Sea World

We had a fabulous trip to Sea World a few days ago. We went with our friends Amanda, Bruce, and their boys Henry and Joshua. We saw beluga whales, penguins, walrus, and many other water animals. This was also Izzy's first time seeing "whales". We have been lucky to see a lot in our travels, but this was a big event for her. One of the highlights of our trip was a semi-private lunch called Dine with Shamu. It was AWESOME!!! Completely worth every penny. She was just in awe of the whale being so close to our table while we ate. We ended the day a little early so we could get back to my parents so Paul could take me to the doctor. This baby has been quite a challenge: siadica, a bladder infection, a pulled round muscle, headaches, and low blood pressure (95/55). So I am determined to make it through, as I also have no choice, but every day is a new challenge. Not looking forward to going back to work.

Christmas at the Warehouse

We took Izzy last night to perform at church. It was hilarious. The babies are so funny to watch try to sing the song and Izzy is the largest toddler and looks so out of place, but she is not quite 3 years to go up to the next class.

Trip to Orange County

Izzy and I were very lucky to be able to spend 6 days with my parents this last week. We haven't been down since Spring Break so it was nice to see everyone. We did a lot too, but paid the price (we missed Thanksgiving dinner because Izzy was sick with a fever) and are still recovering from sickness.


Here we are at the Great Park in Irvine. It has such potential but needs a lot of money to fund the dreams. There is a great big helium balloon, The World's Largest Passenger Helium Balloon. Izzy wanted to ride on it, but they ran out of tickets. So this is her making her own ticket. She said, "Mommy I need paper and pen". When asked what she was doing she said, "I make ticket for balloon". So it was a running joke the rest of the week that Daddy would go with her during Christmas and they would have their tickets.




Then we went to a great new place in Irvine called Pretend City with our friends Auntie Amanda, Henry, and Joshua. Although, expensive so worth it. They had all different areas or parts of a city, that the kids could play in. Our favorites were the moon sand beach, the great water play area, the Stage with the fun musical instruments and yes, the chickens. Thanks to Auntie Kari, Izzy is obsessed with chickens.

(Can you spy the baby bump? 14 weeks).

We went to the Santa Ana Zoo which is great for seeing monkeys (that is their specialty). So we went and looked around and played at the park.




Our last day we met Grandma Pat and Grandpa John at the Mission Inn in Riverside which is a true sight for Christmas. We had a great time looking at all the decorations and we got to see them bringing in the big Christmas tree. We had a great lunch too.











After lunch, we met Grandpa at the beach. Our personal favorite. We love to see the birds and listen to the waves, and yes, roll in the sand.






Lastly, we spent time playing with Grandpa's helicopter and making cookies with Mi-Ma. It was a great trip and we look forward to going back in a few weeks.

Christmas Tree

We walk into Ikea and lo and behold there is a Christmas tree. What does my kid do? "Mommy, look! It's a Christmas tree. That's when I get my bike". Can you guess what Izzy wants for Christmas?

Starbucks

We decided for our day off that we would go to Costco (which is a production). We had a good time, the car full of supplies, and since I had gotten a special type of soda, Paul wanted a coffee so we stopped at the Starbucks. Little did I know my kid new exactly where we were. Right when we pulled up to the menu, she yelled with force, "I want hot chocolate". This sent Paul and I to laughing because as many of you know our money has been tight so we DO NOT GO to Starbuck's. So we ordered Bell a drink and when the woman came to the window she yelled again with her big, loud voice, "Gimme my hot chocolate!" Is this what I have in store for me?

New Pictures of the Baby

I had another doctor's appointment and everything is moving along great. These will be the last pictures till the 20 week ultrasound (which will be good pictures). The baby is 7 cm from his/her bottom to the top of his/her head. He/she is very squirmy and was just moving around. We were getting a kick out of it because I can't feel a thing and it was rolling and kicking and swatting. We could see toes and fingers. If you look carefully on the top picture to the left of the baby, the midwife actually caught a picture of the baby's face within the picture (like a picture within a picture). So they have dated me at May 26th which will give me time to clear up loose ends at school and get ready for a crazy summer.

(Izzy is in blue on the left).

There was a great article written in the Sac Bee describing Izzy's school food program. Izzy is even in one of the pictures. I appreciate the food choices that she receives and don't feel bad when I forget to give her veges and fruits for dinner.

http://www.sacbee.com/161/story/2266692.html

Here is the menu from Sept 28- Oct 2 (I couldn't find the updated one). I look at some of the options and it sounds so yummy. I am not sure why they had turkey sandwiches twice that week (not a usual occurrence). The other day she had turkey pozole and this morning she had pumpkin pancakes for breakfast.

Monday
Strawberry Pancakes
Peaches & Crackers
Egg Salad Sandwiches, Green Salad & Butternut Puree
Pears & Crackers

Tuesday
Oatmeal & Raisins
Apples & Crackers
Spaghetti Marinara, Green Salad & Garlic Bread
Smoothies

Wednesday
Cereal & Strawberries
Bagels & Cream Cheese
Turkey Sandwiches, Cucumber Salad & Fruit Salad
Pears & Crackers

Thursday
Sugar Free Apple Sticky Buns
Grapes & Crackers
Meat Loaf, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Green Beans
Smoothies

Friday
Cereal & Berries
Nectarines & Crackers
Turkey Sandwiches, Green Salad & Fruit Salad
Pears & Crackers

Apologies

Lastly, I apologize for not blogging more. I can barely find enough energy to check my e-mails at night let alone post anything. I have written it all in my brain, but my body is surely not cooperating. This baby has been a challenge for me. I am fighting back aches, nausea, and tiredness like I have never experienced before. I have good days and bad days and when I find energy I jump on the time. Last night, I had enough energy to dust the fireplace (yes, a one minute chore) which has been an eye sore for me when I am laying on the couch. My only saving grace is that Paul has been an amazing husband who is very understanding and demanding of me to rest. He has been doing dishes, cooking, making my lunch, laundry, and giving Izzy baths at night to just name a few. I look forward to getting my energy back soon. This making a baby from scratch thing is tiring.

Bishop's Pumpkin Patch Part II

The Claussen's have begun a tradition to have the family together at Bishop's Pumpkin Patch to celebrate Paul and my birthdays. We all have such a great time and the weather was cooperating this year. The kids are getting older so there are always new things to see and do with age. It is also great to see them all interacting with each other since we don't get to spend as much time as we would like with them. Izzy was some what of a pill. She cried because there was a line to the train, then she had to wait for the train, and then the train wasn't going. Typical, two year old behavior.

Family Weekend

My family came up for my actual birthday (hasn't happened in many years). We went to the longest covered bridge in America which can be found right here in Nevada County. It was beautiful. They were having an event "The Calling of the Salmon". It was a throw back to our Humboldt days with lots of hippies and American Indians.

We also had plenty of laying around time. Just a cute picture of Izzy, Auntie Kari, and MiMa.

Bishop's Pumpkin Patch Part I

We went on our annual trip with my family to Bishop's Pumpkin Patch. The world's best pumpkin farm. Izzy had a fun time showing MiMa, Grandpa, and Auntie Kari around. (I will have to work on getting the copies of the comparison pictures of Izzy from last year to this year). She has grown almost 6-8 in and her hair is so long.

What to Expect

Most new moms read the What to Expect books. My two year old has found this to be a great source of information for her. She likes to look at the pictures and ask questions. We have decided to be very honest with her, but I draw the line with Izzy imagining she can have a baby. "Only Mommy has a baby in her BeBo, not Izzy." She seems to be satisfied with that answer and we move on.

A Yard of Discoveries

We have been working in the yard to prepare for winter and while cutting down bushes we found the largest concentration of lady bugs I have ever seen. It was straight out of the Huell Howser where he went deep into this unnamed forest and was pulling out millions of lady bugs. We have also spotted lizards and frogs. The bad part is a neighbor pulled a baby rattlesnake out of their garage last weekend, so I am NOT thrilled about their discovery.

Beginning to Transition

I was given the congratulations paper today. Congratulations that your baby is now going to the big girl class whether you like it or not. We are excited but sad that our baby is now a big girl. She is capable of doing so many things: pottying, feeding, socializing, following directions, and moving safely around. It will be good for our $ since we have her going 4 days a week we will save another $200 going to the big girl class. Then it actually becomes relatively affordable for good care and great meals. Want to know what she is eating tomorrow for breakfast: turkey chorizo and scrambled eggs. Today for lunch she had chicken enchiladas and refried beans. Sign me up.

Since beginning her transition her communication has been abounding. Yesterday, she told me, "Mommy look! The Heron is the same color as the truck, white" or "Mommy look the airplane!" (out her window, then she notices out the windshield), "Mommy look the airplane turned around" (thinking that the airplane was the same plane). Everyday it is head turning comment that I am constantly going, "Paul did you just hear what she said". Ohh, and the why questions: but why, or what happened. And then you give her a perfectly good answer and she stares back with those beautiful brown eyes and repeats the question to you like you never answered it the first time. Her questioning, although developmentally important, is exhausting. I remember Kari going through this and it is like hitting your head against the wall because they are really good questions but the answers don't make any sense to them.

It's Official

(The baby is head up to the left of the egg sac).

Baby #2 is on his/her way. We saw the baby yesterday. He/She is 1.8 cm and has a nice, strong heart beat. Izzy was with us and she kept saying, "See it Momma! See it!" She first called it Mommy's turtle, then changed it to a pig. We say where is the baby? and she says in Mommy's belly. Little does she know how her life is going to change. Poor kid!