Let's Talk...

Let's talk about how my 2 1/2 year old son is pretty much potty trained now...oh yay! I guess I could say he is potty trained, but I'm too scared to say that and then he wakes up from his nap shortly and totally forgets everything he's learned. We started a few weeks ago and he's done really well. Actually, he picked it up pretty fast. By the afternoon of the first day of training he was already telling me when he needed to go "pee-pee". By the end of the week, I hardly had to ask him at all. He would just tell me. Now, he doesn't even tell me...I just hear the flush of the toilet and then he comes running and says "I pee-pee"! I never thought I could enjoy those words so much. He also has been waking up dry in the mornings and after nap for the past week. It's so wonderful to only buy diapers for one now and we plan to keep it that way for a while! It was also nice to have my best friend training her 2 1/2 year old (who happens to be Luke's best friend) at the same time. We got to vent and rejoice with each other! Now our sweet baby boys are big boys now....I can't believe it.

Which brings me to my next topic of discussion.....let's talk about how we are all going to the beach together..real soon. This time next week we will be relaxing in Orange Beach! I can't wait. Yes, our families are taking a vacation with all 5 of our boys who are 3 and under. It may sound crazy and when we first discussed this trip, and especially after Jude was born, I was seriously considering backing out. But now I'm excited about it. Our lives are crazy anyway, so I don't see it being any different when we go to the beach! My friend Kim and her bunch are leaving Saturday, we will be heading that way Tuesday night, stopping halfway to spend the night, and then arriving Wednesday. Luke has been talking about going to the beach for a looong time. I know he's going to love it, especially having his best friend with him. Hopefully, this will turn into a tradition we can do for a long time. :)

Let's talk about this 5k training app I've been doing. Okay, so I really don't like discussing my exercise routine or posting on Facebook how far I ran and in what amount of time...or whatever. I think I may have done that once and I didn't like it. I never want to make anyone feel inadequate or make myself seem prideful, so I just don't do it or try not to anyway. But I just have to say this 5k training app is about to kill me. I have this love/hate relationship with it. I love that I can run farther than I ever have or ever thought I could (which isn't even very much to begin with for some people). It's almost helped me have an enjoyment for running. (and the inches I have lost makes it not so bad either) But I am on week 4 as we speak...and I can not get passed it. I've been stuck for two weeks! I honestly think it has to do with me needing some new shoes...that's my good excuse and I'm sticking to it. Seriously, if anyone is considering taking up running/walking, try this app! I absolutely hated running (and there are days I still hate it) but this has helped me train and build myself up without wanting to die...sometimes. I'm not saying it's super easy...because it's not. I really have to pray my way through it somedays..really I do. And listen to some really good music...I think that is a big key in running...or to me it is! I am for sure not a professional at this...look, I'm having a hard time getting past week 4! I'm just hoping I can get a little better for the 5k Justin and I (and our friends Kim and Clay) hope to do in December. I would love to run the whole thing...I'm not even concerned about a time. I just want to do it! I did one last May and loved it. I just mainly walked, but would love to do more running this time.

I hope you folks enjoy your week and just think about how I'm enjoying the wonderful beach next week and be very jealous....:)

That will be Justin and I...our kids will be in the water somewhere. 

Luke Michael Heck

This blog post is dedicated to my funny, cute, and sweet 2 1/2 year old son Luke Michael Heck. I feel like he has got a little left out in the last few posts (sorry son), so I thought I'd make this blog about him and the cute, funny things he does (kind of a get to know him kind of thing...).

Birthdate: Luke was born on January 8, 2010 and weighed 7 lbs 1 oz (I can't remember the time or his length..and actually his weight may not even be right...I am bad at remembering these things! That's why I have my mom...she knows) This was after he put me through 24 hours of labor...but like they all say "he was worth it!"

Look at the sweet baby face...yeah he was worth it

Luke was always such a sweet, happy baby. He spit up constantly....I mean all the time, but he was happy about it. I could get all kinds of things done around the house and he would just entertain himself. (He actually still does that) 

Favorite Food: Luke loves some chicken! Really..this kid could eat chicken every day. Occasionally, Justin and I tell Luke some meats are chicken just so he will eat it...hey, we don't want him to starve! 

Best Friend: Other than Justin and I of course...Luke has had Malachi as his best friend since they were about 5 months old. Malachi's mom and dad use to live underneath us in the Seminary apartments and we all became like family (and still are). His mom, Kim, is my best friend. They are so cute together, especially now. They get so excited when they see each other...and eventually they turn to fighting like brothers, but in love of course! 

They are about 8-9 months here. Aren't they sweet, eating their puffs off the floor in their diapers?

And here they are at their 2 year birthday party...(this is the most recent and best picture I have of them) Kim, we need to take their picture! 

Favorite Toy: This varies a lot, but right now he loves his cars. He has developed such a great imagination and I love to hear him talking with his toys and cars. It's the cutest thing.

Favorite Movie: Well, he loves some Veggie Tales, but I would have to say right now his favorite movie is Toy Story (any of them). He watches the second one a lot, and can actually quote the movie as it's playing. 

Just watching a movie (probably Toy Story) with Mickey Mouse...he actually put him in that chair and made him "cozy"

He also really loves music. He loves singing and dancing. He will randomly throughout the day say "Mama, dance" So we will dance. He can pick up on a song real fast and will repeat anything he hears on the radio or whatever we are listening to. It's real cute. 

Just listening to some music.

Luke really loves all his family. He loves being around people he loves and that love him. He just gets so excited. And he randomly talks or asks about them throughout the day. 

He talks non-stop....really. 

He also has the best memory. Seriously, this child can remember anything. Don't think you can bribe him with something to get him to go to bed at night, and not expect him to remember the next day...he will! One example of how good a memory he has is one morning I asked Luke what he wanted for breakfast. He told me a waffle. I then realized we were out and said sorry we have to go to the store and get some. So, two days later we were getting ready to go to the store. I had already made my list. As we were walking out the door he says "Got to get waffles" (which I forgot to put on the list...thanks Luke!)

Luke has become such a funny little boy. He has such a great personality. He really makes me laugh every day. Let me share some funny/cute things he does or has said recently:

- He has this little farmer guy that goes with a barn toy thing...anyway he plays with this little guy a lot. He even talks to him...but my favorite part is he calls him "barner"  If he can't find him he will say "Mama, where's Barner?" And then I laugh and say I don't know. I just think it's so funny when he says that...you may not but I laugh every time. 

- If he really likes what I cooked for dinner/lunch, he will say "mmmhmm good supper"

- One day, on the way home from Walmart, I realized I had forgot to pick up Jude's prescription. That meant I would have to drive back another 20 minutes to get it, so I used the saying I learned from my mom, who got it from her mom and said "Shoot a Monkey" (that's the closest to cussing you get around here). Well of course, Luke repeats it, and then a few minutes later he says "Shoot a Elephant". It was pretty hilarious...I was sad I was the only one in the car to hear it. 

-Luke will call Justin "Justin" often. It cracks me up every time. Occasionally in the mornings he will go and wake him up and say "Justin, I want breakfast" 

-I just recently bought a treadmill (which I love..so far). I usually jog/walk on it whenever Jude is napping in the morning. So, Luke will play in the sunroom (where the treadmill is) while I workout. As soon as I'm done and get off he will say "Good job, Mama!" It is really encouraging, actually.

- I taught him how to tell people his name when they ask, accept he has a hard time putting Luke and Michael together..for some reason. So, you ask him "What's your name?" He will reply "Michael Heck"We are working on this. 

- His bed time ritual includes reading a book and singing songs. It also requires being "cozy" which means covering him with his blanky that he has to sleep with...really. It will be a bad night if we ever go somewhere and forget that thing. It also requires a "bear hug and a bear kiss". 

- I also love when he uses the phrases "Dangerous" "That's weird" "That's cool"...and he always uses them in the right way. 

- Justin's favorite things he does are when he sings "Call Me Maybe", which Luke sings as "Call Me Babies". Luke will actually request this song when we are in the car. Justin also likes when Luke repeats things we say....Justin can get him to say anything. Sometimes we are amazed at what he can actually repeat and it sounds really good. He can talk pretty well for a 2 1/2 year old. He also likes when he says "Buzz Ightyear" (that's how he says it) 

Well those are just a few of the funny things he does...there are tons more I'm sure. 

He really is such a funny and entertaining little child. He has his Daddy's personality for sure....and I love it! If you're ever having a bad day, just come over to our house...I promise he will make you laugh! I love the stage he is in now. (besides the occasional fit throwing..that is actually getting lots better) He is learning so much and amazes me and Justin every day. I love watching him grow and learn new things.  We love our little Lukey! 

Boys

It's so hard for me to believe that it is really the end of July! Where did summer go...really? I walked in Walmart the other day and saw back to school lists and supplies and I got a really nervous, sick to my stomach feeling. Does anybody else do that? I haven't been in school in almost 4 years. (that's weird)

Anyway, my summer has consisted of visiting some family, being outside (when it's not a billion degrees), and taking care of two cute (well I guess three..hehe) and funny boys (one who I believe is in the climax of his terrible twos). Jude is now 4 months and he's such a sweet baby boy. He's a completely different baby than he was the last time I updated. He's always liked me, but not anybody else. He finally likes other people and is so happy and smiley. And we are now on the 4 hour schedule/eating solids...which to me is such a wonderful thing. He sleeps great (three naps a day and 12-13 hours at night). I remember him being a newborn and I couldn't wait for these days...and now they are and yes I am so glad! I know...one day I will wish for those newborn days back..blah, blah, blah....but here's something I'm going to admit to you. I don't really enjoy the newborn stage...like at all. I mean I loved both of my babies when they were born...of course. But it's hard and exhausting...and they eat all the time and don't sleep at night. So, yeah...I'm glad when they get to the 3-6 month stage...it's my favorite. They are so happy. My favorite time of day is the morning. He acts like he hasn't seen me in weeks...he gets so excited. I just love it! 

So, yeah...we believe Luke is at the climax of his terrible twos. Oh dear...it's been an adventure for sure. I really have to wake up and pray for patience to make it through the day. It's like one day Jude woke up and decided to be this wonderful happy baby and Luke decided he hated life and everyone in it. (a little exaggeration there) It's not horrible everyday but somedays, if you came over, I would beg you to take him. I know it's a stage and he will grow out of it...hopefully soon! But when he's not acting like a crazy person, he's probably the funniest two year old I know...really. He makes me laugh every day. He really does have Justin's sense of humor and I love it! And he's super smart. I can tell he's going to be one of those kids who love going to school and learning. 

We got to take our first family pictures in Oklahoma last week and they turned out so good! Also, they were the first profesional pictures I have had made of Jude....oops. Oh well...I did get some of him in the hospital...so technically not the first. Anyway, my step sister-in-law took them...and she is so good. She's took several for us before, but I think these were her best she's done for us. Here's her Facebook page...go check it out. And if you live in or around Oklahoma ask her to take your pictures! Here are a few of my favorites, that I can't wait to get and put around our house. 

Family

Sweet Baby Boy

Luke refused to put his hands anywhere near Jude....he loves his brother.

This is my favorite picture of Luke ever...he can be sweet. Also, you can get him to do just about anything when you bribe with skittles.

He's my best friend. 

Oh, Babies!

Well in my last update I said I hoped the next time I blogged Jude would be here..and he is! He's 2 months old now..but oh well! Now I have lots I can discuss. :) I thought I'd share some questions I get the most after I've had Jude. 1) How is Jude doing? 2) What's it like with two babies now?

To answer the first question, Jude is doing pretty good. He's my sweet baby and he really does like me a lot! He looks a lot like my brother when he was a baby...which I guess all my babies are going to look like my brother...and Justin! Oh well..I like them so it's okay. I tried nursing for the first time with Jude. I didn't nurse Luke and I thought I would give it a try this time. The first week seemed to be going pretty good. He was doing great eating and latching on, but soon I was in lots of pain (I won't give details but I was super sore) I tried lots of things, including exclusively pumping, but that just became exhausting and with a two year old I didn't have the time for that. At the third week I decided I just couldn't do it and we switched to formula. I will say this..I really did love nursing Jude. It really was such a sweet experience and I do wish it would have been easier and not so painful for me...and yes I know it may have got easier but I just could not handle that at the time.  But I hate the guilt that I felt afterwards. I told myself when I starting trying I would not feel guilty if I did have to stop..but I did. I hate that women have to feel that way about not breastfeeding. It's unfair...of course I want the best for my baby! And not breastfeeding does not mean that I don't. Jude is nice and healthy and gaining weight on formula. I do miss nursing him at times (I don't miss the pain) but I do hope maybe with our next baby it will turn out differently...but I have no problem going to formula if I have to. I feel that God has given doctors the wisdom to know what to put in formulas that our babies need. Anyway...enough of that. Jude has been struggling a little bit with his reflux. He's been on two different prescriptions and we had to end up changing him to a special formula. He's doing lots better with that. Luke had reflux bad too...but he was never in pain like Jude is...poor baby. Jude sleeps great at night...7-8 hours now. He actually has slept good at night since he's been born..usually going a 4-5 hour stretch. But there are some days where he has problems resting during the day..and wants to be held. And that can be very difficult when you have a two year old. He's doing lots better now though...he seems to make progress every week. Luke is getting use to Jude a lot more now. I think he's figured out he's here for good. He seems to like him...most of the time he doesn't even pay attention to him.


Now for the second question...what's it like with two babies?  I'll answer this one with some advice and things I've learned over the last few weeks.

-In the beginning you may not get a shower...for a day...maybe two (sorry it happens)

-You may realize at the end of the day you didn't brush your teeth...then you go brush them..or just go to
sleep.

-Sleeping is such a wonderful thing!

-Cry when you need to...and you will need to..for no reason at all. Just do it..you will feel so much better..trust me!

-You will forget what day it is....month...maybe even year. I couldn't believe when April was over...really..I was so shocked. I still can't believe it's May.

- There were and still are some days I feel like all I did was feed a baby and spank and get on to the other one...which is probably true.

- Take a nap when your babies do! (if you can get them on a schedule when they both are..thankfully I was able to do that) I needed that nap during the first few weeks.

-You may go a week or so without cleaning or doing laundry and you start to feel that your house is gross...but it's okay. Which leads me to my next point:

-This is advice that I'm still learning, but don't overwhelm yourself with house work...laundry, cleaning..etc. Those things can wait...rest if you need too..play with the kids. But seriously I still need to work on this...I've been better over the last week or so...but I do get overwhelmed with the things that need to get done..I just know eventually they will!

- Make sure you try to make some time with the first baby, even if it's just for 10 minutes. I could tell a huge difference in Luke if I hadn't sat down and paid attention to him or done something with him. As long as I got a little time in there he would do good the rest of the day. It was really hard in the beginning but lots easier now!

- I have never been more thankful for my husband than in these last few weeks...seriously. I don't know how I could do it without him. He's such a good Daddy and help for me. I like him a lot.

- I am also super thankful I live close to my Mama. I so need her during this time and so thankful she loves my babies and loves to help and keep them. She's great...and I love her dearly. And I'm also thankful for my sister...she's been lots of help too. I just love living close to my family.

-Have a friend that you can talk to that you can relate to/complain/cry...whatever! Seriously..this helps so much. I am so thankful for my sweet friend Kim. We have such similar lives and I know I can just call and talk to her and she knows exactly how I feel. If you don't have someone you can call and talk to...you can talk to me! I would love that..really.

-Make time to spend with the Lord...reading the Bible/praying. This is something I am still  working on myself as well. It is really hard to find a quite time during the day..I know...except for nap time and in the early weeks you are so exhausted you need some sleep! But I know my days are so much better when I do sit down and at least get that special time in with the Lord. It helps so much. Luke will usually leave me alone if he has a movie on or a TV show he likes.

-Try and get a babysitter or a family member to watch your kids every now and then so you and your husband can go out. I know I am blessed to have my mom and sister close and I know they love keeping my babies, so Justin and I can spend some time together. It really helps our relationship so much when we can get away...and it's okay to do that! Don't let anyone make you feel guilty...your baby doesn't have to be attached to you all the time...I promise. He/she won't even know you were gone...sorry but they won't.

-Ask your husband for help if you need to. This is something I struggled with in the beginning. I know Justin was willing to help me, but I felt so guilty asking him sometimes because I felt this was "my" job to take of our kids. And while yes, I do stay at home and I am the primary caretaker of our children and love it..Justin and I are also a team and we are here to help each other. And he is a great helper, by the way.

-This is something that I now try to do..in the beginning I wouldn't worry about it so much, but making a schedule helps me a lot. I try to work out what days I clean what...Mondays: clean floors Tuesday: clean bathrooms...etc. I never try to clean everything in one day...if you can..great..but that would make me crazy! I try to spread things out. This helps so much.

I think that's somethings I've learned and I am still learning over the last 8 weeks. I am no expert at this Motherhood thing..it's hard..extremely hard some days, but it is so rewarding and I love taking care of these babies...and my husband!

One more little note...I've started Weight Watchers again and working out. I'm starting my goal of losing this baby weight. The working out part I enjoy and actually hasn't been too hard. But staying within my set amount of points is hard! I know it will get easier as I go along..I'll keep an update on my progress. :)

It's Baby Time...or I wish it was.

So, I realize I'm probably the worst blogger ever. I usually think at some point during the day I need to sit down and blog about something, but then I obviously don't. I wish I was better at it...but oh well. I'll try to sum up a few things over the last few months..nothing too exciting. We got all moved into our new house and we love it! There is so much room and it really is such a pretty house. I just love it. It's taking me a while to get everything set up the way I want it, but we are pretty much there. I'll post some pictures once I get it looking the way I want...which will hopefully be soon. We love our church..they are such sweet people and we have enjoyed getting to know everyone. I love having Justin working just across the yard and having him home for lunch and dinner every night and helping with Luke...makes me wonder how I did it so long with him being gone! God timed everything so perfectly...which of course he always does, but I don't know how I would be making it if Justin was still working two jobs and gone all day and at night...ahh...it makes my heart feel weird thinking about it. So I'll stop.

So my main reason for posting it to say...we are about to have baby! (or I really hope it's soon) I'll be 38 weeks at the end of this week...which is just crazy...but I'm so glad. This pregnancy has gone by fast and actually has not been bad, I think having a two year old to take care of really helps the time go fast and makes me almost forget sometimes I'm even pregnant. But the last week or so I have not forgot and I'm so ready to have this baby. I hate being limited in the things I can do....being tired all the time...and also having to go to the bathroom every 30 minutes...really...not fun! So, yes I"m tired of being pregnant now and I am just ready for little Jude to be here. I went to the doctor Tuesday and was told I'm not quite dilated yet...but I was close...whatever that means....I think he was just trying to make me feel better. I'm hoping when I go back this Tuesday I'll have made some progress...I feel like I have....I can feel that my body is changing and he has dropped (which would explain the going to the bathroom constantly!) I had Luke 10 days early..so 10 days early would be the 17th (Saturday!) But we are hoping he comes before then or after that. My mom and Julie are going to my cousins wedding in Malvern, AR this weekend. I wanted to go, but we (Justin and I) and my doctor decided that would be way too risky...I really don't want to go into labor at a wedding...that would not be fun at all. Of course I know he will come when he's ready...just hope that's soon!

So, here's hoping next time I update Jude will be here! (which by the way I update I'm sure he will be!)

Such a Big Boy

We hit a milestone today with Luke. Some of you may not think it's a big deal...but it is to us! He starting sleeping in a big boy bed tonight (twin size bed).

Justin taking down the bed...and Luke helping.

I love this picture (below)...he really thought he was doing something. :)

 He was getting so excited while we were setting it up. I was actually started to get a litte sad and worried at the same time. I didn't know how he was going to do. I know I've heard it can be really difficult for some. But Justin laid down with him for a little bit and read him a story...see below.

We didn't hear anything else after that. We waited about an hour and went in there...

Sound asleep!! 

I couldn't believe it...he didn't get up once! I was thinking he may have a few spankings tonight..but no. I was so proud. I know it may not be this way every night, and he may get up at 6 in the morning and want to play...but right now I'm happy. I think it helps a lot that Justin was here...he seems to listen to him a lot better. I guess it's a dad thing! I just can't get over how he's sleeping in that big bed...or it seems so big with him in it , when just two years ago, this is what he looked like:

Ahh...I just want to squeeze him. Yes, I know soon I'll have one in that baby bed...but it's not Luke! I usually don't get sentimental about things like this...I'm blaming it on the pregnancy...:)

Speaking of that...I have about 11 weeks left and if Jude happens to come two weeks early like his big brother Luke did...that would make just 9 weeks...whoah! Crazy...it's gone by fast. I can't wait to hold and squeeze him and kiss those (hopefully) fat cheeks.

In other news, packing is going along good. I've got a lot done this week. Justin says I'm doing too much too soon...but I am determined to not be a crazy person the week of our move...I'm hoping to finish almost everything by the end of next week. I'm pretty sure I can do it! We love our church family...they are so sweet to us. I can't wait to move there and get to know everyone (and their names!) better.

Today I went to Kohls and used my gift card that my wonderful mother in law gave me for Christmas...I love Kohls..it's my favorite place to shop, but not for maternity clothes! I was thinking I would save the card and use it after the baby was born and buy really cute new stuff..but I needed a couple of warm things to wear the rest of this pregnancy...so I made myself use it. Let me just say....buying maternity clothes is not near as fun as buying "regular" clothes. Especially when the store has hardly anything to choose from! Do retail stores not realize when your pregnant you like to dress cute too? I have seen several really cute stuff...but then you have to pay a billion dollars for it...(okay so that was an exaggeration...but you get the idea) Then you find something that you think is going to look really good...put it on and you look like a big piece of fruit or something...or at least that's what I feel like. Anyway, I did eventually find a couple of cute things....but I can't wait until I can wear cute stuff again...after I lose all of my baby weight!

Well, I'm hoping Luke stays in his bed the rest of night...and doesn't wake up in the middle of the night and come in our room and scare me really bad...that's what I keep thinking about...it would really freak me out if he did that.