Belmont Park

Sunday night my MIL, Gavin, and myself went to Belmont Park. You would think after living in Mission Beach for 4 years that I would know to avoid tourist trap areas on the weekend (especially during the summer months), BUT we still went. Gavin pulled along his radio flyer wagon and we walked to the Roller Coaster (less than a mile from or house). Grandma bought Gavin a ticket for the Carousel, and the two of them rode around a few times. Then after the ride was over they went and played at the arcade. I luckily was able to find a bench and sit with the wagon while she chased him around. He LOVES arcades! I think it has something to do with all the lights and noises and balls being thrown around, he gets so excited. Usually I just let him run around and pretend to do the race car games, but this time Grandma actually bought some tokens and let him play some games. His favorite by far is throwing the hard (almost like pool table balls, but larger) up a small incline, into the pockets. Every time you get it into a larger number you get a ticket. He didn't have the strength to actually get the balls into the holes, but he had a blast throwing them around, and almost killing the people who were playing next to us. After about a half an hour of games he had enough tickets to get a few pieces of candy and a hot dog toy.

We ended the night by stopping at a local pizzeria and taking home some pizza and chicken strips. The food and rides are over priced, and were crowded with tourists, but it was a special night. Hopefully Gavin won't think that he'll get to do all that every time we go to Belmont Park, at least not unless Grandma is paying. :)

Guinea Pig

Well two days ago I woke up and went to feed the Guinea pig... but it was dead. We have only had it since last Christmas, so it didn't last very long. It started having seizures and loosing it's hair a few months ago, but it seemed that he had started getting better on his own. We're not the type of people that can afford or who would spend lots of money on taking a small pet to the Vet, so we felt we would just continue feeding him like normal and give him vitamins in his water. I guess since we only had him for 9 months that may explain why I don't feel too attached to the little guy. I feel sorry for his death, but honestly I am glad he is no longer in pain, and it's one less mouth to feed. With another baby on the way we just wouldn't have the time to give him love and attention.

Vanilla (Nilla) will be missed. RIP.

Recap

Sorry it's been awhile since my last post. I've been having a very good week considering the bad news from Monday. Jon has been home so we've gotten a lot of housework done and had some great family moments. It's like he's on vacation! The bad part of course is that in a few weeks if he's still on "vacation" then we will be really stressing out and I will probably be ready to hit him over the head with a frying pan. It's funny how you can love being around someone but after a few weeks you really start wanting your space again, but for right now we're happy to be constantly attached. He cooked dinner the other night and has been washing the dishes and playing a lot with Gavin. I am going to miss his extra help when he does get a new job.

I have been sending his resume out to a few jobs a day and crossing my fingers that someone will call us back for an interview. I don't want to jinx it but we have gotten VERY lucky and had the nicest person on MTSD send in his resume to her company. She has done so much to help us find a job that I can't say enough good things about her. The only problem is the job doesn't open up until next month and Jon still had to go to an interview and qualify for the position, so just because they have his resume doesn't mean he'll get the job. By the way this job is AWESOME, so it's really hard to not put all our hopes into him getting it.

Tuesday we went and signed up for WIC, and next Tuesday I get to go to the Medical office and fill out forms to try and get Medical for the new baby that is due in December. I find myself waking up in the middle of the night stressing about healthcare and about the baby, and then have trouble getting back to sleep. I know deep down that everything will work out, but it's so hard not to worry about the unknown.

So, basically we are still living like Jon has a job, since he technically has his job for 60 more days... but as the days slowly tick away we'll have to get more urgent about things. At least there is always unemployment if he still doesn't have work by then...

Next time I write I'll try and post something about Gavin and our wonderful adventures! Bye!

Layed Off

Well I woke up this morning and saw a pile of paperwork on my husband's desk. I thought it was work related but as I read I discovered that it was lay-off papers telling him that he no longer was needed at work. The company let off 70 people and he was one of the newer hires so he had to go too (some people he knew had worked there for over 15 years and got layed off as well). I am really in shock right now.
He has 60 days of benifits but starting October 8th we will have no medical insurance... and I am due December with a baby. I am so scared and not sure what to do. I know he is taking it harder than I am, and feels depressed about it. We have time to look for new jobs and get unemployment but I just don't see him finding anything as good as what he had. Also it was the first job we had medical insurance so I doubt he'll get a job with those benifits again (he doesn't have a college degree which makes it all the harder). I guess I just have to suck it up and go to Medi-Cal and WIC and get free services. I am so upset because that means I am forced to see random Doctor's and my entire birth plan is destroyed, I won't be able to have the baby at Mary Birch.... phew. I am in shock.I know all that matters is having a healthy baby but I went through so much crap when I had Gavin on Medi-Cal that this time around I was so excited to be able to do things better and on my own terms. I had a terrible infection and had to spend hours every week at Logan, and hours for appointments. I guess I just have to get over it since I don't have any other choice. We can't afford to pay out of pocket costs and we just got slammed with my breast surgery bills so we've got those to worry about at the moment.I don't know why I am telling you all this. I need to just get it off my chest. How do I stay happy around Gavin when I am so upset, and how do I support and make my husband feel better?

20wk Ultrasound

Well this morning I dragged my husband along to my 20wk ultrasound. He HATES waiting at Doctor's offices or having to go to something he knows nothing about. That is why I don't drag him along to every appointment, but rather pick the most important ones for him to go to. They took a ton of measurements and showed me every little organ and body part. It is so amazing to see his kidneys and stomach and ventricles of his heart. I mean it really looks like a baby, yet it's still not even a pound yet. I decided to post the two cutest pictures I got taken. One is hard to see from the picture, but it's the bottom of his two feet (like footprints). The other is a side profile, but it just amazes me that I can see his nose and mouth already.

Everything looked great and I got some blood drawn to do an APF test, just to make sure everything is fine. They said he measured large so even though it's my 20wk check up his measurements are around 21 wks (not too far off). Of course the dreaded weigh in wasn't too great. I gained 9 pounds in 5 weeks, but they would rather see 1 pound a week so I over did it. Oh well, honestly what's a few pounds? I mean it's been hot and humid so I haven't been walking around as much as I should be, but in the end I'm going to be a huge whale whether it's 30 pounds or 40 pounds that I gain. I know I should care, but I really don't, lol. I guess that's why it shows.

Enjoy the pics and wish me luck on my next weigh in! AHH!

Hello

I don't know where the time flys! Often I tell myself to sit down and post something, but each time I get interrupted or forget why I went on the computer in the first place. Tomorrow I go to the OBGYN for my 20wk ultrasound, so that's exciting. Gavin has been busy but we haven't gone on too many outings since I have been tired and avoiding this crazy humidity. I feel like I am constantly sweating!

We spent the weekend together while Daddy and In-laws went to a CODE Race in Jacume, MX. They all had a great time and came in 3rd place (off-road racing). I am glad Gavin and I stayed home, it would have been hotter than hell, and I don't think it would have been much fun for Gavin. Instead I got some errands done and we went swimming at the Plunge, played at the bay, and went to the park. I was going to take him to a tap class on Monday but after much thought decided to wait until he's a bit older. It isn't worth the cost of the clothes and shoes and class fee when I don't feel that he would even sit still long enough to enjoy the class. I mean he's only just over 2 (25 months?) and when he's 3 he will have a much larger window of options. A lot of Rec centers have very low cost fees for 3 and older pee wee sports or even free classes. He won't be THAT far behind if I don't have him enrolled in various sports and activities for another 8 months (I'm being sarcastic, lol). So for now we will enjoy playing with friends and going on the occasional outings with a less structured regime.

He woke up at 5am this morning so now has been napping about an hour and a half, and it's only noon! I think today is going to be a very long day. I see his arm moving so I sense my time is limited. We will be going to the Church event at 3pm for Moms that are expecting or who have more than one child, so hopefully I can get some much needed Mom support, and Gavin can meet some new friends. Chow!

*Oh Gavin was playing with my camera and took some photos of himself. Most were of his leg and stomach, but I thought those were cute.

Deep Breath

Well today has been going much better than yesterday. I know it's all based on my reactions and my mood so I just told myself today would be better, so it was. I am taking things slower and trying not to dwell on the small things. I think lately I have been pushing myself too much and therefore getting tired and stressing out a lot easier. Today it's about having fun and not worrying about anything.

Gavin took a nap at 10:45 until around noon. This is very early for him, but It was a nice change from yesterday's no nap. He woke up all smiles and we had a good lunch and cuddled until 12:30ish. After lunch I packed up a small basket of beach items and we walked across the street to the Bay. We splashed around in the water and collected shells, all the while enjoying each other's company. Reflecting on days where I get stressed or feel like everything is going wrong, I think it is because I am not enjoying the present. When I start to worry about tomorrow or wonder how I am going to get through the next 8 hours, etc, I stop having fun. I am having trouble trying to get my point across, but hopefully you all know what I mean. I guess it's like any job. When you don't have your head into your work you won't do as well. Of course also like all work, some days you don't feel like getting up and doing your job, so it's to be expected that I won't always have a positive attitude. All I know is that it helps to keep a smile on my face and not worry about all of life's issues, because worrying doesn't solve anything. (The house being clean, bills, laundry, errands, etc.)

Gavin is now playing in a small pool and periodically running through the house naked with his toy car. Oh to be a kid again and have no cares in the world. It must be so exciting to discover new things every day.

Tough Day

Man today was tough. I don't know if I just started out in a bad frame of mind or if we both just didn't get enough sleep, but things just stressed me out a lot today. Speak of the devil, lol, he just woke up crying again...brb

Gavin woke up at 6am and right away wanted to go outside and play. For the first time in as long as I can remember he didn't want to watch any cartoons or TV, and refused to eat breakfast. All he wanted to do was ride his bike and play with his outside toys. I am pretty patient with him, and I think I compromise very well... but I draw the line if it's dark outside and it's earlier than 7am. I won't go into too much detail, but he pretty much was non-stop on crack all day. I had to drive my FIL to pick up his car at the mechanics around noon so Gavin slept for about 15 minutes and woke up as soon as we got home. That was his nap of the day. I tried everything to get him to lay down, but he was VERY ACTIVE. Finally at 2pm I gave up and we went to Target and played with our neighbor's. By 4pm he was obviously tired and yawning constantly, but still he would not slow down. He wanted to paint, color, play with trains, jump all over Daddy's computer (!!), and dance around the house. By this point I was so tired and stressing about a bunch of bills we have due in a few weeks, so my mood wasn't the best. Luckily Daddy was awake and gave me about a half an hour to shower and de-stress. Thank God for hot showers.

At one point today he pooped outside on the cement and then came to show me. He stuffed a nice bath towel inside our toilet TWICE! I have no idea where he got the idea to do this, but I had hoped the first time was a mistake. Then about an hour ago I went to use the bathroom and there was another towel stuffed completely in the toilet, totally soaked. I'm not sure when he did it or what to do about it. He can open the bathroom door so I can't really keep him out, and since I didn't catch him in the act I didn't get a chance to scold him or tell him not do it again.

I am just really tired and ready for bed. I shouldn't be up right now, but since I had no time to get on the computer today, I am using this time as my me time. So I got him to sleep at 7pm, which is nice and early, but since then he was woken up crying about 3x. I think he just got over tired and is having trouble sleeping. Jon is leaving for the weekend so it will be just me and Gavin the next three days. I hate to complain because there are many military wives that do it everyday by themselves (I don't know how you all do it). I guess I am just dreading not having a person to fall back on have to vent to. I hate to say it, but I really hope Gavin wants to watch a little TV tomorrow, because I can't entertain him for 14-16 hours without a break here and there. There is only so much running around I can take.

Pee-pee time

Well I haven't been really trying to potty train besides having an Elmo video about it and a few books. Gavin has pooped in a potty before but only after I knew he was about to go, so I scooped him up and put him on the seat. I keep thinking when he's ready he will go since he can see that his Daddy and I both use it regularly. I also explain to him often that when he's a big boy he won't need any diapers and he can use the potty to pee and poop in. Well this morning, like every morning, I take off his full diaper and run to grab another one. Right away he starts to pee so I grab a towel and throw it in his stream line. He doesn't like that I covered his pee puddle so he stops himself from peeing anymore. I quickly think fast and ask him if he wants to pee in his potty instead of on the floor. He runs after me and stands in front of his small potty chair and starts to pee inside of it!! You should have seen how happy I was! I was bouncing off the walls. Of course I realize it's just one small step and may not even click with him, BUT every step is a good one. I gave him a gummy bear and told him that every time he pees or poops in the potty I will give him a gummy bear. He has still peed on the floor since this morning, but each time I see him start to pee I run and grab the potty or move him to the potty. So we end up with pee on the floor and some pee in the potty. I never realized how much work this is!

I mean we've only been awake for 2 hours and he's peed at least 4x! I swear the milk just comes straight out of him, lol. Anyway I just wanted to share my special moment. I really hope that he can be potty trained before the new baby comes in December... but if not it wouldn't be a huge deal. I know sooner or later he'll get it.

Wild Animal Park

Well I haven't had a chance to upload the pictures from today's excursion, but I'll update the post later. Jon got a night off from work so he thought it would be fun for us all to spend the morning at the Wild Animal Park. I was as giddy as a school girl since it's not often that he wants to do a family trip or even comes up with the suggestion himself. We ended up getting there just after 9:30 and staying until 11:30. We both hadn't been in at least 5 years so we were amazed at all the new areas and rides that have been added. It was AMAZING! They have WAY more activities for kids to do than the Zoo. They have a Sponge bob show, a Bubble show, bird shows, a kids activity area, a small water area for kids to get wet, a jungle gym area, a carousal, safari rides, a hot air balloon ride.... phew, the list could go on even more, but I'll stop now.

After the Journey to Africa ride we were ready to go home. Gavin had ran around and played at a few of the play areas so by the time we went on the ride he was ready for a nap. We got an ice cream for the road and headed home. After seeing all the neat expansions and renovations that have been done to WIP (Wild Animal Park) I definitely plan on going back. The only draw back is you have to pay $5 for parking and of course it's all the way to Escondido so it's not the quickest trip. I think we'll try and go every month or two from now on. The night shows look amazing too!

Besides that we've stayed indoors the rest of the day. I seem to only handle one big excursion per day now. I wish I had more energy but after a few hours of chasing him around at a park or outing I need some time to recuperate. He plays with his train set and watches some cartoons and then we may take a short walk around the neighborhood before bed. Not the most exciting life but enough to keep us all happy and entertained.