Little Miss

We hear it over and over, everyone is saying it... but seriously, where does the time go?? My mind immediately travels to one of my favorite sayings, "life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes" (Andy Rooney).

One of my best friends told me after having his second baby that it isn't twice the work, it's quadruple the work. Little Miss has been home with us for one month already (today was her estimated due date), and although it's been a crazy-busy month, it has been fantastic. We're all getting to know Little Miss; and her us. Bubba (who is in need of a blog name change) has been so incredibly sweet to her... it's heart-melting for this momma.

And here she is. Little Miss!

Born almost 6 weeks early, 8/3/10 at 7:20 a.m., 5 lbs 11 oz, 19". She stayed in the Level II nursery for one week... all hooked up and unhuggable. :-(

Bubba and Little Miss' first meeting 8/10/10. Bubba wasn't able to go in to meet her in the nursery so, prior to this, one viewing through a door's window had to suffice.

BigCat's tiny pea 8/13/10

Peaceful pea 8/14/10

Fuzzy Miss 8/23/10

Doin' the wave 8/25/10

We like hoodies 9/3/10 (One month old)

Still sleeping lots 9/4/10

My girls 9/11/10 (the furry one seems to be on watch for the other - but don't tell her I notice).

Chaos Chronicle

Since our wee baby girl arrived on August 3rd, life has been nothing short of incredibly hectic. I need to document it here, in no frilly fashion, before I forget it along with the many other things (like where I put her blanket) that vanish before I realize. There is not a single doubt in my mind that this post will be long, but it needs to exist for our personal remembrance more than anything else.

August 3: a supposed 6 weeks early (I believe we were actually further along than my due date suggested), our 5 lb 11 oz, 19", baby bundle arrives. Being she is so early, she is an automatic admit to the Level II nursery. We are already familiar and comfortable (as much as one can be in this situation) with this scenario being Bubba found himself here in his first days of life as well. Other than a bit of a respiratory diagnosis - albeit one without need of any help - she looks pretty good. However, there are many milestones she'll need to pass before she is released. There is no telling how long she will be in, how long we'll be without our complete family at home, but we know she is in great hands.

August 5: I am released from the hospital but given a room for boarding being the wee one is still a patient. However, I decide later that night not to take advantage of this room, for a variety of reasons, so I go home after spending time with our babe and taking part in a couple of feedings.

August 6 - 8: Each day revolves around hospital visits. I would go to spend 3 feedings with her, each spanning 3 hours apart. We are able to cuddle and bond amongst the beeping monitors and nurses. To pass the time in-between, which only ends up being about 2 hours, I pump, eat, talk, shop, etc. Always running.

August 9: After a few days of a pain shooting up my back, leading to tightening of my chest and back, in turn lowering my pulse to the low 40's and raising my blood pressure, I find myself in the emergency room (first time ever!). An EKG and CT scan were done immediately to rule out the upfront life threatening issues. Throughout the next 6 hours more tests are completed and it is decided that I am to be admitted to the cardiac unit. Scary. More tests. More pokes. More tears. I tell everyone I talk to that my baby is going home the following day and I plan to be doing the same... so figure this out! That night, I developed the worst headache of my lifetime. Keep in mind I have regular migraines so I'm already familiar with horrible headaches and this is much worse. All of my heart tests come back looking good, which only confirms my own suspicions that this is related to the epidural. The epidural in which the doc took two swipes before getting it right, then managed to numb one of my legs beyond any one's belief, including nurses who see this done all of the time. Every doc I suggested this to bocked at my idea, but in the end the anesthesiology department was involved. That was as much of an admittance ever received.

August 10: I am discharged from the Cardiology unit mid-afternoon, with blood pressure meds and pain killers. By 3 we are on our way to pick up Bubba with baby girl in tow. Good day.

August 11: MIL comes over to help organize baby girl's room... it is a complete catastrophe due to the early arrival and chaos of the previous days. This takes most of the day. I'm exhausted. I've yet to relax much less take a nap like I think new mamas should.

August 12: First follow-up appointment for baby girl. All looks good. She's gaining weight (which is almost all that is checked). Somehow this quick follow-up appointment ends up chewing up a good portion of my day.

August 13: Friday... need I say more? BigCat ends up home due to rain so it's another day of getting stuff done on top of preemie caring. Note: preemie caring is indeed different than regular newborn caring. More rules, more feedings (whether she is wanting them or not), etc. The OB home nurse also visits and does the many things I feel our life has encompassed as of lately (blood pressure checks, questionnaires, temperatures, etc).

August 14 - 15: We are prepping for Bubba's 3rd birthday party. The families are coming out Monday night to celebrate. Shopping, cleaning, wrapping, etc. He isn't sleeping well so BigCat spends much of his nights with Bubba.

August 16: Carpet installation in the downstairs bedroom is completed 5 minutes after I need it to be... Baby girl hasn't pooped since Friday morning, so they suggest she comes in and create an opening for her appointment before the doc technically starts her day. This whole debacle ends up taking 3 hours, leaving me with little time to finish prep for Bubba's party. In the mean time we receive a call from Bubba's daycare provider that he is complaining of his throat hurting. Nothing else seems to be going on (and we're not sure if it's for attention, a common act since baby girl arrived) so she keeps him. I shower only after the first guests arrive.

August 17: Bubba is continuing at daycare for these first weeks... it's best for everyone involved. In an attempt to drop him off, he bawls like never before saying only "I want to go home". So, he gets just that. He remains in relatively good spirits but nonetheless adds quite the dimension to being home with baby. That night, a couple of hours after he goes to bed, as we're heading there ourselves, I check on him and find blood spots all over his pillow, from his mouth. We take peeks inside the sleeping, and now crabby, boy's mouth and don't see much besides a blood clot. Let the insane worrying begin. BigCat spends another night sleeping with Bubba and I spend the night hardly sleeping.

August 18: Bubba has his 3 year check-up (thank goodness after the previous night!). All looks well... except that he has Hand, Food and Mouth Disease! What??? Get home from the doc and have a message from my daycare provider that another case was reported just a of couple hours ago. Nothing we can do about it and he seems to be doing relatively well in comparison. I am in complete amazement at how much a doctor's appointment can impact a day... almost the entire day! Getting 2 children ready and out the door, picking up prescriptions, etc. and it's suddenly mid-afternoon. Yikes. I don't know how mamas with more kiddos do it!!

August 19: This is the day I've been waiting for. One in which I can just snuggle with my baby and do nothing else... well, almost nothing. I don't mind those other little things throughout the day, as long as I get some bonding time in with my baby girl. This is long overdue and honestly, I feel a bit robbed by this fact. For her first week of life, she was in the hospital where I had very little time with her. And the second week was filled with complete chaos. I have no clue what it's like to have a baby and get to go home and bond, cuddle, rest, enjoy. So, forgive me, but I am taking some days to do this now. I need to do it before I share her with more people. I need to do it for her sake (keeping her environment somewhat womb-like a little longer). I need to do it before my body repays me for the lack of rest. I need to do it just because I do.

Time is a Tickin'

I didn't expect to find myself here this evening. I was checking in on a couple fellow bloggers (although I can hardly consider myself one any longer) and somewhere along the line found myself inspired.

Baby deuce is almost here! Technically I am 34 weeks and 1 day today, however, I had an ultrasound early last week that puts me at 36 weeks and 2 days. At this point, they do not change the due date and there's still really no saying when she'll be here, but my gut feeling (along with some outright signs) is telling me it's going to be earlier than the predicted 9/11. I have been having contractions since last Friday, and fairly regular ones at that. Thankfully, at this point anyway, they are not labor inducing but just uncomfortable and annoying. I'm hoping it's a sign that she's getting ready, but I'm not hoping for an appearance any earlier than she's ready.

We just continue to take advantage of the little bit of time we do have. Over the months I have felt incredibly stressed in efforts of home and baby prep. As I write, BigCat is downstairs painting the soon-to-be spare bedroom. It has been a relatively slow-going project, at least in my impatient-she-could-be-here-anytime frame of mind, but it looks great. Next up is trim, carpet (ordered but a week or so out yet) and doors. Then we'll finally be able to move all the spare bedroom stuff back in, making way for a nice lil' play area downstairs.

So, life is good... a few pics to prove it (well, from Bubba's point of view anyway).

Cleaning Up & Out

BigCat is working hard to get the downstairs bedroom finished so that everything from the spare bedroom upstairs can be moved on down. Then Bubba, and all his belongings, will be moved into the former spare bedroom (which has been a play room for the last handful of months - yikes, he probably doesn't want to lose that!) and baby girl will be moving into Bubba's current room. Why so many moves? Well, the "baby" room is by far the smallest so it only makes sense, specially since Bubba and his toys require a greater space these days.

Anyway, point being, I'm hard at work to empty (and hopefully get rid of some of) the contents of the former spare bedroom closet. The issue at hand... I have a box full of all of the cards I have received in my 30 years... what do I do with these?? I don't think I can continue to keep them all as I would have way too many by the end. I have even started a box for BigCat, mostly against his will, but those will be easier to weed out and toss. Does anyone have any fun ideas of what to do with these? I'm definitely going to get rid of some of them, maybe just keeping the ones with special personal messages? I don't know... I'm at a loss. I feel like I'll be getting rid of a part of me, but I don't know that keeping them around is the best answer. The house just isn't big enough!

Low Larsen's is Right

It has been an interesting couple of weeks, leaving me with plenty to write about but not a lot of time to write it.

The first part of last week found the three of us sicker than we have ever been before, at least in these respects. For Bubba, at the ripe ol' age of 2, this isn't saying much, but it is saying a lot for BigCat and myself. To keep the images to a minimum, let's just say we weren't able to keep anything in, and BigCat and I were insanely thankful for 2 bathrooms that first night. Bubba started it off over the weekend, and by Sunday night the two of us followed suit, leaving us to the couch for a good portion of the week. This extremely contagious virus is now out of our house, but it sure was a miserable addition while it lasted.

This week has proven to be quite the challenge, as something switched in Bubba and he's suddenly a different kid. Terrible twos? Maybe, but it seems like more. He's incredibly angry. Whatever this is tends to be worse with mom and dad, but the "symptoms" are beginning to show at daycare as well... which is huge because this is where he's his happiest. He's screaming, kicking, throwing, squeezing my limbs with all his might, and incredibly defiant. It is definitely wearing on us quickly. We continue to remain consistent with our consequences and are praying hard that this ends quickly. I hardly recognize him as my son and would really like my happy lil' guy back. He's had a lot of changes lately, some rather large, and I can't help but think this has something to do with it.

So, there's the Larsen Lowdown. I hope the next post finds us in higher places!!

Baby Bingo

If you haven't already heard, check out the ticker above... We're having a baby girl! I couldn't be happier, and BigCat is darn pleased as well. Good job Daddy!

Another mother told me not very long ago that she considers one child of each gender a baby bingo, and it has stuck with me since then. I truly feel like I've won. In either case, I'm quite sure we were done, and we certainly would've been content, but this just feels so very right. And getting rid of the baby stuff once she's done with it will be much easier because of this bingo!

We feel very blessed and can hardly wait to meet her. Although, I will gladly take the time until then as there is more than plenty to be done before she makes her appearance!



And here's her first unofficial appearance...

Weekend of the Free

A fun and free (in the responsibility sense, not so much financially) weekend indeed! Bubba went up to Gramma R and Papa Jim's for the weekend leaving BigCat and me to our own devices. Friday night we went to BigCat's aunt's 50th birthday party... and let me just say, she still knows how to party! Good food (especially delightful for yours truly), beverages and a DJ to boot! I was surprised, and impressed, with myself when I made it til about midnight!

Saturday, BigCat and I made our way to our first Target Field Twins game. BigBro was generous with his season ticket pack and gave us a set for Christmas last year. What fun to go cash that one in! We took the train down - also a first for both - but that wasn't nearly as impressive as the field itself. We really enjoyed the new experience, seeing the players close-up and watching the Twins play in the sunshine!


Not a bad view of Morneau.


A broader glimpse of Target Field.


My baseball boyfriend... Cuddy. Yep, BigCat is aware.

Proud Momma

Bubba went to his back-up daycare today, a place he hasn't been in probably close to a year. At the ripe age of two and a half, it's pretty safe to say this is basically a new experience for the tyke. When I dropped him off this morning, he was such a big boy as he watched me leave. There was a slight bit of hesitation, maybe even sadness, but no fits, no crying, just "bye momma"... which impressed the couple women there. When I went to pick him up, she stated that he was so easy, was down for whatever, played well, etc. And to top it off, she thought he was super funny. Apparently his looks weren't the only thing he got from daddy dearest. I can only hope tomorrow goes as well, or close to it, as sometimes the whole warm-up period is a bit deceiving. But, for today, I was one proud momma.

Just Plain Logic

A few weeks ago I joined Bubba at the table, and after a long day of working around the house, I said as I sat, "whew, I am pooped!" The logical response... "go change your diaper, Momma."

Back to the Blog

Not going to lie... I feel a little lost being here. It's weird, too, being this once was a place I turned when I really was feeling lost, or angry, or happy in life. It was where I went to share news, voice an opinion or look for guidance. Although a lot has been going on in the Larsen household, things within yours truly have been pretty even keel. Depending on how well you know me, this is somewhat hard to believe.

This levelness is especially weird because there has been plenty to be worked up about. For one, being pregnant with baby number two! However, in reality I think this is the sole reason for my relatively consistent mood... I think the hormone changes have made this change within me. However, don't get me wrong, I still have an ample amount of the emotions and anxiety that sometimes take control.

There are a couple of other large elements playing a role in our home. For one, the IL's (in-laws) have been living with us since mid-December when they sold their home. They have since had an offer accepted and will be moving out the end of next week. The other large element is that BigCat is still laid off. This is the longest stint since I have been with him... I think we're going on 7 months. Not good, but we can only hope for the best. He has been taking care of Bubba, doing small projects when he can and helping to relieve his pregger wife of household duties (this is my favorite!). So, although being unemployed is quite unfortunate, I am still trying to see the positives... it's just unfortunate those don't pay the bills!

Well, I think that's plenty an update for now. However, I am going to attempt the return to blogland. You see, with baby number one, all the books were completed to track the experience... this time that isn't happening. My hope is that I can capture some of it here for looking back on in years to come.

I'm Excited that You're Excited

Remember long ago when I wrote of my estranged friend?? I honestly don't recall how far I ever made it with that story... but, for now we're picking up in the present. Tonight I went to a party at her house, but only after much debate. I was slightly anxious as I would be reunited with some members of her family. Some that I haven't seen in almost a decade but knew well growing up. Like family. I'm glad I went. The atmosphere was right for this type of meeting and it was really good to see them. Lots of hugs all around.

When I came home - which was about an hour later than anticipated being I had planned a quick escape prior to going - BigCat was fast asleep. He did, however, rise to the occasion (what? my coming home isn't an occasion?) long enough to hear my excitement... about cleaning products. See, it wasn't just a party, it was a Norwex "party". I could hardly contain myself when I was given a sample of this environmentally friendly, good for your health laundry detergent and two "rags" to try on my way out. For the first time in... well, let me see... forever, I was incredibly eager to clean. So much so that I tried one rag on the windshield of my car before leaving the party and a different on a few spots on the carpet walking into my house. Awesome.

I just don't get why BigCat wasn't excited about the rags too! But, I was really glad that he sleepily claimed to be excited about my excitement. :-)

Happy Hump Day

For once it almost seems as though Mother Nature got hold of our calendars, noted that Autumn had begun, and shaped the weather to suit. Although it looks nice out, it is quite windy and chilly up in Z-town. Burr. Maybe it just seems colder, and too early for the chill, because summer seemed to slip by with little overheating to complain of.

Today has been our lil' family fun day. The three of us are home together on this sunny hump day. BigCat was laid off beginning last Thursday, so again we are becoming accustomed to a new, but familiar, routine. There is no word on when the work will pick-up (isn't that just the story of today??); our hope is no later than next spring. So, in the mean time, if you know anyone that needs some handyman work done...

With so many things in life, there is an upside and a downside to this development. Although there is plenty to worry about, my hope is to focus on the positives for as long as I can... little housework on the weekends, cooked dinners at my homecoming, my bonding boys with a side of me on Wednesdays.

Happy fall to all!!

Turning In

I'm not sure why this has been so difficult, to get back into the swing of the blog, but it has. Maybe it's the two-year-old Bubba constantly on the go, or the complete busy-factor of summer, or very possibly the lack of brain power to do it after the usual day. Whatever the case, I know I put too much pressure on myself - to post pictures, share detailed excitement or edit and then edit again. Well, this one is off the cuff.

Tonight we had a nice night at home to start off our quietest weekend in months yielding few obligations or schedules to follow. We enjoyed a fabulous grilled meal - chicken and veggies - one of my summer favorites as the season technically comes to a close. Like most other nights, we dined, played, turned around and it was time to start the bedtime routine. Time races. But unlike most other nights, Bubba had the option to bypass the books and watch Cars in mom's bed before hitting the hay. With mom. And the pup. He couldn't have been happier... well, until dad joined, too. Bubba went to bed smiling. Days that end like this... are good. and happy. and sweet. special. memorable. scarce. not to be taken for granted. loving.

Everything is not always perfect at one precise moment, but to have it so good in one place when turning in for the night... well, that's a really good start.

I'm Baaaack

Intimidation and anticipation... two words to describe what I have been thinking in regards to this long overdue post. It's intimidating because it has been a busy two months filled with changes; where does one begin? At the same time, I've been anticipating this first post because I need this outlet... it helps the functionality of my life. After days of dry runs in my head, I decided to begin in the now. Some of the life modifications of the past couple of months, that have been ignored by blogdom, will surely surface along the way. But for now, I'll begin as though it never ended.

The weather this Labor Day weekend was one for the books; top of the scale in my opinion. Unfortunately I spent too much of it indoors. On the upside, I am feeling a bit more caught up with life.

Bubba (who is now 2!!) was picked up by Grandma and Papa (my rents) on Thursday and whisked to the lake. He loves every moment spent up there. How could you not?!? He's spoiled rotten with love and has all sorts of fun. I joined the fam on Friday night, took advantage of their willingness to Bubba-tend and got caught up on some long lost sleep, enjoyed some good grub and a couple perfect rounds of the lake tooner-style. Where was BigCat you ask? He was up north doing what he loves to do... fish. It was the relatively relaxing weekend we needed.

Although I would like to pretend time has stood still while I was away, there is no doubt Bubba has changed tremendously in these last couple of months - and that is not to be ignored. The below pictures are sure to give you an idea of just how much...

Vacay and Away

Vacay has come and gone, faster than any year prior. The weather didn't necessarily cooperate, leaving much beach time to be desired. Not going to lie, I felt a little robbed on my way home, going against the Fourth of July vacationers who were just beginning their holiday weekend filled with glorious weather.

Not to be mistaken, the week was still filled with goodness, just not a lot of the sun-lovin' kind. Most importantly, it was full of QT with family, and friends as good as family. Bubba went tubing for the first time...start 'em young... that's how we roll (I was on skis with Papa Jimbo at 3)! Not that you can tell from the pics, but Bubba enjoyed the experience; he was very serious about it, soaking it all in *wink*, and wanting more. Hopefully next year will give us more days to test the water.

Lots of fun was to be had before vacay, too. A few pics to get all caught up!

A Year

First it was a few days, then a week, quickly two, and now more than I am able to recount, since my last post. I miss my blogs. My own. My frimily's*. Often, I long for the days of blogging; being able to share and express as I desire. I miss other things, too, like relaxation and cleaning... okay, I miss it being my kind of clean. However, my third class is already underway, and it continues to go well. And if I don't have time to clean now, nap now, play now, write now, I will in a year. One quick year, straight-through, will leave me at the doorstep of vacation 2010. What better a reward?

For now, I'm approaching this year's vacay and couldn't be more excited. It's going to be a completely different experience than last year. From crawling and mushy foods to running, climbing, inspecting, swimming, tiring me out... He has become such a little boy, and so much fun. What a difference a year makes.

quiet observation in the rain

playin' with the pup

extreme miniature motorcycle riding

new friends

as recent as it gets


The LL posts may continue to be sparse, but eventually I'll be back in full force.

*FRIends + faMILY

The Camera's Take

Wah?!? Two posts in one day?? I know, but this time, I let the photos speak.

Crazy or Prepared?

I started my vacation list today with 46 days and counting. All this really entailed was copying my list over from last year and making adjustments, but it makes the week seem that much closer. I wiped out the line that states "bottles" {{sh whew}} and many other items of the sort. This year, we'll be stocking up on sand toys instead. Way more fun.

If it's not written on the list, there's a super chance I'll forget it. BigCat says that people like me are the first to lose our minds... Writing a list takes the mental portion out of remembering. For now, I figure I'm making up for those mind strengthening exercises elsewhere, but I don't doubt his forecast. But no matter what, I'll always make lists. For everything. Without lists, I am crazy.

Long Lowdown

Where has the time gone? The good news is that the faster it goes now, the sooner vacation gets here. As you can see (since it's in blaring white!) I have added a countdown to my most coveted time of year. Lake Edward vacation. It's what gets me through so much of the rest of the year, and thankfully, as life gets busier and more stressful it seems the R&R of that week comes around again that much faster.

Oh, where to begin... With the little guy. He's cutting his eye teeth, but has been a complete champ. He's starting to talk quite a bit more, although still on his terms. He LOVES being outside and makes a loud fuss every.single.time.we.go.in. Whether we're leaving daycare or coming in from a bike ride, he's mad. Real mad. I like to refer to Bubba as 'strong-willed'.

BigCat is getting all geared-up for Mother's Day, uh, I mean, opening fishing this weekend. It looks like the weather will be nice, and better yet, dry. I consider the latter to be quite important although some may say that's when the fish bite.

School continues to go very well (not gonna brag, but I got an 'A' in my first class). Of course there are days when I'm stressed, but overall I am enjoying the challenge and the learning. So, I figure I must make some time to kickback and relax!Like a Twins game filled with Dome dogs and jumbo pretzels (last Saturday), a wedding and the play Legally Blonde (this coming weekend). Thankfully, both my hubby and family help to make these outings possible. Thank you!! :-)

In our down-time (ha ha), we're just watching our sod turn green, looking forward to having a real yard for the first time in 4 years! It's a very exciting time.

Better Than Flowers

That's what I told BigCat tonight. After getting home from a dinner date with two very old friends (including the once-estranged gal), I was pleasantly surprised by the smell of Lysol and Windex in our bathroom. It.was.clean. Right now, in my life of busy, this just might be better than flowers. Thank you, BigCat, thank you.