It's been a while

So, the Pouche family has been BUSY!! Two weekends in a row we've had my family up for Thanksgiving and Michael's Baptism. I didn't broadcast the Baptism because well, A. It was on a home Chiefs game. B. It's December everyone's busy! and C. We've got some news about Michael that we needed to take care of. (I've been preoccupied with that)

Mikey had lost weight in between our sixth formula change to Nutramigen. He was at 11 pound 120z at the beginning of November. November 30th he was 11 pounds 3 oz. So, we've been on a strict diet which is suppose to increase his calorie intake. I am not wanting to broadcast the issue because well: He's happy and fine!! :) We took him to the lab to get blood drawn and urine samples taken.

We went back to Doc. on Wed and he had gained back the weight. But the doc said he had a high ammonia levels. So, he maybe missing an enzyme? Okay whatever! Again he's happy and fine!! So, I spent my Wednesday off of work going back and forth to Children's Mercy South, trying to get a urine sample to them. They are to test his organic acid levels. I think Mikey wanted to spend the day me all by himself! :) He would cooperate with the urine test. And... if you've ever had to get a four month old's urine it's a pain in the ass.

Anyway, we won't find out if he's missing this genetic enzyme for some days. I'm not worried because he's happy and fine!!! I am looking forward to a nice weekend where my house is a pit and laundry has been sitting high in a basket for three days. :) LOVE IT!!!

So... about that Christmas shopping??? Dec 22 looks like a great day to go! :)

I'll let you know when my brain has returned to my body. Until then... hand me a nice glass of wine and let me sleep in.

Say good bye to your social life.

I recently was watching a show on the t.v. and whatever it was the character was having a baby. The friend said "well nice knowing you." Referring that once you have kids, you never see your friends anymore. We haven't used babysitters besides family members and partner teacher's daughter. I couldn't tell you the last time I was out. But every time I get ready to go out, I'm exhausted. I don't want to go out because I come home to feeding a child at 1am then hear him cry at 4:45 and again at 5, so on.

I am not really all that concerned in going out to the bars anymore, but a little break would be nice. I just need to get the motivation to do something. It's just really hard to when you don't sleep and think about the pain of the next night's events.

I am not one to put my friends and family out so that they watch my kids. I don't think that is there job to do. I feel guilty and bad to put them in that position. We are el cheapo so finding a babysitter in not in our future either.

Right now, I'm in that little dark cave mode. It's that busy holiday season and I am one that freaks out without needing to freak out. I have only three pairs of pants that I can fit into and my hair is in desperate need of TLC. But why should I care about my hair when my mornings are psycho and I just put it up in a pony tail. Clothes wise: I will not go and buy new clothes for the post-preggo body. I am trying to lose weight but it's very hard. I can't go workout, I have only two days where I can work in my classroom. By the time I get caught up on all of my work its five and Ash will be home with kids. I live 30 mins away from work. Then I'm in Mom mode. Well, why can't go after kids are asleep? Because its 9 pm and I'm ready for bed myself. Weekends are just me and the kids till Sunday when Ash is off at 2pm And the cycle begins again.

I keep telling myself this too shall pass, but then there will be something else. Sorry to biatch. Just need to vent.

What's up with napping and sleeping?

It's amazing how different children can be. M.C. was sleeping through the night at 6 weeks and napped like a champ. M.G. doesn't nap more than 30 minutes unless he is cradled by me. You know he's only 2 months old. I should give him a break. Especially, since the poor kid has had five formula changes. Yes, five! We are crazy people! Oh we still can't poop on our own without karo, mylcon, or thermometer pushing. Otherwise than that.. life is still bowl full of fun! :) Here is a video of the "baby party" that happened at J.C. and Katie Knapp's Wedding.

Life is CRAZY!!!

So, I haven't wrote on my blog since Sept 11! That is because my life is completely crazy! This stupid Similac recall has changed my sweet boy to a crabby mess! We finally had Mikey pooping on his own with the Similac-Fussiness and Gas formula, to find out that there were beetles found in formula! GROSS! We switched to Sam's Club. My babysitter and in-laws had enfamil-fussiness and gas. Well, he wasn't doing well. Doc said stick with just the enfamil for two weeks and see how it goes. Which makes us frustrated because that's just more expensive!

Mikey has been spitting up, fussy, and no poop again! And.... no sleep, no naps! Okay he naps in a seat but not in his bed in the day. Then at night were up at 1am then again at 3. And he's in our bed where we continue to stick the paci in his mouth to stop him crying! LOVE IT!!

Meanwhile, Ash and I have had sometime off. Red Carn weekend AKA-College reunion weekend and wedding at the Elms. (Weren't planning to get a room, but.... you know how that goes. I would have to drive home) School is very busy!!! I feel like I am never caught up. But, really that is how all parts of my life is. I clean and I clean.. then there's another mess. I've given up! I began to cry this week as I looked at the pile of paperwork on my desk and looking at the clock. It's 4:00pm I've got to get in the car to pick up children. I can't bring work home... I have more work home with my family.

We've had a few health issues with Grandmas the two past weeks. That's not cool.. :( Marty and Fred are in KY to see Ash's brother before he goes to Iraq. We've had the kids in daycare all week. I had to pull myself together and suck it up. Ash was nice to let me have a day to work instead of picking up children.

But, in my head... I am thinking..... so when is it going to slow down??????? NEVER!!!!!

Again SUCK IT UP!!!

This is a nice pic of my perfect college reunion weekend with a nice Busch Light beer! Classy!

Hi ho Hi Ho Off to work I go!

Shopping with two kids at Sams! Every store is a little different to figure out how to put to babies in carts.
Dinnertime at the Pouche's.

Tuesday marked my first day back to teaching the world of second graders! I forgot how these little 7 and 8 year olds ask five million questions and need lots of attention! I guess I am lucky so many people want to be around me :)

I was running on caffeine and adrenaline(sp)????

Note: Hey, I teach second grade and they don't know what that word means. By the way I know I have many grammar errors in my blog. I am not looking to publish book.

Anyway, I enjoyed my time back at school! I missed the kids and my friends! But, the no sleep part really sucks! I feel like I am on time limits: 20 minutes to get a writing assignment done, 1 hour to plan or make phone calls, emails. Be home before the kids and Ash so I can clean or make dinner. Timing baby's feeding schedule. Getting M.C. down before 8:30 p.m. Timing my sleep right so I have at least 6 hours. It's a lot of work!

I am beginning to understand that parents really are exhuasted! I was non-stop from 5:45 am to 10:00pm. My downtime is the few minutes I have before Mikey wakes up or while the clothes are in the washer and dryer.

Also, I am never going to judge another parent again. I have made so many mistakes during the little life of both of my two children. I am that parent whose child is screaming or biting in the store. (M.C.) I know I've been trying to teach her how to behave. Like the book: Happiest Toddler on the Block says M.C. is a cavewoman! I've also been more relaxed about Mikey which I am hoping won't hurt him in the long run. (Bought generic formula)

All in all, life is getting better everyday. Mikey is really a good baby. We got lucky with two great babes!
Tomorrow maybe another story but for now we're good!

Settleing In and Feeling Good!

Tomorrow marks 6 weeks of life for Michael. It's amazing how you spend 9 months wondering and waiting for this child. Now, he's been around for 6 weeks. Life has settled down, for the moment. I start back to work on Tuesday and ready for routines to get in place. Not that I don't love maternity leave, but I'm all about schedules. And I get bored at home, too much housework that never seems to get done!

This morning, I hear M.C. calling out of her crib, Mikey is crying in our bed for attention and we are both trying to ignore the sounds because we want a few more minutes of sleep. These are happy sounds! I enjoy sleep!! But, I do have to say we've had many years of "just us and sleep." Makes me feel old and proud at the same time.

Ashley and I have been together since 2000 and we had our share of memories and fun! It's funny to think that we have two adorable children. If you knew us in college, I am sure you are amazed at how much life has changed for us. From TKE house parties, stupid Rockos, or Rockhurst administration spoiling our fun!

This means their is hope for all of us crazy kids! We both have been successful in our lives so far: I've worked at the same job for 8 years. Ash and I own a business. Ash has had a successful Rugby career and going to get back into it. I received my masters in 07. And we've created two awesome kiddos.

I need to remember these accomplishments whenever I get frustrated and stressed. Life is stressful but worth it! God has certainly worked his magic. I've always said " God makes plans for you, while you are busy trying to run your life." It's really all in his hands. :)

Sleep is soo 1999!

I haven't written on my blog in a while due to the fact that I am over exhausted! When I have a break I tend to try to clean my dirty house. Mikey has had constipation issues since his first two weeks of life! It's been hard because this makes him crabby! On top of that he has spitting up issues especially at night, so his sleep is interrupted. We can't add rice cereal to his milk till he's over the constipation issues. I feel bad for the poor guy! I guess this is my punishment for not breastfeeding? Whatever! Kidding.



Anyway, life with two is never dull! I still can't believe I produced two children. They are soo cute! If you were to ask my 18 year old self about my life now; I am sure I would think I was boring. But, the 29 year old self thinks I've done pretty well!



Here are ten things I never thought I would say or do:

10. Start a blog and talk about my children's bowel movements.
9. Wish that I had a mini-van
8. Get excited about Garage sale buys such as: strollers ($80 double one), bouncer($1.50), and co-sleeper($4)
7. buy a monkey back pack/harness for my 20 month old(haven't used it yet, but thought it would come in handy in busy places)
6. work at the same job for 8 years ( I thought I would be a stay home mom by now)
5. Memorize the Sprout channel's kid show line up.
4. Sport many different diaper bags (what's a purse?)
3. Listen to kid's music in my car and sing to it
2. Get excited when there is a sale on Formula, baby food, or diapers and cut coupons
1. I would have two kids 19 months apart by the age of 29.

Oh, what a life I lead!

How quickly we forget!

How quickly I forgot how hard it is to pack to go anywhere with a child! I woke up this morning with thoughts in my head of having myself packed up and ready to go to St. Louis by 12pm! HAHAHAAHAAAHAAAHA!!!!! I crack myself up!! I had M.C. wanting breakfast, then snack, oh yah lunch. On top of wanting attention of me as she puts her toys in an empty suitcase along with toys thrown down the stairs, in the hallway, etc. Mikey is in and out of sleep. When he's up, he looks like he is just wondering what he got himself into. This Momma is crazy! And that little person is in my face 24/7!

Oh joys of having two kids and all of the crap that they need!! I have to say, I remember my first trip to St. Louis with M.C. and how my car was filled to the brim! This time around we have no room!! And Ash has to bring a bunch of work stuff with him anyway. I haven't packed myself yet, nor have I attempted to clean the house before we go! I again crack myself up!!

1:15p.m hit and I was quickly reading stories to M.C. while holding Mikey as he is crying. I shove Mary Caroline in her crib and shut the door. Of course this never ends well, so I put down Mikey ( who is now sleeping, for the moment) and go back in to M.C.'s room and say I love you and nighty night! That seems to make her feel a little better about a crying baby and a rushed Mommy!

I manage to get a little grub in my belly as Mikey is in dreamland. I needed this time to regroup! Okay back to trying to pack and tidy up! Let's see how far I get!

Only 3 more weeks left!

This week marks the first week of school for my 8th group of Second Graders! I will not be there to greet them! I was very hesitant about this when I found out I was pregnant. But I dealt with it and I have a great sub!! :) Actually this is the first year ever in my life that I haven't started school! I have been in school or job since well I was 3! So, I feel really weird that I am not going to be there tomorrow as my students walk into the classroom!

I am nervous about taking care of two kids and working full time! It will be an adjustment but I just have to not stress and do the best I can!

Naps are for babies!

This week I've had a count of one nap! I enjoy my 1pm naptime, but it's been replaced with going places etc. I haven't gone any place with just me and the kids yet but just Mikey and Me. Monday: Doctors; Tuesday: school to visit; Wednesday: Naptime!; Thursday: the plan was to get pictures done but Ash couldn't make it.(so my nap was disturbed once again)

I've decided that sleeping is for the birds! HAAH!! We can sleep when we are dead! (NOT REALLY) I ache for my shut eye! I am not a happy person with out a good night's sleep or nap!

Overall, I have done better with the whole two baby thing this week! I am managing better and Mikey is getting used to OUR schedule! Last time we went around M.C.'s schedule. Mommies to need listen up! Babies come into your life and you need to teach them how to survive in your world. I was taught that lesson very quickly and this time Mr. Mikey just has to get over it. I love you and I will get to you soon. But you are going to cry, I'm sorry!

Now I just need to get the courage to go somewhere with the two of them! Wish me luck!

Poop, Crabby, and Chuckie

Friday, August something? I don't keep track of days lately! My sister Katie came in to visit. Her husband is playing tennis in Iowa so she came up here! Thank goodness she was here yesterday because my Friday was a bit interesting. Michael was crying all day and hadn't pooped. I know that he was constipated because I tried the thermometer trick in the butt and poop on the thermometer. Nothing came out. Boo! Plus he had some kind of raised red bumps on his body. He had a pikti (spelling) when he was born but they weren't raised.

I called the doc to make sure he wasn't allergic to the formula or laundry degerent. Or if the constipation had anything to do with the rash. Of course they say to come in. Long story short, it's just delicate newborn skin bumps and we were to stick a suppository in his bottom to get poop out along with the karo. I didn't need to go to the doc to hear what I knew already but I guess it better safe than sorry.

I spent the day holding Mikey. If it was just M.C. and I, she would of been a terror! Katie took M.C. to the mall play place and she fell asleep in the car. Which results in no nap at home! Katie drove around for an hour to get her a nap in. We had plans to head to Chuckie E. Cheese that night. Mikey had finally calmed down and slept. He was up all day, not normal for newborns.

Chuckie was an experience: Mikey slept, M.C. ran around, and Mama devoured crappy pizza!

I will survive!

Well, Michael is one week old today! We are slowly adjusting to our new "normal." Today was my first day by myself with the kiddos. So, far it's been okay. Ash stayed home til 9 am to let me sleep in a bit. He fed M.C. (well at least tried to) she threw food on the floor and sat in time out! Yep, that was the beginning of the day. Then he left and I had feeding duty for M.G. and diaper changing. Clean up a little and then outside to take a stroller ride. Quite hot but fun to finally feel normal to walk up the street with the stroller. I hadn't been able to do this for a month. Too preggo!

We played outside for a bit and Mikey stayed in the shade of the garage. Of course, even as I am right by M.C. she falls backwards on her head off the playhouse. She was okay but just my luck. Ugg! I got a nap in. YEAH!! Michael is a good baby. He doesn't really cry all that much. (so far) knock on wood.

I've made the decision to not continue breast feeding, but I am trying to pump a few more times. I had a terrible time with Mary Caroline and this time around of course a boy is a boob champ but I am not a fan of it. It hurts and it's a lot of work along with Miss Mary Caroline around. It always makes me feel a little bad but you know Mary Caroline survived and has been healthy without breastfeeding. Plus, he sleeps really well at night. I feed at 12, 3, and 6 sometimes he'll sleep four hours. Which is common for formula babies. It's nice to be able to have the multiple caffeine in take again! I am not a happy person without it. So, just imagine me as a pregger person.

Signing off for now..... I have two more hours left till Ash gets home. I can do it!!!

Baby come out!

(not my baby's sonogram)

Okay today is July 24th! My due date! I have no baby yet! I think we were all so surprised, even my doctor that this child has decided to stay in my belly this long. It's become a stressful event. If I didn't have 3 weeks of contractions, I would of been fine with letting this child stay for a week in my belly. But, it's enough! And Mary Caroline needs her Mommy to get back to normal also. Well, maybe not normal but feeling up to playing!

Ash and I made the decision to have me induced on Monday. I have no problems with inducing, I just wanted to let this child come on its own. I wanted Baby to tell us it's birthday! There has to be SOME surprises in life. I took one surprise away by finding out the sex. So, I was really upset that I am not getting the chance to let this baby have it's own birthday, without medical help.

However, I think this choice has made my family and I more relaxed about the whole baby situation. And.... I truly believe Babies do sense when you are stressed and upset. Or at least they do when they are outside the womb (M.C.) Maybe, Baby Pouche #2 has sensed my struggle with this pregnancy and wants me to be truly ready.

Well, Baby P #2 I am ready for you! Come out and play with your sister! Daddy, Mommy, and your big crazy family want to meet you! :)

(Side note: please don't take offense to the comments about inducing and gender finding out. This is my feeling on it. Everyone has their own opinions and reasons. I fully respect those)

Good Intentions

So, I have had all the intentions to do all of these fun things this week with M.C., thinking this maybe the last week (just us).... yah Momma is too tired and in pain. It's not all day long, but the mornings are becoming very difficult. This summer, Mary Caroline has been staying up later than usual. It's summer and our schedule is never the same. So, she's slept in to 8:00 on those nights. Well, she went to bed about 8:45 last night and she was up at 6:30 this morning. This has been the trend lately. BOOOO!!! I guess my honeymoon is over! God, is getting me ready for two babies by keeping me up at night and up bright and early in the morning. YEAH!!!

Since I have already finished all of the "nesting" responsibility. I'm bored! You can only do so much housework, that it becomes daunting. That is why I wanted to do some fun stuff with the kiddo. But.. it's too dang hot today, even to go to the pool. We've resorted to playing 'school' and yes, (bad Mom) watching t.v. The school part is good: she is learning her sight words and I let her color on paper as I cut out pictures from grocery adds. She puts those hand made cards in a coffee can as I ask her what the object is. (no, this idea is not from the teacher in me, but from Mom and sister, Katie)

The t.v. part is educational, we watch A Baby Story to prepare her for Baby #2 and in the morning we watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (it's her favorite) That's it. Okay maybe Dora when Mom is starting to feel a contraction come on. Yo Gabba Gabba at 4.

I did manage to get the baby pool out today and I let her take the hose with a sprinkler attachment and spray it everywhere. Including on me! At this point, I feel like I am on bed rest. I am afraid to get out of the house in fear that a contraction will be soo painful that driving would be hard.

Mom Kunz will be here on Friday! Thank GOD!

Almost here!

Well time is approaching for that final hour where I'll be experiencing the worst set of cramps in the world! Yes, Labor!! I guess my body has been preparing because I've been having contractions since last week! And they are a biatch!! At this point I am so uncomfortable that the basic everyday functions are exhausting! My ball, water, and the toilet are my best friends. It's nice that we got a new toilet seat, because I am getting great use out of it!! Because of the contractions are so strong, I drink water to settle them so that results in more peeing!! Fun Fun!!! If you do read my blog, aren't you soo excited to hear about my peeing?

Actually the toilet seat is really cool because we bought one of those that has a little kid seat connected for training! Okay enough potty talk. Anyways, we are ready to go! The reality of two is not scaring me anymore. I am thinking that this will be just another adventure to tackle! I know that we'll have our ups and downs but millions of families do this! So, we can too!! I am just ready to be done with pregnancy. It's been two years and it's time to give this body a break!!

I haven't had a normal wardrobe since early 2008! It's time for this Mamma to have cute clothes and pack up the maternity clothes forever! (maybe) I think two is enough. :)

So here's to coming early Baby Pouche #2!! We would love to have you here

say..next Monday?

Waterbabies!!! Party on Fourth of July with Mara Franke, Mickey McGraw, and Grant Pomianek.

Ah Nesting!

So, I've noticed a lot of preggers talking about their nesting lately. Well, I guess I went in overdrive yesterday because I put myself in what I thought was early stages of labor. I took M.C. to run errands: UPS store, Teacher store and Once Upon a Child. Mary Caroline weighs about 24lbs. Not bad. But I take her in and out of the car. She is walking but not trusting to let her on her own. So, have to carry her or put her in the shopping carts.

The Teacher store is very tempting because you feel like buying every educational toy/game out there. I began to think, I need to be teaching M.C. how to read. That's what I'll do while I am breastfeeding the other one. HAAH!!! Well she loooooves the store too and that was fun to get her out of the store.

Once Upon a Child is very bad!!! It's like box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get! I like the fact that I found a Peg Perego double stroller! I've been looking on and off for double strollers since I found out I was pregnant. I really didn't want to get one unless it was necessary. Well, I watched my friend Kara with her two babies and I know I won't be able to handle M.C. trying to walk and maneuvering a stroller with a baby. So, lock them up is my goal!

When I got home, we had lunch and settled down to sight word/picture cards. Yes, I am really trying to teach M.C. to know what objects are at least. Meanwhile, I am thinking about my new buy (the stroller)

At nap time, I get all of my things done so I can play with the stroller. Swifter, put dishes away, laundry and take out two strollers out of my car. Start cleaning my stroller.

Then come the contractions...... UgGGGG!!! I timed them, at one point I had 7 contractions in one hour. I give Ash the warning and start getting the bag ready, paperwork ready, but manage to get baby fed and act like everything is normal. Boil some ravioli and sit on my ball with my dinner. 7 o' clock rolls around and they have subsided a little so I give M.C. a bath.

At that point I am exhausted, but not having the contractions as much. Daddy takes M.C. from my arms and put her to bed. I take a shower and feel like melting in the water.

So, I guess I over did my day? Got way too excited about a dang stroller! Today I go to the doc. Let see what she says. What's hard is that this is the second baby and I have M.C. and many things to do. So "slowing down" is not in my vocabulary. I know, that is bad.

(Ash's response to the contractions: oh you better get on your blog and start blogging/twittering whatever you do. Dork)

So Girl or Boy?

Mary Caroline Pouche- December 23, 2008 Baby Pouche #2- ????????

Whenever someone is pregnant, the first question you hear is "Do you know what your having?" Well, these days yes most people know what they are having. Ash and I didn't find out the first time with M.C. And it was really annoying to answer that question over and over again. Everyone has there own opinion over the "gender" revealing! Mary Caroline was due Christmas 2008. We felt that it was like opening up our big gift before Santa arrived.

Okay, so the true is this time around one of us knows what this baby is. And that person would be me. I wasn't planning on finding out but I went to my appointment by myself and the sonogram tech was so cheery and happy that she made me feel it was alright to find out! So, when people ask me if I know what I am having, I say yes but my husband doesn't know. Then the response usually is "How do you hide it from him?" Well, it's simple I act like I did the first time around. It's Baby Pouche or M.C. and I call it "Buddy."

I've never been the one to really care to have the bedroom ready or the clothes set. So, it didn't matter if I knew anyway because once Baby arrives we'll deal with that. I know many people who go crazy and have to have clothes ready, etc. Well, good for you!! :) This baby does have a little going home out in it's specfic gender but that's about it.

Of course Grammy Kunz knows and she's been working hard on the revealing of the room. Pink or Blue? HMMMMM? :)

So, what is Ashley's response to all of this. He thinks it's: 1. playing God 2. opening a present before christmas. 3. the coolest thing about pregnancy, not knowing. (3rd one not so much in his words) He's an old fashion guy when it comes to this. Frankly, I think he's still in awe that there is another one coming very soon!! LOL! ME TOO!!!

Thankful

In my last blog, I was quite the "debbie downer!" My daughter is not the devil as I protray to her to be in my note! :) Yes, she is an awnry little one but she is so funny & has a personality of her own. She makes me smile in the morning when I get her out of the crib! Mary Caroline has been the best thing going in my life! I couldn't imagine life without her. It's amazing how everything you thought was important changes when you have a child.

My first thought today is what fun can we have today? I am trying the best I can to be a trooper for M.C. in the next three weeks! She needs that! We are off to get donuts now and then to the pool later.

Losing patience and getting bigger!

http://www.babycenter.com/0_tantrums_11569.bc?scid=mbtw_post18m_1w:795&pe=2UvJ2sJ

It's just down right hard to have an 18 month old and be almost 37 weeks pregnant. I am not trying to be a complainer but really I am so big that I managed to fall flat on my belly! Baby and I are okay,we just had to be monitored for four hours at the hospital. Overall, I am feeling fine. I just can't handle the constant battles that Mary Caroline seems to be wanting to do! I think 18 months is the terrible twos! If that is the case, then hopefully at 2 she will be done with these outbursts!! HAAH!

Maybe, I am just hormonal and they aren't really that bad. I know she's senses my stress! I can tell. That is where I just can't handle it! Yesterday, she was climbing on the new baby bed and I told her no, um 3 times. Finally she got so mad that she tried to run out of the room and hit her head on the door. This gave her a knot the size of Texas. Of course, I am trying to comfort her. And she cries and cries for 15 minutes. I get her a snack and she gets mad and throws the stuff that she doesn't want on the floor. Time for NAP! I put her in the bed and take a shower. That's all I can do, to SAVE me from going insane!



TODAY, she was fine up to 11:00 a.m. I am trying to get ready so that we can go see Great Grandmother Janet for lunch and she starts whining. Now, I figure she's hungry and bored but really can't you wait and be patient for a second? No, Mom I'm 18 months old!!! I try to put clothes on her, a really cute dress and of course that pisses her off. I get upset myself and pick her up in a not so nice manner and set her on the floor in her room to cry. I calm myself down and realize that she is the baby. I hug her and cry myself and say are you okay? Mommy loves you and she calms down. I try to tell her how pretty she looks and then it's like nothing ever happened. Starts playing with a toy.



Five minutes later, okay ready to go. We just need your shoes and change diaper. Her response, gives me the sandals and then runs away as I try to pick her up to change diaper. I put her on the changing table she of course is fighting me, almost hits her head on the table. Pick her up take her to the kitchen corner where we have "time out." She cries and looks at me, I say are you ready to go and be a good girl? She calms down and comes to me. Then I take her back to the room and she throws a fit again. This point I am soooo frustrated that I just sit her down on the bed in her room and say you can cry all you want, we are not going to see Grandma till you calm down. I leave the room and sit in the kitchen and cry too. She cries for what seems like forever. Then slowly comes down the hallway peeking to see me. I look at her red eyed face and she looks at mine. I say lets try this again. We move to the living room, give her a toy and she plays with it as I change her diaper.



Of course, she's perfect at lunch. Well almost! :)



God grant me the serenity to except the things that I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the patience to keep from going nuts!! Amen. (And please tell me that I am going to survive two! )

Our weeks worth of activity!

Mary Caroline is a social butterfly! She loves to play with other children! Which is good! What have we done this week: The Mall play area, Pop n' Play, Fritz's Choo!choo! restaurant, Library story time, visit with baby Eva and Mara, and go to the best toy store in town: Brookside Toy and Science!! I say that should end her crabby mood and forgetting her pacifier! However, I hope she realizes that this is not going to happen every week! Momma has to work around the house some! I figure come July 24th, I may be stuck at home for sometime! However, I've watched my friend Kara, take her 22 month old and newborn to these activities. So there is hope!! I know she was exhausted but more power to her! I hope I can be this daring!!

Turning 18 months

My Baby is going to be 18 months old tomorrow! I've been doing so much to get ready for another baby that as I was thinking what was M.C. like as a newborn? She was so sweet and new.


Now we had our moments of crying and no sleep. She wore a bib till she was able to crawl. M.C. smiled a lot but she did have a awnry side to her. I saw this when I began to feed her baby food. She would get really anxious! Well, this anxious side of her has not gone away. Actually her personality has grown immensely. She throws fits and bangs her head on the wall. I can't count how many times I've picked up food on the floor!





I begin to wonder, what happened to my little baby? Monday was our first full day back from St. Louis and Oh my goodness!!! We screamed at our 18 month check up! (well we did get shots) Threw a fit at lunch. Whined in Babies R Us! Took a nap in the car for 30 minutes. Well, we never got another one so our night was not so hot. Plus, the Doctor cut her pacifier!! Oh and a little red butt.


I guess if I was given shots, and had my pacifier taken away; I would be pissed too!!! In St. Louis, she has constant entertainment. My Mom has baby mecca! On top of it my two sisters made sure she was having fun! Although, she was sick have of the time.


I think she came home and thought: "Wait where's my entertainment?" This is boring just Mommy and me!! Today, we fought morning nap, frustrated at lunchtime, and constantly whined at me as I tried to play with her! UGH!!! It's the hottest day of the year, I was not about to go outside!


Sorry, Baby I'm 35 weeks preggers. So, I cool down the car and we head towards the direction of the Mall. GOD BLESS OAK PARK MALL!!!!! She was sooo excited to get in her stroller and people watch!!! Then we headed to the little play place where they have Mercedes Benz cars, range rovers, etc! Ran around soo happy!! Except that she had a dirty diaper so I had to take her out of the play place and go to Nordstrom's mom room. Of course her butt is bright red worse than yesterday. Screaming!!!! I hug her and tell her it's okay. Then off to the play place again.





Then back to the car, where we start to fall asleep. But luckly I live two blocks away from the mall so I get her out and put her in the crib. Again, we cry... Oh 18 months are you going to be the death of me?


Maybe, this whole baby thing is God's sneaky way of saying. M.C. is bored she needs a sibling!!! I sure hope that one day she'll thank me. :) HAHA!!!

Sentimental Value

Last weekend my sister Katie and Mom came up to help me organize and prepare for Baby Pouche #2. I had the job of going through my photo box and what I call "Kelly's life in a box." This box consists of crap that I went through four years ago when my Mom dumped everything I owned at my house. She said you have your own house now, it's not staying in St. Louis. So needless to say four years ago I trashed a lot of stuff. However, there are a few things that I just couldn't part with.



For example: a box filled with movie stubs, roses, and old letters . My UA uniform, set of diaries from 1st grade through high school, picture collages, and a teddy bear from eighth grade graduation. Oh there are others things in that box but I'll spare you the details.



This box represents Me. So, how do you make the decision to throw away those memories? I laughed and cried at some of the notes and silly diary entries! If anyone ever read some of this stuff, they would seriously think there was something wrong with me. My husband for one, would call me a huge dork! Which already happens on a daily basis, but he loves me anyway.



It's funny how much I haven't changed as a person. I've always thought that I have become so different from who I was 10 years ago, but really I haven't. I still am a huge dork. I am very sentimental and faith oriented. I believe every person who has been in my life, has left their imprint on my heart. I still struggle greatly with confrontation and speaking up for myself. (as a matter of fact, I found a note from a life teen friend who stated this very point)



I am proud of the person who I've grown to become. How can I throw away what has helped me become well, me?



As stated in the song, In My Life by The Beatles: " There are places I remember, all my life. Oh some have changed, some have gone, and some remain. But all these places have there moments when lovers and friends I still can recall. Some are dead and some are living but in my life I've loved them all." This song reflects that "sentimental value" of life. Kelly's Life in a Box will stay in my house. That's all to it!!

Can I do this?

Ashley and Kelly in 2000. Rockhurst University Homecoming.

So, I have about five more weeks and then my world will rapidly change once more. 18 months ago, I was completely clueless about becoming a Mommy. I never really imagined how much it would change my life. I've never regretted a minute of the time that we've spent with M.C. and she has truly been a blessing. However, there's a little part of me that misses the simple life of just Ash and me. What I miss is being able to "just go." If I wanted to go out, I would just go out. Or that I didn't have to plan weeks ahead of time to find a babysitter just to go to a baby shower/wedding etc.

Maybe, I sound whiny but I think every Mom or Dad goes through this. The truth is I am nervous about having two children. The day I found out I was pregnant again, I cried. I know God gives us what we can handle but really I wish he didn't trust me so much. Mary Caroline is still my little baby. There are times when I think how can love another child as much as I love M.C.? I know that you do and it's amazing how that happens.

Since the very beginning of this pregnancy, I've been in a fog. I don't feel like I am prepared. I don't think you're ever really prepared for parenthood. I get nervous about things like going to the store, finding babysitters to go out, the cost of daycare, having a full time job, and keeping sane. Is M.C. going to be neglected? Will I fall out of touch even more with friends?

I am very lucky to have a wonderful husband, beautiful daughter, very supportive family, and to be able to have another Gift from God. God has been very good me and I am thankful. By the way I am really excited to have this baby. Just a nervous :)

You got to love the hormones that go along with pregnancy. Tomorrow, I will feel like a huge loser for writing this blog. (But, I don't think anyone reads it anyway) :)

In the Lou at Grammy and Grampa Mike's House

At Grammy's house: in my world of fun! I love the kitchen and blue blanket. No, I am not passed out, I'm cuddling!

On my way to the Lou. We stopped at Cracker Barrel to stretch!!

Well Mommy's okay to travel one last time to St. Louis! So after Grammy Sharon and Aunt Katie helped me organize my house we got in the car and traveled to STL. M.C. is in hog heaven here!!! I've really decided that my parents did spoil us! Grammy kept so much of our fun toys!! But I do have to realize that there were three of us girls!! We will be here till Sunday! Then back home for Father's Day!!

I am feeling alright but the heat is horrible!! I went out for 15 minutes to play with M.C. and I was wiped. But so was she!! I looooove summer and it kills me that I am soo fat and preggers!! I really hope that when BAby #2 is born that I'll get to enjoy some of the summertime heat and fun!!

What I've learned from a 17 month old and a fetus.

Well it's been a very long time since I wrote on this blog! Besides my life isn't exciting to begin with.

Things that I've learned from being a Mommy of a toddler and pregnant:
1. You are always tired! No matter whether your pregnant or not.
2. Sprout, Nick Jr., and Disney channel become your t.v. choices.
3. If I hear " Oh your going to be busy!" one more time from a stranger after seeing my belly and M.C., I think I'm going to shoot them!
4. I need a house that has a garage on the first level not the basement.
5. Just give your toddler the swifter and your cleaning will be done!
6. Gerber Graduates makes really good food! Especially the Veggie curls!
7. I was sooo concerned with safety and getting the best type of baby stuff with M.C. but with the second, garage sales and consignment shops are your best friend!
8. It's okay if you eat: lunchmeat, caffeine, chocolate, fish, or wine in small responsible amounts.
9. You can do a lot more than you think can pregnant and with a toddler!
10. Teaching second graders while being pregnant is a struggle and hilarious at the same time.

Grammy in town!

Well, M.C. got her first taste of Chuckie Cheese! Grammy Sharon came in to babysit! They went to Chuckie Cheese without Momma! :( She loved the rides! Especially Clifford the dog. This week Feb 1st through 5th M.C. had a cold and it snowed for the hundredth time in KC. I am thinking is spring ever going to get here? I would take her out in the snow with her ugly snow suit but I don't if that would be good with a cold. Baby #2 is growing! I still can't believe that there is another kid in the future!

I started a Blog!

Pictures from Jan 23, 2010- "bad pic of Mommy"

So, as the Pouche family starts to grow I thought I would start a blog! It's been a wonderful year! Mary Caroline has grown to become such a smart little lady! She's 13 months today, January 23,2010. I can't believe that just a year ago she was one month old!
She is starting to love playing with her babies! Grammy and our babysitter, Nancy bought her babies for Christmas. She likes to feed the babies just like Mommy and Daddy feed her. It's soo funny. She uses the spoon and pretends to put food on the baby's highchair! She holds her baby so cute! She plays with babies at Nancy's house with her little friend, Jackie. I think she has learned a lot from having the older baby there!
We are teaching her to "be nice and soft" with the cats. She cracks up with the cats! M.C. loves to pet and lay on the cats. Luckily, Sebastian and Peaches don't mind her all over them. M.C. likes to play with the cats with their toys. It's hilarious!!!
Mary Caroline is walking better now and has had a couple adventures outside! The weather has been crummy but every once in a while I'll take her out! She got her first New Pair of shoes from stride rite! They are very pretty!! Mema and Papa Pouche bought her snow boots and Grammy Kunz bought her a snow suit (an ugly one) but it'll work for the purpose.
We finally let the whole world know that we're expecting again! It took me a while to tell work, due to how last year went. I hope that the rest of the year goes okay! The decision for my future with work is still undecided. I LOVE Vis but I don't love how things are run. It would be hard to start the year with a sub! It's not fair to those kids! But it's all up to how we can take care of two kids with one income. Pretty hard!
Until next time! :)