Don't miss the Tropical Traditions Dish Liquid

Seriously, I like this better than Dawn Dish Soap.  Don't forget to enter!

http://jencrum.blogspot.com/2011/10/tropical-traditions-dish-liquid-review.html

Little boy, Big anxiety

My sweet Monkey is a mama's boy.  Right now I think he would admit that, we'll see if it remains true over the next several years.  He's a thinker too.  He's always been one to observe the world around him and right now he's working on observing and absorbing all the information he can about what it means that mommy is going to have a baby on Wednesday.  

Monkey is very anxious about the upcoming changes in his world.  These are reflected by his questions (which come all day long, but especially at night).  I totally understand the need to ask questions at bed time.  That's when my brain is always turning and trying to figure out everything out that is going on in my own world.   

Why Azariah going to be a baby?

Why I big boy?

How bout my big Nana grow up and be man?

Why I go Aunt Elizabeth house?

Why you have belly ache?

The list goes on.  He's trying to figure out what is going on in his world and how it is going to effect him.  He learned tonight that Grandma's dog is gone because he was sick.  He was concerned for Grandma, but also reminded that he is sad because he misses his dog.  He notices that Skoshi and Cocoa are both gone - and we're sending him to his aunt's house for a couple of days.  He's very anxious about going away from home while mommy has baby Azariah.  

We know he'll be okay and he'll learn that even when he feels insecure, there are people caring for him.  He's going to have a great time with his cousins, and with Nana and Poppy.  In the end, he'll come home and get to adjust to life as the BIGGEST brother, not just the big brother.  We'll make sure he gets lots of snuggle time with mommy and special activities (like Lowe's Build and Grow) with Daddy.  

For now, over the next 2 days, we'll keep reassuring him and trying to help him relax even in his anxiety.  Big fears, a lot to deal with for a little guy.  He'll make it through and "normal" will change to something he won't remember as different.

I love my boys.  I love that this big guy is not afraid to ask questions and tell us he's sad or scared or excited...

Baby Update

Well I saw the doctor twice this week (she likes visiting with me).  She expressed concerns that baby's swelling hasn't gone down any - it hasnt' increased either.  She's also concerned about his size.  Her fear is that his shoulder will get stuck which can have serious and even life threatening results.

She's concerned about my blood pressure which has been increasing.  She did run labs for pre-eclampsia, those came back fine.  My weight has been ridiculous - I've gained a lot in a short amount of time (between Monday and Thursday this last week I actually lost a pound).  My sugars are stable now, but haven't been, etc.

She recognizes my desire to deliver naturally - or as close to it as possible.  She also stated that she strongly urges us to have a C-section.  I asked how soon she would want to do it if we decided to have one, her response, "I would do it tomorrow".  Yep, she's that concerned.

So we made the agonizing decision to make the call on Friday and told them we would do the C-section.  I told the nurse that due to Mr. Crum's work schedule, the earliest we would be able to do would be Wednesday, the later in the week the better (we can't afford for him to miss much work).  They scheduled Azariah's arrival for 8am on Wednesday - just as soon as we would agree to it.

So, family time from today until Tuesday, then baby comes and the boys are (hopefully) going to stay with Auntie Elizabeth for a few days.

Neighbor's Trash

I admit, sometimes I can't resist pulling things out of the trash.. either for selling online (currently helping fund our chimney repairs) or for our family use.  This morning I spotted these and couldn't resist.  Thought about picking up a crib also - not for baby, but to turn into a desk...

October fun at Chuck E Cheese

This message came from Chuck E Cheese.  I am passing it on for the interest of those readers who would enjoy some fun family time, or an excuse to wear costumes!

If you’re like many of the parents we know, you might be dreading Halloween. Let’s face it – costumes can be quite an ordeal. That’s why Chuck E. Cheese’s wants you to get the most out of those costumes this year.

For the entire month, Chuck E. Cheese’s is celebrating Chucktober! That means costumes are welcome throughout October. Don’t have a costume yet? Cut out and color a Chuck E. or Helen Henny mask. Having a party? Make it a costume party with Chuck E.’s new party invitations!

To sweeten the deal, Chuck E. Cheese’s is throwing in 10 FREE tokens when you bring in the Chucktober coloring sheet! Parents can find all these activities and more on the Chuck E. Cheese’s website at http://www.chuckecheese.com/promotions/activities.php.

We hope your readers find these as fun as we do, and we would love to see them enjoying their Chucktober trips! We’re welcoming photos and videos from trips to Chuck E. Cheese’s to share with our fans on Facebook. Parents can send their photos to memories@cecentertainment.com and look for them on the official Chuck E. Cheese’s Facebook page.

Storyland Yoga DVD; Review and Giveaway

I have to admit something.  I like yoga.  Yep. It's true.  And I like the idea that my kids can do yoga too.  I have tried a few various yoga DVDs with Monkey in the past and he is generally interested in them for a few minutes, and then ready to do something else.  He's not keen on most kid's yoga videos.

Last week I took the Storyland Yoga DVD with us to play with some of Monkey's friends - This was a great test to me regarding the effectiveness and enjoyment of the video.  The kids that were "playing" were ages 21 months, 3, 4, and 5.  What a crew.  This is a very active and noisy bunch that loves to run, jump, and play loudly together.

We popped in the video and tried out the "Save the Whale" story.  The kids were instantly captivated by the story.  They immediately started trying out the yoga positions and motions with the video.  At one point, the 5 year old looked at me and stated, "This is kind of like exercise".  All 4 kids participated in the yoga story telling.  (the 21 month old and 4 year old were less enthusiastic than the other 2).  When the mother of my son's friends came home, the 5 year old asked if they could watch it again and show her the video.  They really enjoyed this yoga video!

Here is what I like about Storyland Yoga:

This DVD is what it claims to be.  It's a story.  It is not pushing "correct position" or learning position names.  Instead, the children are encouraged to move their bodies as they tell stories.  It offers 2 stories for the children to choose.  They are guided with ideas about how to act the stories out.  As the children learn how to move to the story, they can begin to put together their own stories and act them out.  What a fantastic way for kids to learn to get exercise while playing (without even knowing that's what they're doing)!

This is the BEST Kid's Yoga DVD I have tried with my children.  I recommend trying it with your own family!

More information about Storyland Yoga by Playful Planet.

Playful Planet has offered to share a DVD with one of my fantastic readers!

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Motivated... or not so much?

Okay.. there are SO SO many things that need to get done around this house.  I thought (in the middle of the night) that I would conquer it all today so I would feel ready when baby comes.

It's 8:30 and I've done a bit of trash-picking (yep, I am one of THOSE people sometimes)... and fed my kids, taken Mr. Crum to work, started a load of laundry - that's a big deal right now because I don't like to go to the basement... started a video for Monkey (I figure it's been a few days since he's watched TV, he can have some TV time this morning while I clean).  Next is dishes... or maybe the front porch... or the kitchen table... hrm.. lots to get done.

Did I mention that I haven't packed anyone for baby's arrival - that's high priority today too - I had enough dreams last night about baby arriving today that I figure I should be prepared!

How are you today? motivated?  getting things done?  tired and slacking?