HELP!

As the nesting begins to set in and my body aches from head to toe, I have come to the realization that this child will be here sooner than later. Yes I'm aware I still have 3 long months left for my body to be uncomfortable, but I am also aware that life will change drastically in just 3 short months. My "to-do" list before baby comes is getting longer everyday. So I am asking for help with one of my "to-do list" items.

I need to change my blog name and address(trivial I know, but a necessity nonetheless). Is there any way to do this without recreating a whole new site? Also, I don't use the email address associated with logging into my account. How do I change that to my current email?

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated(especially if it's an easy fix...I'll send you a treat).

A Quite Christmas

Although it was just the three of us for Christmas, it was still something to remember. Camden let us sleep in until about 7:30, and then he was begging me to turn the tree lights on. Once I did that I couldn't help but turn on the Christmas music and start baking breakfast(sticky buns, of course).

I wasn't too sure how Camden would react this year to opening gifts, but it was with pure excitement! Every gift he opened whether church socks for Dad or a new baby for him(yes, I'm trying to get him used to the idea) he "oohed and awed". It was truly magical!

While the boys played with their toys, I took a small nap on the couch. But during my nap I had visions of Sonic drinks dancing in my head, I immediately arose and we took a little trip to Sonic.
Camden's corn dog must have sat well because he took a great 3 1/2 hour nap. While Dan played football(PS2 style), I walked around aimlessly trying to keep occupied. Dan had made sure the house was spic and span the day before, and with no errands to run, what was a girl to do? I was going stir crazy!

When Camden finally woke up we went for a little walk. Dan had the dog, and I pushed Camden on his new bike(thanks Ya Ya). It was rather weird being on a walk outside Christmas day and not freezing to death. But we enjoyed it nonetheless!

After dinner and watching "Elf", we decided to venture out and see the temple lights. I couldn't believe how many people were there doing the same thing. Feeling bad for myself, I thought we were the only ones not hanging out at Grandma's house. Boy was I wrong, I had never seen it so busy!

My heart has been extra soft this year when I think about the true meaning of Christmas. I have been drawn to Mary's feelings and what she must have gone through in order to bring the Savior to this earth. I'm so grateful for the birth of that precious child and the meaning it puts in my life. Although this Christmas was different than any other, it has truly been one to remember.

For He's a Jolly Good Fellow

I have tried hard not to let my emotions surface about not going "home" for Christmas. But I am well known for wearing my heart on my sleeve. I can't even tell you how hard it was to hold back my tears when Grandpa Tom thanked Dan, Camden, and I, "his adopted grand kids" for coming to his annual Christmas party!
He had this look of pure joy on his face the entire night! Doesn't it make you wanna squeeze him?

Now Camden on the other hand...doesn't have the same feelings for this jolly fellow as I do for Grandpa Tom!

Finally

I'm not one for hanging a bunch of "stuff" on my fridge. So why does this piece of artwork hanging make me so happy you ask?
Because it means Camden is finally in Nursery!!! I can't even tell you how liberating it feels to have two hours of church, kid free. Unfortunately Dan has to leave for work right after sacrament and it was far too difficult to teach my class with a hungry, tired, toddler. So bless our sweet nursery leaders hearts for taking him a month earlier than usual. The first Sunday we took him he was a bit confused but did rather well. The second Sunday he was not feeling good and cried, so I ended up staying with him for a bit. And ever since then he goes like a champ.

Now if only I could find a ward that takes the children for all three hours!

The Important Things

Today I'm overwhelmed and having a hard time focusing on what I've deemed "important", ya know, the things that "need to be done right now".

Seeing how I've hit road block after road block while trying to complete these important tasks, I figure I should set them aside for now and focus my energy elsewhere. Apparently blogging or venting is what I need right now. Far too often I talk/vent my husbands ear off and since he is not here, my blog gets to listen. So ignore my madness and bear with me while I unload.

I'm not one for living in the past or holding on to regrets, but I came across this poem that seemed fitting for my mood. It just seems to put the right perspective in place.

If I Had My Life To Live Over
by Erma Bombeck
If I had my life to live over,

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's".. More "I'm sorrys" ...But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back.

Lately there just aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish what I need. I'm positive others have, do, or will feel this very burden, but somehow still manage their way through life. I'm certain I live a life of luxury compared to some. But I am grateful to be intitled to feel overwhelmed and inadequate at times. And seeing how now is one of those times for me, I can honestly say it's humbling. No, there has not been any major crisis per say, but I have felt the many small as well as bigger things add up.

At this moment I feel the burden of working while trying to raise my son. The constant effort to finish the laundry, go grocery shopping, prepare dinner, clean tubs and toilets, nurture relationships, fulfill church callings, staying organized, and most importantly changing the world(lol). My list could go on for days, but I am also very aware of the good things in life that far out number my previous list. The huge box of children's books left anonymously on my doorstep, the thank you card in the mail, the phone call saying I'm needed, the generous Christmas gifts, the random hug. Letting me cut in line at target to purchase my basket full of items with a screaming child, taking my grocery cart once it was empty, free haircuts, and let us not forget my secret crush inviting me to his family party.

It's no wonder I feel so overwhelmed, life is full! Full of hard things and even more full with the good. I guess what this whole post comes down to, is me recognizing that I am truly blessed.

Now wish me luck while I attend to those important things that need to be done right now!

I Know The Suspense Is Killing You...

So it is true, Heavenly Father hears prayers! We are having another boy and we couldn't be more excited. Both of us were positive it was going to be a girl because that is not in the current budget. But imagine that, we were wrong!

Just so you all know, one of the reasons I love Dan so much is because he comes up with the craziest comments. When my doctor revealed we were having another boy Dan said, "Oh good, Camden needed a golfing partner. It's always more fun to golf in pairs".

So now comes the tricky part, we need to work on the following:

• a name
• a place for this one to sleep
• transitioning Camden into a real bed(I refuse to buy another crib)
• do we or do we not need a double stroller
• teaching Camden to be soft(we don't need them wrestling from the get go)
• stocking up on diapers

That Smell

Today I spent the morning making a diaper cake for a friend expecting twins. As I rolled all 100 diapers, the smell of these tiny things started to get to me. In a good way. It brought back memories of that newborn smell.
This pregnancy has been very different from the previous, in many ways. When I was pregnant before, it consumed my every thought. This time not so much. Up until last week whenever I thought about being pregnant, it was negative. I am grateful for this change. I want to be excited. I like feeling giddy. I can't wait for Camden to be a big brother! Yes, I am still very nervous for obvious reasons, but the excitement outweighs my fears.

I felt this baby move for the first time at 16 weeks. Then shortly after, I was getting nervous because that feeling stopped. It wasn't until this past week when I noticed movement again and now it never stops.

This time around I looked pregnant much sooner. I felt sick a little longer, but not as severe. I feel exhausted early on during the day. I crave sweetarts and salt. The thought of ground beef makes me nauseous. I am hungry enough to eat a cow everyday at 4 o'clock. I only change poopy diapers when Dan isn't home, they put me over the edge.

We are half way there, 20 weeks already! We find out what we're having in two days. I'm hopeful we'll have an easier time agreeing on a name, but I won't hold my breath.

Wish me luck!