A first!!

So, this is a milestone in our house. 
Alex lost her first tooth tonight!

Last night Wade suggested she tie her mildly wiggly tooth to the door knob and close the door.  She was all excited to try it.  We did, but her tooth did not come out.  It kind of hung there and she was tickled to move it easily.  Well, this afternoon she suggested we try it again.  She wanted her little sister to "gently" close the door.  Well, her tooth must have now been ready and it slid out like butter.  Shockingly to me though, there was about as much of the root of the tooth out as there was the tooth above the gum line. 
She was so happy about having it out that she never complained about it hurting.
She did make sure to rinse her mouth out to not swollow the blood since last night it made her puke.

So....  the first of many at our house.

10/23/11 - the date my first baby lost a tooth!

An attempt at a crafty mom

So, tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I am working with the kids on making heart collages as placemats for dinner. Since the hubbs is working, dinner will be with MIL and her Mom - and of course my wonderful girls.

We already made the jello, that we will cut out with heart shaped cookie cutters that will become dessert with a little cool whip. MIL is bringing over lobster tails she has in her deep freeze. I will make some sausage for my little ones as they cannot/will not eat lobster. I will also make some mashed potatoes and veggies since the girls like them a lot. I will also make up the jiffy rolled biscuits and cut them out with heart shaped cookie cutters.

Banana oatmeal muffins are in the oven now for breakfast tomorrow morning. Of course the muffins are in heart shaped muffin pans as well.

Of course, lunch will be heart shaped grilled cheese sandwiches. :o) I figure I should attempt to do these things while I am a SAHM and have the time. Hopefully these jestures are making memories for my girls.

People are insane

My first WTF moment is that I was asked Monday when I was pushing Taylor in Dylan in the double jogger, if they were twins. (My apolgies to the elderly woman for my snarky "NO!" reply.) I just thought that 2.5 years difference seemed obvious. Correct me if I am wrong and these two appear to be twins.My other WTF moment came when a man 2 houses down asked me if I had a little boy.

This picture was taken seconds after that as I texted a girlfriend (with a boy) and asked her if I looked to have a boy. Sadly Dylan is in pink and a bow!
Do I look like a boy? Really?!
Embarrassing for any baby boy whose Mama dresses him like this!

How does a Mom stay healthy?

So, yesterday afternoon Alex started to complain of a headache. I thought she was trying hard to earn a sticker for a good quiet time - and she fell asleep (two days in a row!). Well, she woke up and complained again of her head hurting, and had a 102 fever. She pretty much laid around all evening yet did eat dinner good. She kept complaining of being cold too.

The girls went to bed about normal time (8:30) and Dylan woke about 2 to eat. Taylor got up at 3:30 and turned the living room lights on, but went back to bed (huh?!). Alex then asked for a drink. Wade's alarm went off about 4, Dylan woke about 4:30 and refused to go back to sleep in her own crib until about 5. Alex & Taylor woke up at 7. Uhh.... I am so tired!

Alex woke with a fever, but after taking a bath it appears to be gone. She ate a waffle and cup of milk for breakfast and seems to be doing well. She was disappointed I called school saying she couldn't go - but better to be safe than sorry!

So, what are your tricks to stay healthy?

Pumpkin patch fun!

Today was a milestone in my Mommy-life.

I supervised my daughter's first field trip.

They went to visit Papa's Pumpkin Patch.

We we're there long, so here are some pics!

Alexandra, Alex & Taylor walking at the patch.Taylor in the pumpkin house.

Taylor & Dylan posing (Dylan slept most of the trip).

Alex, Alexandra, Taylor & Dylan posing for me.

We have to go back when we have more time. This was a really rushed trip.

Are you ready for some football?

Today rings in the 2010 NFL season.

Football is big at the Arnegard house.

This was bright and early, with all 3 girls in their Viking apparel ready for game day.

The best part of my day!

So the last two days have been ones that I would rather spend drinking than with my kids. I have had a 3 month old going through a growth spurt - eating constantly and having issues napping today. Last night she slept well at night, but the two previous nights she had 2 wakings a night. My darling 2 year old and 4 year old are the best of friends, but this does not help the noise level in my house. With a husband who works sleeps during the days 10 days a month, this causes me quite the anxiety... Where are the drinks?!

Well, last night I got the "big girls" to bed at 8:15 pm. Taylor wanted cuddles, but Dylan was fussy and was yet to go to bed. I told her that after I got Dylan to sleep I would come check on her.
She said, "And cuddle me?"
"Yes," I told her.

So, 15 minutes later, I snuck back into her room. Her big sister asleep already on the top bunk. As I walked closer to her, I could see a HUGE smile on her face. It melted my heart to see the look in her eyes with that smile. I made her night by coming to cuddle her and she made my day. She wrapped her arms around me and fell asleep.

My first 5k!

So, I accomplished my goal. Please pass the doritos, pizza, donuts and ice cream please!

I ran a 5k this morning that I planned for less than 24 hours. It was the Miles for Smiles run to benefit pink scarf and the Bismarck cancer center.

I bribed my Sister in law (by paying her fee) to walk the race pushing Dylan in the stroller. Her wonderful husband allowed me to drop my other girls off at his house to lounge and watch cartoons with their two kids. The only foul was that Taylor peed on the bathroom floor, her pants and panties trying to go potty there. I did provide breakfast for them making the struessel banana muffins I blogged about here. I also made homemade granola bars. These were awesome. I made them yesterday and there is barely any left! The kids all LOVE them!

Okay, back to the run... I jogged the whole time repeating to myself as I was passed many, many times that time does not matter because I have a 3 months old. I have never ran a 5k, much less 3 months and 6 days after I had a baby. I had my heart rate monitor on but tried not to pay attention to it and tried to push myself.... I ran 20 minutes of the race with my heart rate above 85%. It took me about 33 minutes to complete the race (5.5 mph - not too bad!). Of course, I was second or third from the end of the runners - but I did it! I have the Friends of Youth race in a month that is put on with the Bismarck marathon. I would love to finish it in less than 30 minutes, so that is what I have to strive for over the next month.


I celebrated my success this morning by taking my three angels grocery shopping at Wal-Mart (after I showered, started laundry and gave the girls a snack). We then went to Wendy's drive thru for lunch which I had the new Apple Pecan chicken salad. It was great! I inhaled it I was so hungry... The website says that it is 580 calories, which is a little more than my normal salad I make for lunch... still GREAT! After, I unloaded groceries, put them away, emptied the dishwasher, loaded the dirty dishes into the dishwasher (and hand washed a few), emptied the trash, switched laundry and picked up clothes that we took this morning.

I am exhausted. I will close my giving myself this:

Not because I think I did super, duper excellent. Not because I beat a few people in my run. But because I jogged the whole thing and I accomplished a 5k after 3 kids (one who is just 3 months!).

Pics of the kids

So, here is an easy update to my blog... Alex & Taylor goofing around. Such pretty smiles!
The littlest princess thinking Daddy is SO funny!

Smiling in her princess shirt....

Don't we all have pics like this that the kids dressed themselves?

I've let her go out in a dress and rainboots before... the husband is a little embarrassed at that.

Here is Dylan's picture that will be on the screen at church Sunday at her baptism.

We're expecting!

So this picture was taken a few weeks ago, 3/21 I think.

The girls got balloons from out neighbor boy's birthday party.

Alex wanted help to put it in her nightgown - and little sister follow's.

So, how long do you think they'll make it?

No rest for the weary...

So last night I fixed dinner, ate and went to a friends party. After dinner I felt really gassy, but went to the party anyway (and kept the gas to myself!). Well, I still wasn't feeling better by the time I got home. I soaked in the tub and felt somewhat better.... I told the H that I was going to sleep on the couch from the start (instead of moving there during the night), because I didn't feel good and was super tired. Well, that lasted about an hour or so am I had to run to the bathroom to puke. I puked a total of 4 times in 8 hours and wasn't even keeping water down. I was puking so hard I peed myself. :o( Baby was moving and kicking the entire time, like he/she thought I was playing a fun game. (Did I mention I am puke-phobic?)

Well, I got up this morning and am not feeling better.... I have kept a slice of toast and an apple down as well as 1.5 glasses of water and almost a full cup of coffee (I needed it!). I am tired and worn out after being up all night while everyone else was sleeping. The husband thought about calling in... however he took off a year ago last week because of my miscarriage and needs to save his FMLA for when the baby comes... so.... I just have to pray the girls are good today. Oh, and there won't be a walk for me today. When I weighed this morning - I weigh less than I did at my OB appt 3 weeks ago.

Life of a SAHM....

Do you ever wonder when the work will end? I joke and say that in my next life I want to be a man so I don't have to do as much. I know, I know it is my choice to stay home with my kids. I mostly enjoy it - between arguements over toys, tantrums, sassiness and the attitude. Without amazing friends who help me and my kids get out of the house, this would never work.

I did not know when I signed up for this job 3 years ago that part of my job description also involved handling all night time wakings. I understand if it is a nursing infant, I don't have an issue with that. However, the pee trips by our 4 year old are my job and last night the little one woke too, which is odd for her. I know that I am not the one to wake at 4 am to go to work, so I guess I should be thankful for that.

I think I am just so tired lately.... I am also dreading planning/making meals. I just want it to happen magically. :o) Do not get me started on laundry or picking up all the other stuff in the house....

4 year olds and strollers do not mix!

So, today was our Moms Club Fit Moms outing. We attempt to walk the mall and talk to each other. Well, I have a 4 year old who is not in preschool (she is school age 3 though). I have no complaints about the behavior of my 2 year old. She is happy to sit in the stroller and behave. Her sister on the other hand is a handful. I know what other Moms are talking about when they tell me that they cannot do Fit Moms because their older children will not sit in a stroller. I do not know if it was her being especially naughty or me being especially grouchy, but we did not work well today. She was picking on her sister, causing Taylor to be grouchy. She would get in the stroller (Sit & Stand), but then drag her feet so I was kicking them or trying not to step on them, or put her feet on the tires... getting out and running and not listen. Oh, how I need a calgone moment right now. I told her when we got home that she cannot act that way that it is embarrassing. So, right now, I pretty much feel like a terrible Mom with an out of control child.

She asked me several times if they could have candy (there are quarter candy machines in the mall), ride the rides (again, another quarter milking trap), or get a pretzel and I said no to all because she was not listening and was not being good. She told her Daddy on the phone that I made her sit in the front which was embarrassing. All I want to know is, seriously how will I handle another one when I can barely handle her on most days? I am not afraid of my two year old and the baby. I am afraid of my 4 year old running away (because she listens so well), picking up the baby and hurting it, climbing onto something injuring herself, her sister or the baby. Terrible 2's my caboose. Fabulous fours is more like it!

Busy Morning!

Well, we have an apple tree in our backyard. We don't have much of a backyard other than our deck and hidious bushes on two sides of the yard.... But we have an apple tree. My darling husband threatened to take it out because of picking up apples every time he mows, but I want the tree. Two years now we have gotten tons of apples. Wade finally picked the apples off the tree. I say finally because it froze several nights before he felt like getting around to it. He also left overnight when the apples were ready which they got snowed on instead of picked. :o) Odd sight!

So, this morning I was faced with a HUGE bag of apples (we have given some away!). I started to tackle them to get them out of my kitchen. I canned 10 quarts of unsweetned applesauce and 5 quarts of apple pie filling. If you are my friend, just let me know and you can have some! I should add that we also canned 14 quarts of apple pie filling last week. I am hoping to can 5 more quarts of apple pie filling tomorrow morning (if I can bribe the girls to be good again), then probably just make applesauce with the rest.

Here is a small amount of what I did:

So, while I was finishing the last of the apples, it was approaching lunch time. I asked Alex who just turned 4 if she wanted to make lunch for me. I gave her mini bagels, tomato sauce, cheese, olives and turkey pepperoni.
This is the first lunch she has ever made:



I thought it was good. That said, tomoto based products still are making me gag. Yes, I did gag after I ate this. The girls ate the cheese and olives off and were done. I am super-duper envious of Moms who have good eating kids. I think that if the eldest eats well, then the younger sibling follows suit. In my case, the eldest is a terrible eater and at times this behavior is influenced on my younger one. One meal that Alex generally eats is McDonald's Chicken Nuggets. She will eat 4-5 with no problem - however she does not eat like that AT McDonald's - just when I take it home. *Sigh!*

She was 37 lbs and 41.25 inches at her 4 yo appt though. They told me she was 75% for both height and weight. She has gained 4 lbs since her ear infection in May.

I'm a blob

It has been a rough two days.

Today is night 4 of 4 for my husband, any Mom will understand what I am taking about. The dread of the last day of work, the expectant relief of help over the horizon.

I ate an entire chocolate pound cake last night and today. I was craving chocolate last night, so I made this luscious Tastefully Simple Chocolate Pound Cake that was calling me from the cupboard. The husband had some this morning when he got home, but I think that is it. Oink, I know.

I popped the top on a bottle of wine last night and had a glass. Bummed due to *that time of the month*, I drank a glass.

Today, the kids were absolutely driving me crazy (we went grocery shopping then oraginzing). I guess I have gotten climatized to North Dakota. Here it is August. My friends in Texas and Kansas are seeing how low the A/C can go and how little clothes it is legal to go out of the house in. Well, we live in North Dakota. Not that it has been warm this summer AT ALL.... However, I brought a heaping box of winter clothes for Taylor (aka baby redhead) upstairs. I have them all put away, taking out summer clothes she has worn to make room for them. Sadly, she is such a peanut that I will be pulling these same clothes out when spring hits because most of the 2T's in her closet and drawer still do not fit. It is almost sad to look at these clothes I am putting in Taylor's closet and realize that a lot of them Alex wore when we moved here (she was 23 months). Some, I know Alex got for Christmas when she was 14 months - and they still do not fit little sister at 19 months. :o) I love my peanut!

So.... before dinner, I started drinking more. I had another 2 glasses of wine before and with dinner. Do you think my cheesy vegetable soup (from healthy cooking magazine) counteracts my eating sins? Or does my can of Coke Zero wipe out the wine?

Today is the start of cycle 4, trying for baby #3, round 2. This is the reason for the eating, drinking and depression. I want to be knocked up already.

We went camping!

Here is baby redhead at the end of our camping trip!

She has a messy face from her love of baked BBQ chips.

Big Sister caught a catfish!

We filleted it, fried it and ate it.

Yummy!

This is the girls walking with Wade ome morning to get water.

Like big sister's pink jammies?


This was the first day. Not the best pic of the girls, but the background is amazing!

I had so much fun camping with my girls. The downsides of the trip were 1) a steep hill getting to and from the water on one side of our camp. I had a hard time walking up/down it (granted I was carrying baby all times too!). and 2) baby redhead slept with us both nights. 3) I ate way too much and seem to have gained a pound or two. We didn't have room for her PNP, so we tried to have her sleep on a mattress. That didn't work. She did stay warm snuggled between us though.

Workout- DONE!

I did it. I got my lazy ass up this morning to work out. I actually woke up before my alarm. I did Jillian and it actually felt strangly good. I have not done Jill in many days. Taylor was crying at midnight and Wade got up and was rocking her. I am pretty sure that was when I rolled over to go get her and my 3 yo was glued to me. "How the hell did she sneak in my bed w/o me knowing?" That's right I was exhausted sleeping since her sister woke me at 4 am yesterday. So, then baby red head woke at 1 am and I got her back down. I was a fraid because she wouldn't let go of her milk cup. But, I laid her in her crib, she took 2 last sips and handed it to me, nothing said. I guess never having her cup in bed makes it routine. Today, off to the park with one of the girls BFF's! (Can you have a BFF at 1 1/2 & 3 1/2? If so, he is theirs!)

Workouts?!

Monday I felt like a toad and only made it 20 min on the eliptical. Last night (Tuesday), I did my full 45 min like a good girl. I am thankful to my husband for watching the girls while I worked out. Today, I set my alarm to get up like a good girl. Too bad Baby Red Head woke at 4 am! I tried to put her back in her crib at 5:15 and she howled. Well, I had forgotten to take my cell phone into the bedroom (after setting the alarm). So, nice to know the alarm goes off every 5 min of AN HOUR! I did not get up to turn it off. The song plays 3 times each time that it goes off. Right now, my alarm has been "I cross my heart" - by George Strait, my sister's ringtone. I need to change it or I will hate my sister just from hearing "her" song at 5:30 am. Well, Alex came into my room at 7 am and woke up Taylor. I was ready to kill her. I was not ready to get up. I think that I am 100% insane and we are going to walk to the library for storytime today. I need to get AP's or my ass will be 400 lbs. Oh, and to my joy I also got my visitor this morning. I celebrated like any level headed woman would. I pigged out. Yep, I ate 2 chocolate chip pancakes with peanut butter and a glass of chocolate milk for breakfast. I thought maybe my increased hunger was pregnancy.... maybe next month. I have realized though that it appears that all the summer maternity clothes I have will need to be sold or given away. Sorry all of my native ND friends, but even in April or May here in ND there is still a need for sweaters. We still have our heat on too and it is June 10th. The husband tells me that the last 2 years are odd with no spring. I am just ready for HEAT.

My favorite part of a day

My favorite part of a day is when I rock my baby Taylor Grace. Still, at now 17 months (yesterday), I rock her to sleep for her nap and bedtime. I know she is getting old for this and she doesn't always fall asleep while rocking anymore... but I still enjoy my snuggle time with her. I used to rock her while nursing her to sleep in her quiet bedroom, so now I continue the routine with a sippy cup. I know that it has been almost 2 months since my miscarriage, but this routine helped me through those hard moments. To hold and cherish my baby. I know if I did not miscarry before (Dec 06), I would not have Taylor to cuddle. There were many nights in March and April that I cried and prayed as I rocked her. Just thanking God for giving me my girls to love and trying to find some understanding of why he would take another pregnancy away from us. Also, to pray for another baby. I know that this is also why I have thrown myself so hard into working out, to keep my mind off of what isn't. It may be selfish thoughts, but we have 2 neighbors who are very pregnant, there is a gal at MOPS who the day I told my table I miscarried was telling hers that she was pregnant, plus a few other gals that I know that are very pregant. We got a call the other day to tell us that friends of ours in Kansas are expecting, a surprise. She has 3 boys by a previous marriage and they have 2 boys together and she is pregnant and due in October. I think we are going to see them this summer and it makes me sad since I would have been due the month after her.

I do have a cute/happy thing to share on this topic. The other night Alex really wanted to pray. Wade told her that we pray at bedtime, she was in her room, waiting to pray... I finally told her that she doesn't have to pray at bedtime, or in her room, or in the dark. She can pray where and whenever she wants. So in the living room, she folded her hands and said,
"Dear God, please give us another baby to make Mommy happy. Amen!"

I have been up this morning since about 3:45 am. I love to rock my baby, but not so much at quater to four in the morning! She did not sleep soundly until about 5:30 when I came downstairs to allow Jillian to kick my butt- then did the eliptical. It is going to be a long day!

Work out 2

Yesterday I decided not to get up early to work out. I went to the Moms Club business meeting, had lunch at home, then took Alex with me to take the recycling and go to the grocery store. Alex then fell asleep (Taylor was home with Daddy, napping) and I got my workout in. I decided to step up the 30 day shred and try level 2. OMG! I think Jillian was trying to kill me. I then did 60-70 steps per minute on the eliptical for 20 minutes. I was dripping with sweat.

This morning after Taylor woke up crying at 5 am, I decided I was not staying up to work out today. She woke up again about 6 and I pulled her into bed with us where she snuggled for another hour. Then my wonderful husband got up with her and let me sleep. I sat with the girls for almost an hour before I decided to go downstairs to work out. I did 45 min on the eliptical at only about 50 steps per minute because every muscle in my body hurts today. The husband then mowed the lawn and left to go golfing. I get to go to Moms Night Out tonight, so I guess it is fair.

I don't think I said in my weigh in post, but this is the lowest I have weighed since I got pregnant with Taylor in April 2007.