Leap Day

Since it's Leap Day which happens only ever 4 years and since I haven't posted anything forever, I thought I should do both. Sorry no pictures...just ramblings and an out loud to do list!

Baby & Momma check list:

• 35 weeks! (ok I'm rounding up, 34 weeks, 6 days)
• Heartburn. But on a plus side have you ever tried the mint tums...they don't give me the gag reflux that the fruit flavored tums give. Go figure I just figured it out!
• 1 Zantac usually gets me through the day
• Back pains. I don't remember ever having this much pain. Last night Mike said it was like I had a new bone in my back it was so tight.
• Got our new car seat from the UPS man today.
• Got a free baby car seat cover. Since this was #4 I wasn't really worried about having a cute car seat cover to cover her up. BUT I got a free offer for one and I love it. Lexi does too. She keeps sleeping with it as her blanket.
• Diaper/burp rags sewn and all decked out ready for lots of spit up!
• I've been doing some food prepping. Yesterday I cooked 10lbs of ground beef and then put it in ziplocs and they are in the freezer. Easy for tacos, spaghetti, sloppy joes, etc. Monday, I made 5 enchilada casseroles (4 are in the freezer). Still need to do a couple more freezer meals but will wait a couple weeks.
• Anything salty is my best friend although my worst enemy. I'm sure I'm gaining a lot of water weight from all the salt I'm enjoying!
• Tired.
• I think we have a name even! Mike had a dream it was Molly, I had a dream it was Ava. Still love Ellie or Elana or Hazel and Maggie. We'll see which one she ends up with.

Lexi:

• 3rd birthday next week--making a chocolate/peanut butter cup trifle flower cake similar to Jack's 4th birthday cake which was heavenly (yep this cake is for me more than her:). Going fancy and making cake pops for the first time. Wish me luck and any advice if you have any.
• She wants Mac n cheese for her birthday dinner. Should be an easy dinner I guess.
• So excited for her new little sister to come. This morning I was watching cartoons with her on the couch and she was snuggled up to me and patting my belly. She loves to lift up my shirt and see the baby and give her hugs and kisses. On Sunday, she told me she can't wait to share a room with the baby. Let's hope that lasts!
• Still loves her friend Abby. Monday morning the first thing out of her mouth was, "can I play with Abby today?" They played babies and mommies.
• Has adjusted to nursery w/o Abby. Abby is now a sunbeam. She cracks her teachers up. She tells them "you are my honey and I am the mommy." She calls Bro & Sis Paulsen Grandpa and Grandma. I think she is the ring leader in the group! 
• I am amazed at her coloring. She colors in the lines! I think we are still working on this concept with Jack and he is 5.5!
• Her tantrums. Where did she learn to stomp her feet...oh ya, her big sister!
• On the way to Stake Conference last week, she said "yay, we are going to jump n bounce" which is also in the same direction as the Stake Center. She was highly disappointed!

Jack:

• Obsessed with WWE and wants to fight everyone and everything. He whacked Lexi playing swords so hard, the next day she had a bruise on the back of her ear and behind her head.
• Carry's his swords to play at Lincoln's house.
• This boy is always "bored" and wants to go to this buddy or that buddy's house.
• We went to the Safe Kids Fair last weekend and Jack loved learning how to be safe, he especially loved learning about fire safety. Mike's alarm usually goes off at 6:30am and one morning, he was at the foot of our bed telling us he heard the fire alarm and we should go outside.
• Loves the Wii, not as obsessed as he was. For Christmas, I wanted Just Dance 3 and thought Maddy would love it just as much as I did. Jack loves it too! He even has some rhythm.

Maddy:

• Great saleswoman. The latest and greatest fundraiser at school is selling Lehi Roller Mills products. She went to all the neighbors that do not have an Elementary age child and sold to them. Jack was a little bummed she has twice the amount of sales as he does but it's because she is selling up! I haven't done my order yet, we'll see what she ends up talking me into! Maybe next year we'll have to consider girl scouts.
• In sharing time at church on Sunday, everyone was asked to share an experience of when they made a good choice. It was Maddy's turn and she instantly burst into tears. Everyone around her tried to get her to talk but all she could do was cry. She is very smart and confident but also can be very shy, maybe nerves got the best of her. I still don't like being asked to share experiences at church and when my name is called I get nervous and sweaty and want to cry myself!
• We've been working on Patriotic projects. She had a list of projects to choose from. She inmade a flag, picture of George Washington, Statue of Liberty and the Liberty Bell. Before bed last night, we picked out her clothes for today. And about 20 minutes after being tucked in she came and asked if she could wear something red, white and blue for patriotic day today. Tomorrow is Dr Seuss Lunch Day, she is so excited to eat green eggs and ham! Parents are invited, I decided to skip out on it, maybe next year.

Mike:

• Worked hard on getting our tax refund back. Now is dreaming of ways to spend it! He really wants a new lens for the camera. We had a bid last night for concrete. I'm sure that will eat up most of it if not all of the refund.
• Leaving town March 11-16 and going to Texas for a Genealogy Conference. No worries right?
• He's stepped up and doesn't complain about the dishes that I haven't been getting done and does them.
• Gets the kids bathed and books read and in bed almost every night.
• Massages my sore sore back.
• Watching Downton Abbey with me.

The lists could go on and on but it's nap time. Going to snuggle with little girl and get a few zzz's myself.

PS Happy Birthday Emma! 12 yet really only 3 years old.