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. :-)