It's official!

We're having a BOY!  I knew that we were having a boy the whole time.  Not because of the post where I talked about getting an ultrasound around 15 weeks because my doctor couldn't hear the heartbeat with the doppler but I knew the day that I found out that I was pregnant that I was having a boy.  I even said it out loud to Sean.  We couldn't be happier but I know that Sean is a little tiny winy disappointed not getting his little girl.  Like everyone else, they're telling us, "well, you can always try again"!  LOL.  I'm not even going to think of that at this point because I need to get through this 2nd one first.  That's a whole other chapter that I can't even think of right now.  The doctor told us that everything is pefect with this baby and that its measuring in the 58th percentile as far as growth.  I am also officially half way through this pregnancy (20 weeks) and still feel great.  No complaints other than I do have a little pain in my butt and lower back on my right side at times and I think its from picking up Hunter a certain way.  Well, what am I gonna do? Not pick him up?  Uh...no.  So, I'm switching to the left side! Haha.  I am also proud of myself for only gaining 10 lbs at my last doctors appt which was at 17 weeks which I'm sure I've gained a couple more since then.  They said about 5 pounds a month is good.  So, I think I'm doing pretty good by not nearing the 50 pound mark that I am trying so hard not to get to.  I'm trying to do my best but if it happens then it does.  I don't think it will happen because Hunter keeps me on my toes plus since our pool has warmed up I've been doing some preggo swimming aerobics.  Here are some that I do that are relatively easy and actually do feel like I work out.  I love it!

Basically just move my legs and create some resistance! LOL

Also, Sean has been teaching Hunter to swim (he used to be a swim instructor for kids, btw) and Hunter absolutely loves going swimming!  He's always loved the water and is learning how to be a little fish. Whenever Sean gets him from daycare he runs straight to his dresser and opens the drawer to get his swimming trunks out and looks for his swimming shoes.  He starts to pull his pants down and is anxiously waiting for us to take him outside to swim.  He's so funny!

 

Swimming with daddy!

 

Constant sickness...

Ever since I've had a child I feel like we are both sick every other month.  I hope that I'm not the only mother out there who feels this way and I know having a child in daycare doesn't help the situation either but you would think by now that it would taper off.  Yeah right! About a month ago we were all sick with the Rotovirus and this past week, Hunter and I both have colds.  I can't remember before the Rotovirus what the "flavor of the month" was before that but I'm sure one way or another we were sick.  I have zero sick days left which are tied into my PTO which therefore has definitely cut into my vacation time and thank goodness we can accrue time here at work but how can I accrue if I'm out sick all the time?  I was out a whole week with the Rotovirus and out one day this week for this terrible cold I have.  I'm not blaming daycare at all because I have to put Hunter in daycare and they do teach healthy habits with them washing their hands after they come in from outside and before and after mealtimes, etc.  Plus, at home we do the same.  Oh well, I guess for the next few years, this is how its going to be.  Not to mention having another baby and Hunter bringing home something from his daycare won't help either.  I clean and disinfect the house constantly.  Sean thinks I am OCD and literally has to tell me to stop everytime I look like I'm going bananas.  I know that cleaning too much can cut out the "good" germs but what the heck!    Does anyone have any suggestions?  Am I doing something wrong or is this completely normal and this is how it is going to be until Hunter is in Kindergarten.  Oh yeah, I thought breastfeeding was supposed to boost their immune system somehow.  I breastfed him for 10 months!  Please tell me that there is a light at the end of this tunnel.  Thanks in advance to everyone for listening and for any suggestions!

Our first family trip...

Us 3 all went on our first family vacay to Disney!  We wanted to go somewhere for our annivesary weekend and originally thought of just going to either Naples or Cocoa Beach but turned out being a trip to Disney!  Hey, why not, right?  I admit we thought of taking Hunter to Disney when he was older because he will not remember anyway so it would be a waste of money but I was really excited to go! Well, actually I didn't care where we went as long as we were going somewhere (I've been pretty stressed lately with my job - that's another blog post to write about) so getting away for me was a ticket to de-stress. 

We left Friday night, no rush, I wanted to feed Hunter and give him a bath and put him in his PJs before we left because right at the time we would leave would be his bedtime anyway, so we left around 7 and as soon as the sun went down, Hunter was passed out and we arrived in Orlando at about 10 and checked into the hotel.  When we got to the hotel, Hunter was fired up checking out the new hotel room but soon calmed down and we all went to bed because we knew we would be up early to eat breakfast and head on our way to see Mickey!  We arrived at Magic Kingdom around 10 am and I have to admit the only annoying thing about the whole day was parking and getting on the tram to take us to where you can either take the monorail or ferry boat to the park.  That was another waiting period too just to get there.  Not a huge deal but leaving the park felt like eternity just to get back to our car especially when you have a tired 19 month old.  At the park, we first rode the carousel and Hunter loved the horsey! While standing in the 2 minute line for it he about climbed over the railings to get onto it. 

We then made our way to, "It's a Small World" where I would have to consider this Hunter's favorite.  We waited about 15 minutes but I brought a bottle water and some snacks for him and there was a lot to look at while we were waiting in line.  So, by the time we got onto the little boat he was in between getting super impatient or throwing a fit. Perfect timing.  At first, he was completely taken back and just sat completely still until he go used to what was going on and then later started pointing to all the little people and would try and jump as he got excited.  That was definitely amusing just watching his reaction to it. After that, I think I took a bathroom break and changed Hunter and this momma (and Hunter) needed a snack!  We headed to a Gaston's where we got a Pork Leg and some fruit. 

Inside Gaston's.  Hunter was too interested in everything else.

At this point, the park was really starting to get crowded so we decided to "Fast Pass" all the rides that we wanted to do because Hunter would not last more than 10 minutes in a line.  The Fast Pass allowed us to reserve a spot for us to come back at and get into a separate line to literally only wait for 5 minutes to get on the ride. Which was perfect!  We did this for the rest of the day and were able to ride 3 or 4 more rides until we were just absolutley pooped!

In a clam on the Ariel ride.

In between the rides we took Hunter to where they have a water that squirts and the kids can run through it.  Hunter loves water so we were like this is perfect but when we put him in the "water zone"  he was scared and didn't want to do it by himself so Sean went with him and he warmed up a little but not much so we decided to get some food (Peanut Butter and Jelly for Hunter- his fave! and some other sandwiches for us). Soon after his belly was full he passed out for about 30-45 minutes in his stroller while Sean and I shopped around.

"Daddy, I'm scared" ...for whatever reason.....=( He soon warmed up and started playing.

When he woke up it was just in time for him to see the "Dance in Motion Parade" that was awesome.  My feet were hurting and I was pretty tired at this point so I had to sit this one out and watch from afar Sean and Hunter dancing with all the characters.  Hunter loved it.  He was so excited to see Pluto, which is calls, "doggy" and ran up to him so fast that by the time he got right up to him, Pluto had his arms out to give him a hug and Hunter quickly turned back towards Sean because he got scared.  Hahaha.  After Sean picked him up he gave him a "high five" and was completely happy with that.  Hunter also danced a little with Mickey and Goofy.  He won't remember at all but we have pictures! Soon after that we decided to leave and get some food at a nearby restaurant, take some showers and pass out! We had a long day.  By the way, Hunter didn't care for the crib that they had provided us in the room.  He is used to sleeping with me but when its 3 of us in a King size bed, it doesn't quite work too well. So, I made Hunter a little bed next to me on the floor and he passed right out.  He did very well and didn't mind it at all. Hmmm, does that mean he's ready for a "big boy" bed? 

Meeting Pluto!

Dancin!

Family photo! (Hunter would not get his hands out of his mouth)

Outtake number 20 on this photo...he would not keep the Mickey hat on for nothing!

The next day before leaving, we went to a Petting Farm that was in Kissimmee named Green Meadows.  Hunter is very into animals and what they are and the sounds that they make.  He knows the sounds a cow, bird, duck, doggy, kitty, pig and horse make. So when we took  him to the farm and showed him the cows, he would make the sound.  It was so cute!  He really enjoyed it and so did we.  It was super organized but very relaxed as far as sticking to the rules of the tour of the farm.  They said that if you want to venture off and do your own thing at any time to feel free. Which I liked because Hunter started getting antsy and just wanted to run around and play on the big playground that they had.  We were there about 3 hours, grabbed a bite to eat and left on our way back to Fort Lauderdale where Hunter fell asleep the whole way.  Tired little guy.  He was pooped from that whole weekend.

I got to ride a pony!

I found a toy that I love to push around even at home!

Awwwwww..love these two so much!

We even got to see a Zorse!

Big Tractor!

All tuckered out!

Overrall, we had a great time and was so nice to get away for the weekend.  I needed a change of scenery and I know Hunter didn't complain at all. Next time will be with 2 kids so I can't imagine how we will juggle it.  Maybe that will be the time to invite some Grandparents to join us =)

Silly things with Hunter...

I realized that I have already started to have to find little funny ways to get Hunter to do things or keep him content while doing something.  For instance, in order to get him to open his mouth and let me brush his teeth, I sing him the "Happy Birthday" song while he's taking his bath.  Haha.  He loves for me to sing to him so the first song that popped in my head was that song and then he let me brush his teeth!  It doesn't work every time but for the most part it does.

Here are a few others:

- You know my boy is picky about eating. I told you how he just doesn't like his highchair, well, sometimes, I feed him in the bath tub (seems to be a very productive place for us, huh?).  One day, I wasn't able to pick him up from day care until late and he was already super crabby and tired when we got home.  He didn't want to eat anything  but I was starving so I had some macaroni and cheese that I had leftover in the fridge.  Nuked it for 2 minutes.  Told myself that maybe after his bath he will try and eat some cereal.  I grabbed the mac and cheese out of the microwave, started his bath and put him in.  He looks at me and starts going bananas like he wants MY mac and cheese after I just put away his dinner that he refused to touch. So he ate all my mac and cheese.  LOL.  I only try this on nights when Hunter is crabby/ tired  and I have to get him underway with his bedroom routine pretty quickly and works everytime.  Love our bathtub! In addition, we have put away the highchair.  Henow sits at his little table with chairs and loves it and it works like a charm (whenever he doesn't eat in the bathtub). =)

-  Now I don't want to say that I'm already starting him on chores or I may be in trouble with all those child labor laws buuuuut, Hunter does like to help mommy sweep, do laundry and empty the dishwasher.  The sweeping is a no brainer, and doesn't really help with the collecting of dog hair and crumbs but he does hold the dust pan for me while I sweep it up.  Laundry, he helps me with grabbing all the dirty towels around the house and putting them in the laundry room as well as when I finish putting laundry away, such as putting his socks in his drawer.  When we're all done,  he pushes the laundry baskets back to the laundry room for me.  As for the dishwasher, he hands me all the silverware while I organize it in the drawer (except for the knives, I grab those first before he does).  =)

- Hunter is obsessed with his blanky's.  I think he has 5 or 6 of them. I have found that the more blanky's he has in his crib when I put him down to bed, the faster he falls asleep. Then I go back into his room about 15 minutes later once he has fallen asleep and take some of them out because because he ends up getting too hot but he averages about 3.  I have to keep about 2 or 3 in there or else he will wake up in the middle of the night wondering where they are and will cry for them.  Yes, he notices.  He could care less about his plush monkey or rabbit.  It's all about the blanky's.  I keep a spare one in the car when we go on a car ride that I know he may try and take a nap and it definitely helps! He also gets mad if we cuddle up to any one of his blanky's.  He definitely has his stamp on them so no one will touch but him!



Sitting in my "Tot Spot" chair with my blanky.



As you can see there are 3 here on the couch while we read books and play some before bed.



- Hunter knows pretty much all of his body parts.  He knows where his eyes, nose, mouth, head, ears, feet and belly are.  He has now officially learned where his booty is and sticks it out when we quiz him on his body parts.  With that being said, sometimes, he likes to quiz mommy of my body parts by touching them.  He will touch my mouth, eyes (eye lids..have to watch for this one), ears, head, feet, belly and then when it comes to my booty, he won't touch it! Good man.  He will stick his out and make me say what it is!  So funny, I never taught him that.  I am raising a natural gentleman.

Here is a video that Sean took of him while they were at the park the other day.  Hunter can climb up the stairs to get to the slide all by himself- over and over again.  This wears him out by the way.