Passed!

I'm happy to report that I passed all 4 blood draws yesterday = ) It was not a fun experience and I hope I never have to do it again. The first draw was okay. The drink contained two times the amount of dextrose as the first and it did not sit well in my stomach. The second draw was okay but the 3rd and 4th were tough. The 3rd one she had to dig for and I was clenching my arm. On the 4th there were no veins left. The lady called in the "expert" and they found a vein lower on my arm. My arms are still sore and some bruises have formed with others still forming. I had a hematoma from the one blood draw (looks like a lump and bruise). I was psychologically exhausted and went to be early.

On a brighter note, I got some updated pics of both girls printed and they make me smile. When I was going through some digital files I came across this one. For some reason I had bypassed it first time round. I look at it and it makes me smile. Then, I think of a little boy sitting with them and it makes me smile even more = ) Hope you find something in life that makes you smile today!

Blood Tests

Have I ever mentioned that I don't like needles! Last Thursday I had several routine blood tests. One to check iron and the second to test for gestational diabetes. I failed them both = ( I was border line anemic with Mack so that doesn't really surprise me. I can handle an iron pill and taking OJ w/ my prenatal vitamin. However, there is a follow up test for the gestational diabetes that I'm not looking forward to. I will need to fast starting tonight. At 8:45 a.m. tomorrow, I go in on an empty stomach and have the first of 4 blood draws. I then drink the sugar drink and let it sit for an hour. Afterwards, I get my blood drawn every half hour for the remaining 3. My wonderful father will be there to drive and support me in the event I faint. (I often get light headed with this type of thing). Keep your fingers cross that I pass!!

The weekend was good. The girls and I went shopping with my mom. I got Schuyler some jeans and baby boy got a little outfit. Grandma got the girls matching yellow shirts, which they had to wear on Sunday, and Mack some "feetsie" pajamas, which she wore Saturday night. All 4 1/2 of us enjoyed the air show on Sunday. I should also mention I have now taught both girls to "squat and pee". I'm not proud of this but the grand finale was about to begin and we were parked on the side of the rode with a ditch. They're bound to learn someday so it might as well be from their mom = )

Me llamo

Me llamo Schuyler and Je ma'pelle Schuyler. That's what little miss Schuyler learned at her French and Spanish lessons on Tuesday. Tuesday was a big day for her. Not only French and Spanish lesson, but 2nd dance class and viola lessons with her new teacher. She loves them all. I was concerned about the viola teacher since she had such a connection with her old one. But, after just one lesson, I think Ms. Donna will be an even better fit. She has 4 kids, all boys. She relates well to children and has fun and inventive games she plays to make practicing fun. Schuyler even got her viola out on her own and Wed and practiced for 10 minutes.

Yesterday was a rainy day here in Lincoln. When we got home I painted the girls face and made a tent downstairs. We just took it easy.

For this weekend, Mark is playing in a memorial golf tourney and we're all going to an airshow. I'm hoping to get a lot of housework accomplished as well.

On a final note, I'm so happy blogger is posting pics again!!

Highlights of Brian and Meg's Wedding

I think the Riese family is still recouping from the wedding. I know I am. There were so many wonderful events and it was a BEAUTIFUL wedding and reception. The kickoff started on Thursday night with a cocktail party hosted by several of Meghan's neighbors she grew up with. Perfect evening, wonderful food, and great socialization. We got back late and found Schuyler still awake. She was fighting it, but still awake. Of all nights, she decides tonight is the night that she is giving up the night time pull ups. As a mom, I'm thinking 'Great. I'll have sheets to wash in the morning b/c she's sure to have an accident as tired as she is.' But, I go with it b/c I don't want her to get upset and wake up Mack. Surprisingly, she made it through the whole night - actually the whole weekend. And, no matter what time the kids go to bed, they still wake up at the usual time, 6 - 6:30 a.m.

Friday, Schuyler and I enjoyed a bridesmaid luncheon at Happy Hallow while Mark went golfing w/ Brian and Drew. Afterwards, Schuyler and I experienced our first manicures ever. She was a doll. So well behaved and plopped her hands up there and sat perfectly still. They even curled her hair. There was a little down time at the hotel which I used to kick up my feet and Schuyler unpacked the bags and put them in drawers. She had actually fell asleep on the way back from manicures but immediately awoke when I parked in the hotel lot. Rehearsal went well. The girls walked at a perfect pace and made it all down, veering to the left as the approached the end to meet Fran, Meghan's mom. There was a miscommunication/misunderstanding with Mark's parents as to the arrangements for the Schuyler and Mack while Mark and I went to the rehearsal dinner. Luckily, Aunt Jan came and watched Schuyler while Mark's parents drove up from Lincoln with Mack.

Saturday...the big day! We had a slight scare as Mack found Grandpa Riese's pills and decided to taste one. Fortunately, it was only about about an eighth and was only a stool softener. Schuyler and I got up-do's and afterwards went to Meghan's parents' to get ready and beautified. The photographer took some of the bride, bridesmaids, and parents and then we were escorted off to the church by limo. Meghan looked so beautiful and calm now that the moment was here. When I saw my bro standing up at the alter I began to cry. He looked so incredibly happy. My tears began to stream a little more as I walked down the isle to meet my husband, who looked very handsome himself. And the girls. As they began down the isle their faces were in such awe. Barely walking, they kept looking around at all the people, huge smiles on their face. They were enjoying their moment as well and you could hear the laughs and comments of all witnessing. I was so proud of all of them = ) The wedding went by so quickly it seemed. We did some more pics afterwards both at the church and Fran and Duane's house. Both girls enjoyed their first ever limo ride. Schuyler was afraid they would leave without her if we didn't hurry. Mack was not as enthusiastic but once inside she liked sitting on Mommy's lap. The reception was beautiful. It is my understanding that Happy Hollow is the oldest country club in Omaha. It was decorated very elegantly and the appetizers and dinner was exquisite. I can't forget to mention we were all evacuated to the lower level for a tornado warning. One actually touched at 180th and Harrison. Nothing like a little added drama to an already eventful day.

I promise to share pics when I get them off my card. Tonight is dance and viola for Schuyler. Thanks to all who read to the end of this long post. Until next time...

Okay, blogger won't post a pic. I've tried for 3 days so until it cooperates, all you get is words = (

Just the usual...

Schuyler had her first dance class last night. In talking with her I think she's going to like it. She said they worked on "spinning" on balancing on their tip toes. She also said she made lots of new friends = ) In August, Schuyler's normal viola teacher gave notice that she took a new job teaching for LPS. She told us only one night before Schuyler's lesson. So while we were happy for her new opportunity, it was hard to explain this to Schuyler who was devastated. Group lessons at the Montessori and individual lessons are resuming with a new teacher. Hopefully, this will go well. In addition, the Montessori has also added French and Spanish lessons which Schuyler will be taking part in on Monday afternoons. She has a lot to look forward to.

I feel bad not mentioning Mack. She is thriving and constantly learning and trying to keep up with big kids as always. She loves being outside and strolling her dolls or giving them rides in the bike, trike, etc... Her latest thing is fastening her own seatbelt and getting herself dressed. Ever since Schuyler learned to buckle her seatbelt, Mack is determined she can do hers by herself. "My job" is a phrase we often hear. This requires a little extra patience and the ability to convince her she did it completely by herself. As far as dressing herself, she really does a great job. Again, a little extra patience and the ability to love mismatched outfits and clothes that may be on inside out or backwards is needed. The positive is it really gives her a sense of pride = )

Brian and Meghan's wedding is this weekend. Look for posts on this next week.

BOY!!!

Just had the ultrasound today and, yes, we are going to have a boy! I can't believe how blessed we are. I cried. I would have cried either way b/c that's what I do = ) Tears of joy and happiness is what I told Schuyler. She would look at the TV monitor and look back down at me. I'm sure she was a bit confused. I had to ask the tech "What did you say"? The pictures are pretty clear. Can't wait to share!! I'm having a terrible time concentrating. Keep thinking all these wonderful thoughts...boy clothes, boy toys, boy scrapbook and best of all, boy PICTURES!! So, since I have no boy pics of my own I'll share one of my best friend's little boy's with you! Have a wonderful weekend.

Lengthy post

Well, this is sure to be a lengthy post so I'll try not to bore everyone. Having time off with the girls was fabulous and I spoiled them completely. Everyday we had something "fun" to do. One day it was the park and train rides. The next, a trip to the Omaha Zoo and a dress fitting for Schuyler. The final day, a trip to the Children's Museum and lunch w/ Papa. Yes, I spoiled them rotten = ) Then, if that wasn't enough, the cousin's came to town for the NE game. Schuyler and Mack got to spend quality time w/ Maddy and went to the Sunken Gardens with Grandma during the game and then Maddy spent the night.

Mark enjoyed the NE game with his brother, dad, and Megan and Ian. He finished his golf league with a tournament on Friday. Yeah, this means we'll have daddy around on Monday nights = ) Our garbage disposal needs to be replaced so that is his honey do.

This is the week where we find out what little tadpole is, hopefully. I'm having second thoughts about finding out so we'll see what happens at the appt on Friday. I got to nap with the girls a lot while being at home which was a bonus. I can definitely tell I'm growing as I'm getting the cyatic pain in my back. This is the frustrating part for me. There is so much I want to get accomplished around the house before #3 is born but I'm getting limited in what I can do.

Oh, for those of you who have been asking about baby Ashton, he is home and doing well. He takes 3 or so different medications to help with his medical problems. Otherwise, he is a normal baby who is eating, sleeping, and growing just as he should.

The picture is courtesy of my photo friend. Thanks for the great capture H!!