The Midwest McDonalds

Books Read 2010

2011-01-10T19:44:00.001-08:00

My goal each year is to read 50 books (about one a week). This year I read a total of 38 books, not quite meeting my goal. I think having a new baby in September excuses my slacking this year.

I started and finished two awesome book series this year, The Kitty Norville books by Carrie Vaughn and The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. If you haven't read the Hunger Games yet, I would highly recommend it.

In 2011, I will continue with my goal of reading 50 books. It's definitely more challenging finding the time to read with three kids under the age of five, but I think it's an achievable goal. I love reading so much and it really is my stress relief.

1 Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen (book club)
2 Add More -Ing to your Life by Gabrielle Bernstein (review copy)
3 Jewel of Atlantis by Gena Showalter
4 Reading Right from the Start: What Parents Can Do in the First Five Years by Bickart & Dodge
5 Get Financially Naked by Thakor & Kedar (review copy)
6 The Nymph King by Gena Showalter
7 The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks (book club)
8 Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
9 Starting Over by Andy Serwer (review copy)
10. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (book club)
11. The Vampire's Bride by Gena Showalter
12. Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah (book club)
13. The Mommy Files by Jen Kline (review copy)
14. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (book club)
15. Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris
16. Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn
17. Spent Memoirs of a Shopping Addict by Avis Cardella (review copy)
18. The Red Tent by Anita Diamont (book club)
19. Kitty Goes to Washington by Carrie Vaughn
20. Kitty Takes a Vacation by Carrie Vaughn
21. The Road by Cormac McCarthy (book club)
22. Kitty and the Silver Bullet by Carrie Vaughn
23. The Shack by William P Young (book club)
24. Everyone Communicates, Few Connect by John Maxwell (review copy)
25. The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan
26. Public Affair, Secretly Expecting by Heidi Rice (Tell Harlequin review)
27. Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand by Carrie Vaughn
28. Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn
29. Kitty's House of Horrors by Carrie Vaughn
30. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
31. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (book club)
32. Bound by Sally Gunning (book club)
33. Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider (book review)
34. Psych Yourself Rich by Farnoosh Torabi (book review)
35. Peace Like a River by Leif Enger (book club)
36. Starting Fire by Suzanne Collins
37. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
38. Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris

Pretty Daddy!

2010-12-09T05:47:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when you have a daughter. Thanks for being a good sport Pete! You look fabulous!

Halloween 2010!

2010-12-09T05:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween! Mileena was Cinderella, Egan was Thomas the Train and Pete was a #1 fan. He got lots of laughs and even some candy as we went trick-or-treating that night. Pete also carved his very first jack-o-lantern.

Welcome Liam Peter!

2010-12-09T05:04:00.001-08:00

It's been a long time since I've updated and the biggest news is that Liam was born on September 8 at 1046 am. He weighed 8 lbs 3.9 oz (my smallest baby) and was 21.5 inches long.
The day before he was born I weeded part of our garden and pulled carrots for nearly an hour. Immediately afterwards I felt painful contractions for about an hour, but they stopped. I was awoken at midnight with severe cramping and couldn't go back to sleep. So I took a shower and finally woke up Pete at 130am because I knew Liam was on his way. We called our neighbor to watch the kids until my parents arrived from Lincoln.

When we reached the hospital I was in major pain, but had to wait to until finishing paperwork to get an epidural at 4am. Liam arrived at 1046 am after 11 minutes of pushing.

He had a full head of black, curly hair. His big brother and sister were so excited to meet him and wanted to give him lots of love. At the hospital we were discussing who Liam looked like, so Mileena asked Grandpa if Liam got his wrinkles from him. That was classic!

When he was just a day old, my pediatrician was concerned because he couldn't see Liam's red reflex in his eyes and called an eye specialist. The day we were scheduled to leave the hospital the eye specialist confirmed that Liam had bi-lateral contacts. He also failed his hearing test, so as we were packing to leave, our pediatrician recommended that Liam go to the NICU for further testing.

That was extremely upsetting, but we knew that it would be best. He stayed in NICU for 3 1/2 days and 3 days were spent under a photo lamp for jaundice concerns. He had a ton of testing done, and, fortunately, everything was negative. There is no rhyme or reason why he was born with cataracts. A few months later, he did pass his hearing test. Many times, babies are born with fluid in their ears and fail the hearing test. Over time, when the fluid drains their hearing is fine.

Liam had his lenses removed from his eyes at three weeks old. He will hopefully get permanent lenses in a few years after his eye grows more. He was put under anesthetic and the surgery took a few hours. We were home by that afternoon and Liam recovered well. About a month and a half after the surgery, Liam got his glasses. He is sooo cute!

Grandpa & Grandma M visit!

2010-12-09T05:03:00.000-08:00

In August, Pete's parents came for a nice visit on their move from Pennsylvania to Las Vegas. Pete's mom and I had lots of fun with the kids while Pete and his dad hid some home repairs. We went to the Omaha zoo, cooked some yummy food and Marcie made a cake for Egan's birthday. She brought a huge tub of toys, blankets and gifts for the kids and they loved it. We had a great time hanging out and the kids were so happy to spend time with their grandparents.

Pete's dad helped us with lots of home repairs, including working on adding a bathroom to the basement, installing a new kitchen sink and some electrical and plumbing work. The best early birthday gift ever was a new dishwasher they bought and my dad installed. I can't believe I've been hand washing dishes the last four years. I am so grateful for all their help.

Liam at 28 weeks

2010-06-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

The doctor is monitoring Liam's fetal growth, so I got another ultrasound at 28 weeks. This is a 3d picture of his profile. He is 2 pounds 15 ounces and in the 84th percentile for growth. His abdomen and femur is larger than over 80% of other babies his age and his head is around 50%.

I will get another ultrasound at 36 weeks, which will be a better indication of his birth size. Hopefully, he won't be big like Egan (9lbs 11 oz) or I may have to have a c-section.

We are looking forward to meeting him at the end of summer. Oh, and we got another peek at him that shows it's definitely a BOY!

Living History Farms in Des Moines!

2010-06-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

On our way home from visiting Pete's Grandma and Aunt in Wisconsin we stopped at The Living History Farm in Des Moines, IA.
There were three very different farms along a path through the forest that showed the evolution of agriculture in Iowa. There was a 1700, an 1800, an early 1900's farm and a turn of the century town with lots of little shops. It was really interesting and was at least two miles of walking to see it all.

At the early 1900's farm throwing a corn cob to the pigs. This farm also had horse drawn farming equipment, horses, chickens and a Victorian style home.

This was the early Indian farms and on this particular day they were skinning a buffalo hide for a tent. Mileena tried to skin the hide, but said it stunk up her nose and wanted nothing more to do with it.

At the 1800's farm, Mileena made a recipe book. On this farm, they had chickens, a one-room home, sheep, pigs and cows.
Check out the geese.

Dinosaur Museum in Kenosha, WI!

2010-06-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

After a delicious lunch at a cafe in Kenosha, we stopped at a Dinosaur museum (Mileena's choice of activities). This particular museum focuses on the link between birds and meat-eating dinosaurs (theropods) and has a discovery center on the lower level. After the museum, we drove to Kenosha's shoreline (Lake Michigan) and checked out the lighthouses and beach area.

Helping Egan make a dinosaur picture in the discovery center.
The outside of the museum was decorated with many paintings of dinosaurs.

The Jelly Belly tour near Kenosha, WI!

2010-06-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

Mileena's favorite part of our visit to Racine was the stop at the Jelly Belly distribution center with a train ride tour about the history of Jelly Belly jelly beans. Did you know it takes 7-10 days to make just one Jelly Belly jelly bean? We also left with handfuls of jelly beans and a box of candy.

After the visit, Mileena polished off a bag and a half of jelly beans in the car before lunch and was wired. She talked for 10 hours straight, barely taking time to breath.

Look out below!!!!

Visit to Racine, Wisconsin!

2010-06-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

The first week of June we traveled to Racine, Wisconsin to visit Pete's grandma and aunt. He worked seven days straight through the Memorial Day holiday and received the following week off work, so we took the road trip.

It was about a 9 hour drive each way and we visited for 2 1/2 days. We visited a few local attractions, learned more about Pete's family history and, of course, ate a famous Kringle.

The kids and their Great Grandma!

The kids and their Great Great Aunt Ruth.

Mileena's Dance Recital

2010-06-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

Mileena had her final dance recital downtown. It was an all day production, starting with rehearsal, a lunch break and then the final performance. James, Karissa, Lolly and Tara all came to see Mileena's performance.
Unfortunately, this may be her only dance recital. About halfway through the year she decided that she did not like going to dance class anymore. We pushed through the rest of the year seeing if she'd change her mind, but she didn't. She asked to do soccer instead, so that is what we will be doing this summer.
The kids were so cute in their costumes. This is a picture of Mileena with her friends from the other preschool dance class.
Mileena's class danced to a compilation of two Michael Jackson songs. The little boy was dressed like Michael .G
Getting ready to go backstage.

The performance. Mileena was on the end and was the first one to walk out on stage and the first to exit. She did really well.

Mileena's Dance Party

2010-06-11T05:59:00.000-07:00

Another day of 'alone time' and Mileena created a dance party. She paired up all her 'princesses' with partners and they danced. She even paired up her Zhu Zhu pet. According to her, they were celebrating a wedding of one of the princesses. After seeing this, I think I will need to buy her some Ken dolls for the next holiday.

Mileena's Tea Party

2010-06-11T05:47:00.000-07:00

Mileena will shut her bedroom door for 'alone time' (aka time without the pesty little brother) and create elaborate stories and themes. On this day, she made a tea party, involving almost all her dolls, Barbies, stuffed animals and tea set. After she set up all her guests with their tea party goodies, she joined the tea party and had a conversation.

Mileena's Princess Birthday Party!

2010-04-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

Mileena's 4th birthday was a fun princess party with a few of her closest friends. (All girls, no boys were allowed, except Egan). The girls ate pizza and veggies, made their own princess crowns, had special glitter wands, pulled the strings on a pinata and ate some yummy princess cupcakes.
Making their princess crowns.

Look at all the cute princesses!
The pinata! For almost a year, the one thing Mileena has asked for on her birthday is a pinata. Her pinata was a cute princess one with pull strings. One string opened the pinata. Amazingly, each girl got three turns to pull a string before Tara found the 'magic' one.

The goodies! In the pinata was three pounds of Wonka candy and about $6 in change. Cha-ching!

Mileena said that the two favorite parts of her party were the pinata and opening presents. She was so excited about all the new toys, books and cute summer clothes she received from her friends and family.

Singing Happy Birthday and blowing out her candles. Happy 4th Birthday Princess Mileena!

Birthday presents from Pete's family!

2010-04-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

Mileena and Pete had their birthdays on April 7 and 8. Mileena turned 4 and Pete, well, he's thirty something. :)

Mileena and Pete got some cool shoes from Aunt Jessica and Uncle Mark. Mileena was sooo excited when she saw the crocodile on the box because Crocs were her sandal of choice last summer.

On her birthday, Mileena opened the gifts from Grandma and Grandpa McDonald and Aunt Anna and Uncle Glen. She is a little fashion diva and loves her new outfits from the grandparents. She also got a calculator and a Webkinz rainbow colored armadillo. Pete received an awesome juicer from his mom and dad for his birthday. We've all been enjoying the fresh squeezed juice and I can't wait for farmer's market to get more produce to try in the juicer.

Here is the Webkinz pet carrier from Anna and Glen for her little armadillo.

Cuddle time!

2010-04-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

It's so cute when the kids get along and cuddle each other. Egan just crawled up on the couch and laid down with Mileena.

Easter at Grandma and Grandpas!

2010-04-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Easter at my mom and dad's house with our family. Several of my aunts and uncles and their children enjoyed a nice lunch and afternoon Easter egg hunt. We even saw an old plane take off from the runway many times behind the house.
The neighbors kids joined us for an Easter egg hunt and Pete and James hid more than a hundred eggs across three lawns for seven kids.

Look at the big bag of eggs my cousin Mara found!
Mileena's basket is overflowing with her eggs.
The kids sit down to find their treasures. There was candy, stickers and even some money.

This is what happens when Egan doesn't get much of a nap all day. He fell asleep at the dinner table with drool hanging down his chin. Too funny!

The Easter Bunny and celebration!

2010-04-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

Easter! Early in the week, we stopped at the mall to see the Easter Bunny. Mileena was thrilled to see that the Easter Bunny was 'real'. The day before Easter we took the kids to a celebration at the church where Mileena goes to Preschool. They had a bounce house, slide, lots of fun crafts, face painting, pinatas and egg hunts for each age group.

Egan playing an Easter game.
Pinata time for kids under five! Egan took a few swings at the pinata.
Mileena got a hold of the bat and hit the pinata ridiculously hard (much harder than any other kid her age). She was very intent on getting to that candy.
The man holding the pinata held it as far away from him as he could once he figured how serious Mileena was about hitting that pinata. She put her whole body into that swing.
Yay! Candy and toys!!!! Egan helped Mileena fill up her basket and tried to eat a wrapped tootsie roll.

The Easter Egg hunt! Mileena searched high and low for the eggs and Egan got a little help from dad.

Day at the Park!

2010-04-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

On one of the first nice days of spring, we joined our friends Lolly and Karissa for a fun day in the park.

Best Friends!

The Portable Pomeranian

2010-03-19T17:48:00.000-07:00

Mileena decided to put my parent's Pomeranian, Tinkerbell, in a backpack and tote her around the house. Luckily, the little ankle biter didn't seem to mind. The other dog in the picture is their Miniature Australian Shepherd, Vlad.

Couch Potatoes!

2010-03-19T17:47:00.000-07:00

Our Healthy Baby!

2010-03-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

Last week we had an Ultra-Screen test performed on the baby. They used images from an ultrasound and my blood to check for Down's Syndrome, Trisomy 18 and congenital heart defects. I was very happy to receive a call from our doctor today announcing that the Ultra-screen was normal.

Here is a picture from the ultrasound. The baby is 12 weeks 5 days old in the photo. We will get another ultrasound in a few months to determine the gender.

Fun at the Bounce House

2010-02-23T19:28:00.000-08:00

We joined some our friends from My Omaha Mommies for a fun morning playdate at the new bounce house in Papillion, Jumpin' Jax. Both my kids had so much fun! Egan found the big bounce house with balls and basketball hoops and played in there almost the whole time. Mileena enjoyed trying all the different bounce houses and had no problem through the obstacle course. We plan on going back next month.

Egan's 18 month checkup

2010-02-23T19:13:00.000-08:00

Egan had his 18 month appointment last week and he is healthy. He finally caught up on motor development, but still is not saying words. The doctor says not to worry until he is is two years old, but to continue working with him on speech. He makes lots of sounds and understands what we are saying. Currently when he wants something, he points and babbles. When he's hungry he'll stand at the pantry door and poke it. When he's thirsty he stands under the cupboard where we keep his cups and starts pointing and talking.

Here are his stats:
Weight: 24 lbs 4 oz
Height: 32 1/2 in

He is still right at 50th percentile for height and weight. We go back for his next checkup when he turns two in August.

I'm Pregnant with #3!

2010-02-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

We are having another baby, due September 16, 2010! We are so excited to add to our family and I'm sharing our first ultrasound of the new baby taken on January 22 (only 6 weeks and 1 day old). Mileena was really disappointed that there was only one baby in my belly. LOL! She wants it to be a girl and name her 'Twirly'. She already talks to the baby and kisses my belly. So cute!

We will have another ultrasound screening in early March to check development and another towards the end of April to determine the gender.

I have been feeling nauseous and very tired, but otherwise doing well. I just dragged all my maternity clothes from the basement. I can't believe how quickly my belly started to stick out with this pregnancy.

Here is the baby's first picture.