Half Baked!

How far along: 20 weeks

Total weight gain: 11 lbs.  I'm pretty happy about that...so far  Up 10 lbs. at my 20 week apt.  Even happier about that!

How much does baby weigh: around 10.5 oz

Maternity clothes: Maternity pants all the time.  I flip back and forth with shirts but I'm having to rely on the maternity shirts more often.  Just this past week I commented on how annoying it is to be constantly pulling the pants up and shirt down!

Stretch marks: I found my first 2 of this pregnancy

Sleep: I sleep with a small pillow under my belly each night.  I've actually slept very well, without any issues.  I do love my naps still!

Best moment this week: Baby's movement has really picked up.  We have our anatomy scan and doctor's apt. this upcoming Wednesday.  Can't wait to see little booger again!

Movement: He's definitely making his presence known.  Most of the time it feels like he's bouncing around on my butt and that I'll fart at any moment.  He's definitely much lower than Ethan was.

Food cravings: uh none this week.

Belly button in or out: In but it's getting just a bit shallower

What I miss: Nothing this week

What I'm looking forward to: Our next doctor's appointment and ultrasound onWednesday.

How will I ever make it with two?

Tonight was one of the most difficult moments I've had as a mom.  Chris did the grocery shopping while I took night duty.  After watching Mickey Mouse, Ethan came upstairs for bath time. 

I proceeded to take off his shirt where he began screaming bloody murder.  The type of cry where the poor kid can't catch his breath long enough to breathe.  He wanted to keep that damn shirt on.

He screamed while taking off his pants.  And socks.

He screamed while putting him in the tub.  Normally I'd say "screw it" at this point but the kid was covered in spaghetti sauce.

He screamed while trying to wrestle a diaper on.

I screamed.  He cried.  I left the room to cool off.  He followed me.  I left the room again, he continued to scream and cry.

He screamed while putting on pjs.  He kicked and smacked.  I swatted his little butt.

I don't spank.  I don't believe in spanking.  I believe a child can get the point through firm words and gestures.  I spanked out of frustration.

With the boy finally dressed, I put the screaming, crying kid in bed and left the room.  I cried with him.  How will I ever deal with two kids if this is how it is with one?

Given some time, I went back into Ethan's room and apologized.  The crying had stopped (from both of us.)  I told Ethan I was sorry for yelling and spanking and that Mommy was just frustrated.  He asked for a kiss and hug and for Mommy to "stay" for a bit.  I obliged.  What am I going to do?!

Christmas 2011

This year, we spent Christmas Eve at Granny's house.  Much of the family joined along and the house was quite packed.  I was worried about how well Ethan would do considering he refused to take a nap that day.  Overall, though, he did wonderfully.  E was initially a little shy around everyone and specifically wanted Mommy to hold him.  He slowly warmed up and enjoyed hanging out with his family.  Ethan especially enjoyed playing with is newest baby cousin, Lydia.  While I held her, baby Lydia snoozed.  Ethan liked to touch her feet, pet her hands, and attempted to touch her little closed eyes.  I'm glad to see he SHOULD be gentle with little babies!

Christmas morning arrived with our typical 7:30ish wake up call.  Ethan could immediately see presents under the tree and wanted to go downstairs to begin the fun. 

He was so excited opening gifts but ultimately ended up losing interest. 

We'll have to tell Santa to consolidate some of those presents next year!  Our traditional Christmas morning breakfast of cinnamon rolls and breakfast casserole followed then we began our trek to Chris' family's house.

After waiting for everyone to arrive, eating breakfast, waiting for others to finish wrapping gifts, we FINALLY sat down to open presents.  Many hours later, we continued to Aunt Carol's house for the McMillan family Christmas.  Ethan was not the slightest bit shy this time and really was a crazy boy! 

We had such a wonderful Christmas despite it being a very long day with no nap.  I look forward to next year's Christmas when we have 2 BOYS to enjoy it with.