Friends are Friends Forever

While visiting my girls in Bakersfield, I realized something that I didn't really want to admit to myself for a long time, I'm lonely. There are five of us girls that are pretty close and our families always did things together. All of our kids were around the same age and it was nice to have friends that could relate to you on that level.

The past year has been a bit of a transition for every single one of us. One of the girls returned back to working full-time after their youngest began Kindergarten. Another went back to school to get her Masters and begin full-time subbing. One found out she was expecting her fourth child, which would make four children four and under. Another friend sent her oldest to Kindergarten and I began the process of preparing for a move back to Texas.

The time we spent talking on the phone, having play dates, and hanging out had started to slow down. Part of it was also the fact that we all kind of pulled away knowing how hard this transition would be and not really sure how to handle it all. However, we still made sure to get together atleast once a month for girls night, but it wasn't the same.

A few months after our move, I started to get the winter blues. I missed the California sunshine and most of all I missed my girls. When we found out we were expecting, I missed having my girls here. Sure I can call them on the phone anytime, but with the time change and the busyness of everyone's schedule, I didn't know when to call.

With this pregnancy, I have been extremely emotional. Anything and everything can make my cry. While in Bakersfield, we went to see Bridesmaids and it was HILARIOUS yet I still cried during one scene.

Being back with my girls over Memorial Day weekend fed my soul. I have missed those girls and didn't realize how much until Jayme & I started talking, which ended in hugging and having an ugly cry. She & I were having a hard time with everything and sometimes you don't realize it until it's gone. Sitting around talking with everyone felt normal, like I had never left.

I'm so thankful for these women that God has put in my life. There is no doubt that we will be lifetime friends. There are still days when I'm lonely, but now that things are starting to slow down, hopefully we will be able to get out and meet new friends.

Potty Training Taylor Day 2

I fully expected to wake up this morning and have it be a bit of a struggle. With Mason, the second day was the hardest, so I assumed it would be the same. I guess every child is different because it was the complete opposite.

Yesterday, I spaced out her going every 15 minutes and this morning I decided to try every 30 to 45 minutes. I think I only set the timer twice the entire day. I reminded her to tell me if she needed to go and I took her when she showed signs of needing to go or when she told me. She didn't have one single accident today! I was so proud of her.

She still hasn't pooped and I have been loading her full of things that can help with that. I think she ate her weight in fruit today. I'm not going to worry about it just yet. If she hasn't gone by Thursday, then I'll worry. I did a little research and saw that it was normal for a child to go at least three times a week her age. She isn't really an every day poop girl anyway.

Interested to see what Day 3 holds. Each day is a whole new ball game.

Ten on Tuesday

Thanks Chelsea for posting the questions each week.

1. What type of phone do you have? Do you like it?

I have a Sanyo Flip Phone. I've had it for two years and it has served me well for the last two years. I plan to upgrade to a Blackberry this summer.

2. How old were you when you got your first cell phone?

I bought my first cell phone when I was a sophomore in college, which was in 1999. It was still bulky and I had a cell phone before my parents.

3. How many cell phones have you owned since your first?

Only four. 

4. How much is your average monthly phone bill?

$55 a month. I've been locked into the same plan for over 7 years and it's a really great plan with all the bells and whistles.

5. When you were a kid/teenager, were you allowed to have a phone in your room?

Not until I was 16 and even then there were rules.

6. Do you like talking on the phone or do you despise it? Or somewhere in-between?

I would rather talk on the phone then text message, but obviously texts are convenient when you can't talk.

7. Do you text a lot? Is texting/talking while driving illegal where you live? Are you guilty of it anyway?

I'm an average texter. It's going to be illegal at the beginning of Sept (only texting). I got used to not texting or talking on the phone while driving in Cali, or using a hand free device so I don't do it here.

8. What sort of texting keyboard does your phone have? Touch screen, slide out, or something different? Do you care?

It's a flip phone, so it doesn't have one. I don't really care.

9. Look at the last call in your call log – who is it? What were they calling about? Who calls you the most?

My mom. She was returning the kids call to her earlier. It's a tie between Adam and my mom.

10. What is the longest phone call you can recall having?

Probably talking to Marissa on the phone. We have a lot to catch up on when you live over 1400 miles away from each other.
 



Potty Training Taylor - Day 1

Taylor has been ready to potty train since January. The only thing holding me back was trying to get settled in and the fact that it was freezing outside. In our house, I prefer the 3 Day Potty Training method. It also means that my child will only wear underwear because it's just easier for clean up. January temps and potty training just don't go together. We also had some crazy busy months and I held off due to all of our travels. I need a good straight week where I don't leave the house, just to make sure they have it down pat.

After a trip to the grocery store where I stocked up on anything and everything I would need for the week, I decided that Monday we would begin the process. I had made a potty chart a few weeks ago and put it up for her to see in the morning. She was so excited about her new Tinker Bell & Minnie Mouse underwear that she couldn't wait to get started.

Day 1 - 23 successful trips to the potty and only 3 accidents. She still hasn't gone poop, which I know will be a challenge, but we will work hard on that tomorrow. Btw, I pumped her full of fluids all day. She always had a drink in hand and I took her every 15 minutes. Tomorrow we will spread it out to every 20 minutes.

Funny tidbit: One year ago this week, I potty trained Mason.

21 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How far along: 21 Weeks

Size of Baby: 10.5 inches

Total Weight Loss/Gain: Gained a total of 13lbs.

Maternity Clothes: Everything except Summer dresses and some of my tops

Gender: It's a girl!

Movement: Anytime I'm sitting down or laying down. She is really active and likes to make her presence known.

What I miss: Laying on my stomach at night.

Cravings: Nothing in particular but I'm hungry a lot of the time.

Symptoms: Heartburn. Frequent bathroom breaks.

Best Moment of the Week: Mason has been telling me he has dreams of Peyton. I'm not sure what they are about, but it makes his mommy happy to hear he is already thinking about his little sister.

How I spent my Memorial Day Weekend

The hardest part about leaving Bakersfield, was saying goodbye to some of the best people and friends I have ever known. I knew that I couldn't wait too long before going back for a visit. Adam was kind enough to give the okay to plan a solo trip out to see my girls. It worked out perfectly with our friend Rachel's baby shower. The only people that knew I was coming were Marissa & Jayme.

 I seriously couldn't get enough cuddle time with the Mooney kids. They are family and I miss them so much. Here I am with Braden right before his last wrestling tournament of the season.

 Madison & I before she went to cheer that afternoon. I got really sunburned watching her, but it was worth it to see her so happy and doing her thing.

 With the Luke, aka "birthday boy!" He warmed my heart so much and kept talking about his wife, Taylor, and how he couldn't wait to come to Mason's house this summer.

 Besties and of course Luke had to be in the picture. It was his birthday after all.

 Celebrating 4 years!

 Marissa did a great job planning Rachel's shower.

 Our friend Jamie P. made these yummy chocolate covered strawberries.

 With Rachel. She had no idea I would be there until I surprised her at church that morning. All of our kids are the same age and we have been pregnant at the same time with each pregnancy (except I was still in Houston while pregnant with Mason)

Rachel being showered with love. We can't wait to meet Abigail in July.

 With two of my favorite people Marissa & Jayme. This was after Jayme and I sat on the couch having an ugly cry over how much we missed each other and the direction our lives have taken us this past year.

 The group. These are the girls that made it so hard to say goodbye to Bakersfield. A piece of my heart will forever be in Bakersfield due to them.

Right before Marissa & Jayme drove me to the airport. Adam asked if we were wearing sunglasses because we had been crying and I laughed and said that would have been a good reason. Instead we just figured it would make for a better picture. We're cool like that.



Adam's Memorial Day Weekend

For a few months now, I've had a trip scheduled over Memorial Day Weekend. Originally, Adam planned on staying in town with the kids. This is the first time he has had all the kids to himself for three days straight. Finally, I convinced him to travel four hours by himself with the kids down to Houston to see our families. It would make for a fun weekend and allow him to have a little help.

From what I was told, everyone had a great time. One of the mornings, Adam met up with his parents and took the kids and our niece, Faith to one of our favorite parks. My MIL took several pictures of the kids playing.

 At the end of the day, Taylor called it an early night and went to bed. Adam decided to take Mason for cookies and even shared a coke with him.