A Wonderful Day With My Little Shrimp

I absolutely LOVE my new ward I'm in. Not only are there mostly boys Bradley's age in nursery, but the moms all want to hang out. I took the initiative last week and gave out magnets with our info on them for play dates (I've had these magnets made since June just didn't hand them out). Anyway, some of the moms were taking their kids blueberry picking today. Needless to say, I agreed, although as a child I didn't like it very much.

The ladies met at 8am....and started picking. Of course those who know me well know this didn't happen with me....Bradley and I showed up around 8:45. Bradley was good at it in the beginning but then saw a wagon and dropped his little basket, ran over to the wagon (while stepping on his blueberries) and played. He ran up and down the rows of bushes. He even would come over and start munching on my blueberries in the bucket. He had a blast. He was covered in dirt, mud and of course blueberries. The best part, the oldest child was not even three yet. It all worked out perfectly.

I filled my bucket about three quarters of the way and then we headed off to pay. I ended up with about fourteen to fifteen cups of blueberries and only paid $7! Talk about excited. I can't wait to go back. While leaving, if we saw a good bush, which we of course stopped and added it to our bucket as well. Let me clarify....I added to my bucket and Bradley added it to his mouth.

After picking blueberries, we came home and ate lunch. When that was over Bradley and I worked on writing letters (which is him scribbling, which is fine). We also worked with a two year old book on tracing. Then we colored. He was so excited about all of this.

Finally we both laid down for a nap. It was wonderful. I had to set my alarm though because we weren't close to ending our day. Bradley and I headed to swimming lessons at the Y. He's in the shrimp class. He loved jumping in the pool, blowing bubbles in the water, dunking his head in the water and just getting out that energy my almost two year old has. His teacher was quite impressed with him. When she watched him go under water, he was smiling before, during and afterward. I talked to the teacher how Bradley still remembers from last year how to kick, etc. I said Chris and I wanted to let him try on his own but we are scared to let go. She had us put a little flotation device on him, which is strapped to his back. We did it and let go....HE CAN SWIM! He laughs, talks, everything while doing it. He KNOWS to keep his head up. I'm so proud of my little shrimp. He now has the beginning of a life lesson that could literally save his life one day. He's so cute at swimming. Once he kept kicking and ended up swimming in a circle. His teacher was extremely excited and if you can't tell, I am too. I can't wait to show daddy what his little boy can do.

After swimming we came home, ate dinner then off we went again. We headed to my cousin's house to feed and take care of her dog (she's out of town right now). Bradley played with Sherman (her beagle). He fed him some cheese and then tried to give him his dog food. Then it was off to get daddy a Frosty....he was working late tonight and we wanted to give him a treat. Finally it was home, brush Bradley's teeth then off to bed. What a busy day but very eventful and very entertaining.

As for tomorrow it's the zoo with our new friends! Until then, it's picking up the house and doing dishes, all of it well worth it for a day like today.

EUREKA!

I think I finally figured it out this week.....while giving Bradley a bath, I clean him, then let him play, during that time I can....read my scriptures, prepare my lesson (what I can while sitting on the bathroom toilet making sure my little man doesn't slip), read magazines, whatever the case.

To make matters better, while getting Bradley to sleep (typically an hour process), I can do the same. You see Bradley has had a very difficult time falling asleep since we've moved. Partially my fault, partially Chris's fault and partially Bradley. Anyway we started out sitting next to his bed and slowly have moved a chair farther and farther away. Now we are out in the hall, next to his door. If I turn on my bedroom light I have enough light to read, etc. Let me tell you I feel fulfilled!

If I keep my chores to Monday and work really hard, then several times a week I have peace and quiet (with no anxiety) about reading, doing extras and the list can go on. I worked very hard this past Monday and the Monday's before and finally, other then daily up keep, I'm enjoying extra time with Bradley and to myself. I already feel well prepared for Sunday's lesson (other then typing out my notes), I have done extra reading from a manual to help with teaching, I've worked with Bradley on letters, worked on an educational book for two year olds and tracing, Bradley and I colored today, played outside, took naps, I read leisurely (not once but twice). I honestly feel WONDERFUL! So far I have a plan....tomorrow if the weather is decent we are going blueberry picking (thanks to some great girls from church who invited me this evening). I am thrilled.

I know this plan will change when my little girl comes into this world but for now she's still baking in my belly, but until then.....I feel better, I have a place and I'm doing something productive other then the usual cleaning, errands and feeling like a robot. :)

And.....

IT'S A GIRL!

And....my placenta previa is gone....

But....I don't have enough water in the amniotic sac....so back on Wednesday to see if I was successful at getting it up. My guess is no because I've been very sick and haven't been able to keep up with the fluid/protein/eating task set forth by the doctor....

BUT...IT'S A GIRL! Her name is Amelia Claire and Bradley lifts my shirt and gives her kisses. He's so cute.