Irritated

Irritated: Function: adjective: subjected to irritation; especially : roughened, reddened, or inflamed by an irritant

This is how I'm feeling today...for no particular reason. Do you ever have a day that just feels all wrong? That's my day today. There is nothing wrong, but nothing really great going on either. We don't really have any plans for the weekend (for which I'm grateful), but that also means I should have time to clean the toilets. That's not exactly something to get excited about. As long as I'm busy, I can just say I haven't had time to get to that (I also say that about the floors, and the dusting). It just seems that everyone around me is grinding on that last nerve, and I am trying not to react. Just short answers, that's all, now leave me alone. Plus, I have a headache and I'm trying really hard not to reach for caffeine. It seems to be the best cure, but I've also been noticing my heart racing some, so trying to get to zero per day instead of one. I feel like I have no reason to complain, so I'm trying not to voice my frustration anywhere but here today. I've read almost an entire book today, and the bad part is that it's really not that great of a read (and I'm at work). That's the other bad thing. I've had very little to do lately, no projects going and all of the bank statements have been opened and if not balanced, at least checked off. So, I'm in need of something to keep me busy. I need some ideas for some work at home thing that I can do while I'm at work. Sounds like a plan, right? Just gotta find it! Any ideas.

On another note, please check out this website: http://www.ethanpowell.com/

Ethan Powell was diagnosed with leukemia at a routine 2 month checkup, and is coming up on some very crucial days in his battle to beat this disease. I have been following Ethan's journey since February sometime, and it has really touched me. I don't think you can ever imagine having a sick child and how much it would hurt you until you have children of your own. Now, every story of an ill or hurting child just breaks my heart. Little Ethan's parents have been amazing sources of strength for me, even though I've never even spoken to them personally. The way that they've stayed totally committed to prayer is amazing. Really when you think about it, what else is there besides God and prayer when it comes to a situation like that? I just hope that I could be 1/2 what they are if put in the situation (and I pray, dear God, that I never am). Ethan is apparently having some issues breathing right now, and I think that has me down a little too. I don't doubt what God can do, and I believe with my whole being that God hears our prayers to heal this baby. However, the doubting part of me is so afraid that the next blog will be the one I cannot bear to read. God has already done so much through little Ethan and through his parents, Ben and Becky. Maybe that was God's plan. I just pray that God will heal Ethan so that he can live to tell the story of his awful battle as an infant, and that his parents will be able to tell everyone they know about the power of prayer that they have witnessed first hand. Please keep the entire Powell family in your prayers, and please ask God to heal Ethan!

too tired...

That's right I'm too tired! I know I was tired when I was pregnant with my little guy, but I do not remember feeling this bad. Of course, that may be because I could go home and go to bed at 7 o'clock if I wanted to, and those days are long gone. After a horrible night of no sleep on Monday night, I decided that I could not sleep in the bed with Grant on Tuesday night. You see we've tried many times to get him to sleep in his room, but it never lasts. The main reason is that I have to stay in his room until he's asleep, and many times I end up asleep before he does because it just takes sooo long. Everyone says that you have to give it a couple of weeks to become routine, but I just haven't had the willpower to stick with it yet. It always seems that there's something on the horizon that's going to ruin our efforts shortly after starting, and this time isn't any different, so I'm thinking.. should I just put it off a little longer?!

Last night was awful, he was excited about going to his room until he realized we weren't turning the lights on and playing. Then, he just let loose. He was actually crying for his daddy, which he seldom does, and while trying to calm him I was singing. This only seemed to make things worse. He just kept yelling, "no mommy, no mommy." I actually stayed unbelievable calm with him, which is truly not my nature, but I was so tired that I don't think I had the energy to do anything else. Finally, around 10:20, he actually fell asleep. It wasn't that he ever gave in, I just think he wore himself out. Then around 4 am, I heard, "mommy." Pookie actually went in when he started yelling, and then he started screaming because it wasn't me. Of course, as soon as he was in bed with me, hair in hand, he stopped and went right to sleep. I'm really at a loss for what to do, but I know that this has got to end soon. I have no belly at this moment, but I'm already uncomfortable, hot, etc. I know that in a few months, there just won't be enough room for Pookie, myself, my belly, and Grant. Maybe I should just sleep in the guest room after I get Grant to sleep. I'm sure there are worse things in life, but right now, I am really suffering because of this.

Yesterday was daddy's birthday, and Grant loved singing Happy Birthday to daddy. He cracks me up, and he is talking and singing so well. I wish I could catch every moment on tape so that we could go back and listen to him when he's older. He called a lemon a watermelon on Monday night..you'd think lemon would be easier to say, but who knows what goes through their little minds. I just try to remember to cherish every moment. I can't even fathom that I'm going to have to split my attention between two of them soon. He's so much fun now, and I don't want to miss a thing!

Living with the Doodlebops!

That's right. I feel like I live with these 3 crazy characters. My son is officially obsessed with them! So much so, that it's the first thing he says when he wakes up in the morning, and it's the only way to get him to leave certain places (ie the park, or just outside). The promise of these goofy characters either on the TV or on CD is enough to coax him to do just about anything. I must admit they are pretty good babysitters, but I've had just about all I can stand of the Doodlebops pledge and Get on the Bus. The funniest thing is that Grant knows all the words to the songs. He sings them over and over, even when he's not watching them. I guess there are worse things to be repeating other than "I promise to share, I promise to care" and on and on... if he only knew what all those words meant. Maybe one day we'll get to see what's really on television and/or the radio, but for now our every waking hour seems to be filled with Dee Dee, Rooney, and Mo!

10 weeks and counting

Well it's official, there's a baby in there. Pookie and I went to the doctor this morning for my second visit. The visit started off with a bang... I didn't gain any weight! I know that the pounds will come soon enough, but it doesn't hurt to enjoy 4 weeks without gaining. Especially since I know it will probably be the one and only month that I don't gain weight for quite awhile. After that, they tried to find the heartbeat with no success, so luckily they did an ultrasound, and there was the little peanut. The heartbeat was 171 and the tech said it was good size for where we are. She said it showed the due date as Jan 8th not the 10th, but we're just going to leave the countdown to the 10th. I'm sure by then I'll be hoping for an earlier date, but for now the later the better! I guess we have to officially let everyone know now. I was pretty excited to tell everyone last time, but for some reason, I'm a nervous wreck with this one. I'm sure I'll get my nerve up in the next week or so.

Cat Out of the Bag?

Well the news is out....almost. Pookie and I are expecting another baby at the beginning of January. The plan was to wait awhile to tell everyone, but almost everyone knows now....except my family. I've told my mom, but for some reason it's odd breaking the news to my dad and 3 younger brothers. I think last time, I just let my mom tell all 4 of them. I go to the doctor again tomorrow, and I should be right at 10 weeks. I think we heard the heartbeat at 10 weeks last time, so as long as everything goes ok tomorrow, we'll officially let everyone know that it's not a secret anymore.

Grant's 2nd Birthday

Grant's 2nd birthday was May 24th. We had a Mickey Mouse blowout on the 26th and he enjoyed every last minute of it. Mommy, Daddy, and Grant were all worn out at the end of the day, and I'm not sure if our house will ever be able to absorb all of the toys that he was given. It's so much fun seeing his little face light up. He knew something was happening the night before the party when I put the Mickey tablecover on. He said, "Ta da, it's a party!" You just can't beat a 2 year old! I'm still not quite sure that he understands why it's over now. For several days, even weeks, he just keeps saying Happy Birthday to you. I'm sure he'll understand next year.

Blowing out his candles. A big thanks to Elisabeth for his cake! It turned out great.







One of my favorite pictures from the day. He loves this little phone. Just look at him... you'd think someone was really on the other line.