am no good at and being quite rude about it. Big shocker to those of you that know me well. It seems that Lion has, unfortunately, inherited that endearing quality that you all love about me. After many falls, tears, and "I'm not doing that anymore," he finally did it. It seems he is trying to grow completely up before he starts *tear* Kindergarten in the fall. Of course, we were all alone at the playground, and I was watching Talon when he did. Sometimes, genetics are really scary. 
I happened to catch the last few bars, and I cheered him to the finish. He ended up falling, so I cheered him on again and again until we got a good picture and video to send to Dad. I told him his dad texted back, "Good job!!!" Then I asked him how he got so good at those monkey bars. He replies, "Must have been those nice words from my dad." What the heck? Who was cheering you on? Who took you to the park? Who sent the picture to your dad? Oh - just your mom who loves you and spends every waking moment with you. I guess I am suffering from overexposure.
I will say that dear Jusband is a fabulous dad, and my boys love the heck out of him. At least I will know I have done one thing right in this life, if nothing else, and that is scoring an awesome father for my children. And that makes my heart sing.
Yesterday as we were getting ready to go to a new playgroup with MOM's Club, Talon comes in my room and says, "I no feel gud!" He had the sick face and was holding his stomach. I think, that's life! Anytime we're looking forward to doing something fun, someone comes down with something. I proceed to ask him what is wrong, and all I get is, "I no feel gud" with a sad head shake. I say, "Baby, you have to tell Mommy what is wrong so we can fix it." Well, you moms know what happened next as I am standing nicely dressed with my hair and makeup done for the first time all week, right?
Talon says, "I no clean my room. I no feel gud!"
A child truly after my own heart. Manual labor to be done and I get sick too!
Dear Readers,
I would like to add that any and all gift certificates to Sego Lily Day Spa would be much appreciated!
Love,
Wonder Woman
Now that you have up to date info on my luxurious day at the spa, this post won't seem like it is coming at you from left field. As I was driving home for the spa and felt so wonderful, I was reflecting on the source of all this tension. Dear Jusband had been TDY the fwo weeks prior, and I honestly think every time he leaves I get a new gray hair, a few new sites for botox injection, and a couple of extra pounds (cookies help me cope)! Needless to say, I always look hotter when he comes home ...
So that is my little pity story, but in all honesty, I am 100% blessed. I have a great jusband, two fantastic little boys, a home to live in, a car to drive and food on my table (maybe even a little too much) every day. What is there for me to really be stressed about?
I would like to dedicate this post to all those single mom's out there. Some with and those without family around to give you a much needed break. Children are wonderful, but it can be taxing to have their physical and emotional well-being resting solely in the hands of one. I can't think of anyone better than their mama's to provide this, but it is hard work. I appreciate, and your kids appreciate, how much hard work you are putting in even if they can't vocalize it. You're so mean and I hate you really do sound like I love you if you close your eyes and remember when they were two years old. I would like to encourage you to take a break, some "me time," for yourself. The kids will be okay if you take the time for yourself. You'll have even more energy for them when you can recuperate - mind, body, and soul. I needed it after 2 weeks - so please treat yourself. You do deserve it. And thanks ladies, for the hard you are doing for your kids. This song is for you! All the lyrics don't really illustrate my point, but who doesn't love Beyonce and JT in spandex?
This is a Sego Lily, the state flower of Utah:
This is my Sego Lily:
Utah's may appear a bit larger for this post, but mine is far superior! This was part 2 of the best Mother's Day yet! I was treated to the BEST massage I have ever had in my entire life. My masseuse had magic hands. All knots, kinks, and bits of tension were worked out of my body like never before. His name was Jeff, and I tried to purchase him at the front counter when leaving to keep in the basement for morning treatments, but evidently that is frowned upon in the great state of Utah. Next, Giselle swept me away for a mini-facial and a pedicure topped off with sparkly hot pink polish.
What more could a mom ask for to show how special she was? A nap and dinner you say? Jusband had taken the boys to the park so I could get in a much needed nap, and when the trio returned, dinner was in hand. Honestly, how lucky can one girl get?!
I would like to offer a sincere thanks to Jeff, Gisele, and the entire staff at Sego Lily Day Spa. And a great big hug and kiss to the wonderful men in my life who appreciate me enough to send me away for the day! I think I'm still relaxing! Which is why I haven't posted in a week.
Mother's Prayer
Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day,
With little time to stop and pray,
For life's been anything but calm,
Since you called on me to be a mom.
Running errands, matching socks,
Building dreams with building blocks.
Cooking, cleaning, and finding shoes,
And other stuff that children lose.
Fitting lids on bottled bugs,
Wiping tears and giving hugs.
A stack of last week's mail to read,
So where's the quiet time I need?
Yet when I steal a minute Lord,
Just at the sink or ironing board,
To ask the blessings of your grace,
I see then in my small one's face,
That you have blessed me all the while,
As I stop to kiss that precious smile.
...Author Unknown
Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful Mom's out there ... including my own! I love you Mom!
It has always, and by always I mean the last 6 years after I gave up being a 100% bookworm, goal of mine to run a 5K. Luckily for my inner couch potato I have a laundry list of reasons while this has never been accomplished.
* I'd rather make cookies.
* You can't run after eating too many cookies.
* 2 not so easy pregnancies with physical activity stopping around month 3.
* Recovering from 2 c-sections.
* 8 months alone with two children under 3 and a full time job.
* Texas humidity is too much to get started.
* I was introduced to the Twilight series.
* It is not possible to run while trying to read a 400 page book.
You get the point. But NOW! I feel the time has arrived. I have two helpers to prevent me from eating too many cookies.
I decided to start on the treadmill because they have a great play area for the boys to destroy while I run. Who needs the added stress of 70 lbs in a stroller to get started? That would just be another detractor on my list of why nots. Two other running moms are usually there while I am. They know my situation and are VERY encouraging, until I gave them this:
Okay, so that wasn't really me, but that is just about what happened. Three times. The 20 miler with the 10 foot legs stopped running to make sure I was okay. She gave me the side eye as I approached the treadmill the following day. She also informed me she knew CPR as I stepped on my machine. I laughed it off. But thank goodness someone in that room knows what they are doing!
Since it appears that I will be giving myself pedicures from now on, several people have mentioned this Ped Egg. It looks like the cheese grater you get when you purchase the Slap Chop. I am a little worried about attacking my feet with the Graty. Even though Vince does say I'll have an exciting life now.
The testimonials I have heard from friends vary widely. Let me know what you think because I don't need my heels looking like the boys hair as I move in flip flops full time.
We were at the BX picking up some last minute supplies on Friday before Javier got home, and I ran Lion to the barber shop so he didn't look so shaggy compared to his brother. This is what I got for my money:
See ... I should have done it myself and gone for the pedicure. I, of course, was chasing after Talon as he turned off the lights to the entire shop. Who leaves a chair directly under 7 light switches? I'm guessing they didn't raise two boys. I didn't realize how bad it was until we woke up from naps. Look at Talon peeking behind him thinking - who's laughing now? Steph - next time, I'm going to see Katchie!!
So much harder than it looks. In an effort to save that ridiculous $20 the barber charges me, I thought - I can cut boys hair. How hard can it be? Pedicure for Mom, here I come!!
To be on the safe side, I started with Talon - a two year can rock an uneven fade, right? Here's what I ended up with ...
Needless to say, I will be taking Lion to the barber today. And painting my own toes.
With my jusband out of town, I sat down with the intentions of actually adding something to this blog I started, probably about a year ago. I searched and found the perfect layout to compliment our day at Dinosaur Park. However, my search for the camera cord to upload the pictures of this great day was not as fruitful. Better than leave with nothing yet again, this is what I've got.
I decided to take the boys out for one last great adventure before we are rained in for a week. How fair is that? Jusband out of town and two rambunctious boy and I are stuck in side literally staring at each other for the next 8 days. That being said, the day was great. I tried to get them interested in talks of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous, but they were more interested in pretending the dinosaurs were about to have them for lunch. Go figure!
