Baby #3- 13 Weeks

13 weeks!!!! 2nd Trimester!!!!! YAY!!!!!!

I know that things can still go wrong within pregnancy, but hitting that 2nd trimester is such a relief and I feel like I can take a deep breath and start connecting more with this little lady/little man inside of me. Now the realization is REALLY hitting... I'm going to have 3 KIDS!!!!! I'm officially going to pass the national average of children. Crazy.

Here are some updates on the little one!!

About Baby: Size- The baby is 3 inches in length and weighs 1 ounce. About the size of pea pod. Baby is growing like crazy and now that it's major development is complete, it's time to GROW GROW GROW!!! Which makes sense why I am so hungry all of a sudden! Baby is kicking up a storm in there. I feel flutters here and there. Last night I was making a meal at church for youth group and there was a definite kick down low. I know what that is!!!! Obviously, nothing you can feel on the outside, but I love this stage. It's like my own little secret with the baby. I know it's kicking, but no one else does. Our own little connection. I love it.

Weight Gain: Still 2 pounds. No weight gain this week. I've been watching my weight gain a lot more this pregnancy. In the first trimester, I was supposed to gain 2-5 pounds. I gained 2. So, I'm right on track. I have also been exercising to keep myself healthy and eating extremely healthy. Lyndon, the boys, and I have been walking for about 45 minutes to an hour each night (The boys ride their bikes). We have a walking path a block from our house, so it is so nice. We feel comfortable letting the boys ride their bikes without worry of cars. I have been walking 1- 1 1/2 miles per night. It helps with my energy also. I am eating very clean this pregnancy, unlike the last two. Lots of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean meats. Obviously I have treats here and there, but they are TREATS! Not something I eat all the time.... unlike the last 2. :)

Symptoms: Morning Sickness has pretty much subsided. I feel so much better and things are looking up! Thank goodness. Exhaustion has slowly subsided also. I obviously have days where I am more tired. I still have a 4 and 2 year old in the house, but for the most part I have energy again. Other than that, I've been feeling good.

Sleep: Sleep is good. I have been getting pretty good sleep this last week. Other than the boys getting up occasionally, but I feel rested. The only thing I am dealing with this pregnancy that I didn't with the last is very vivid dreams and nightmares. Some nightmares will wake me up in a cold sweat and out of breath. I can't seem to fall back to sleep right away. Bathroom breaks are another problem. I get up at least once a night to go to the bathroom. I guess that means I'm getting enough hydration during the day!

Cravings: Eggs. Peanut Butter. Not together. Scrambled eggs in the morning is usually my go-to meal. I make it into a breakfast burrito with some cheese and salsa. Delicious and healthy. Peanut butter is my go-to snack. Either a half sandwich with peanut butter or apples and peanut butter, but I'm craving that peanut butter and eggs.

Best Moment: Feeling that little KICK! I've been feeling flutters, but that kick was a 'MOMMY! I'M HERE!" Kick. Absolutely in love.

Looking Forward To: Finding out the gender in a month and a half. I still have a feeling it's a girl, but you never know!!!!

13 weeks down! 27 to go!

So happy I'm in the 2nd trimester!

Baby #3: 12 Weeks

12 Weeks down! Can you believe it? Almost done with my first trimester! And, very excited to get out of the first trimester! Here are a few updates on Baby #3!

About Baby: Size: A little over 2 inches. The size of a lime. And weighing in at 1/2 an ounce. I've felt a few more flutters here and there. Usually late in the evening when I'm completely relaxed. Best feeling ever. Baby is wiggling up a storm! I had another ultrasound this afternoon at my appointment and the doctor could barely register the heart rate because the little stinker was wiggling everywhere. It took him a good 5 minutes to get everything he needed because the baby was too busy moving around. He was even impressed at how much the baby was moving this early.

Weight Gain: 2 Pounds. I gained a pound this last week. Good sign that morning sickness is going away!

Symptoms: Morning sickness seems to be almost a thing of the past. Fingers crossed! I have only had a few days this past week (Which was only a few hours at a time) of some slight nausea. Nothing compared to what it was. I am able to eat pretty much everything again. Not much is turning my stomach at this point. However, Exhaustion has not left. Mid-afternoon I hit a wall and usually feel the need to take a nap. But, that never happens with two kids running around. I try to sit back, drink some ice water, and relax for a while to get some energy back. Other than that, everything seems to be going pretty good. Just a little tired, but I can handle that. Early pregnancy symptoms are starting to go away, Praise the Lord!

Sleep: Sleep is getting better. Not too much insomnia in the middle of the night anymore. However, I have been having crazy VIVID, random dreams! I've read that it is completely normal, but my goodness, some of those dreams are crazy. But, I do feel like I'm getting rest at night. Collyn's cough is getting better. We are thinking it's just allergies, so he is sleeping better at night.

Cravings: Nothing too crazy yet. I'm just happy to be eating again. I think protein would be the one thing I crave. I love to have scrambled eggs in the morning. I try to keep breakfast a very HIGH PROTEIN and LOW CARB meal. I've noticed lots of carbs in the morning make me shaky and feel not great. But, nothing too weird with cravings yet. Food tastes good again. That is a plus!

Best Moment: Seeing Baby on the ultrasound this afternoon!! Nothing beats seeing that little one wiggle all over! Feeling little flutters are always wonderful!!!!

Looking Forward To: My next appointment! At either that appointment OR the next one we get to find out the gender!!!! :)

12 Weeks Down!!!! 28 To Go!!!!! Time is FLYING!

Here is my bump picture this morning... Week 12

With a surprise ultrasound this afternoon, I was able to see Baby again!! Absolutely in love already. Heart rate was 175. This little one was all over the place. This was the clearest picture he could get because the wiggler wouldn't sit still for a second!

Until Next Week!

Stacy, Lyndon, Alden, Collyn, and Baby #3!

Chores: How it works in our house

My kids are 4 and 2 1/2. Obviously at the age of being able to help around the house. After explaining to multiple people our family chores, I had mixed replies. Some thought I had the kids doing too much and some thought it was completely appropriate. However, I thought I would break down how chores work in our house.

Obviously, our chores are age-appropriate. Some chores result in a small payment of money, some are every day chores that doesn't receive a reward.

First, what chores does each child do?

Alden: Age 4

Every Day- (No compensation received):
MORNING
1. Make bed
2. Brush teeth
3. Get himself dressed
4. Take pull-up to trash can, Take PJ's to laundry room
5. Living room clean-up- Either pick up toys OR pick up clothing and shoes (This chore switches every day with his brother)

EVENING
1. Set table for dinner
2. Clean plate after dinner, scraping food in trash can and putting plate, silverware, and cup in sink
3. Help mom or dad with dishes (Putting silverware in dishwasher or help clear the table)
3. Put on own pajamas and pull-up
4. Brush teeth

Random chores that he earns money for is:
*Taking pajamas from laundry room and putting them in drawer in bedroom
*Stripping bedding off his bed and bringing all bedding to laundry room
*Helping clean up toys off lawn outside so daddy can mow
*Finding all laundry around the house (Bedrooms and bathrooms) and bringing them to laundry room
*Picking up toys in bedroom so mommy can vacuum
*Cleaning preschool room (Room with all their art supplies and little tables.... It's technically a breakfast nook we've made into a 'preschool' room)

Each chore earns 50 cents to $1.00. This sounds like a lot, but these chores (Plus others I can't think of) are how he earns different toys he wants. He is at the age of 'I want that toy!" every time we head to the store. I have no problem buying the toy for him... usually one toy a month (Since they are usually between $5-$10) but he has to EARN the toy. The boys have also learned that if they both want a toy, they can put their chore money together and get a toy they both can use.


Collyn: Age 2 1/2

Every Day-
MORNING
1. Brush teeth (Which I brush them for him)
2. Get Dressed without a fight
3. Take diaper to trash can and take PJ's to laundry room
4. Living room clean-up- Either pick up toys OR pick up clothing and shoes

EVENING
1. Put napkins on each plate for dinner
2. Clean plate after dinner, scraping food into trash can and putting plate, silverware, and cup in sink
3. Put on Pj's without a fight
4. Brush teeth

Random chores that he earns money for is:
Same as brother's, since they usually do these chores together

KEEPING TRACK OF CHORE MONEY:
At the very beginning of chore's I gave each child the amount of money they earned, in cash, and they were able to put it in the piggy bank or a zip-lock baggie to save, however, we lost a lot of money that way. Now, mommy is a banker. I keep track of all chore money on the white board in our kitchen. Alden has his "account" and Collyn has his "account". Each time they earn money, we go to the board and add the amount of money onto what they already have. It is also easy when we go to the store, since I don't add in tax to their toy. If they want a $10 toy and they earn $10, we pay for the tax. When they had cash-in-hand it was a scramble at the register to find coins in my wallet to pay for the rest of their amount. Now, I pay all together and don't have to worry.

Every few months we add or take away a chore based on age. With our growing family, every little bit of help I can get helps. I want to teach them young that for a home to run successfully, every person has to contribute. Also, I want them to learn that they don't just get things, they have to earn things, like toys.

What are some chores your kids do and what are their ages? I would love to hear your feedback, since I'm obviously still learning.

Baby #3: 11 Weeks

Another week down! Time is FLYING! Things are getting better, symptom wise, which I am SOOO happy about! Fingers crossed it keeps getting better and better from here on out. Here is a little update about the Haines Baby #3.

About Baby: Baby is about 1 1/2 inches long (About the size of a fig) It is moving and grooving in there. I felt a teeny flutter the other day when I was completely relaxed, but other than that, I haven't felt any movement. I'm not supposed to for a few more weeks, but with this being the 3rd pregnancy, I know what to feel for.

Weight Gain: Still 1 pound. No weight gain this week. I'm expecting some weight gain in the next couple weeks, since my appetite is coming back. Thank goodness.

Symptoms: Morning sickness is subsiding. I had 2 or 3 evenings where I didn't feel great, but I ended up just laying in bed watching Netflix and sipping Sprite, which helped. Other than that I have felt pretty dang good this past week. No real complaints. Food is sounding good again. My exhaustion is getting better. I don't feel the need for a nap in the middle of the day and I'm not crashing into bed at the end of the day. Sleep is always wonderful, especially with little ones in the house, so I never complain about a good nights sleep. Alden had an ear infection this week so I wasn't getting much sleep with that. Hip Pain has begun, just like my last pregnancies. My hips go back after every birth, so my body has to re-stretch to make room for baby. Stretching, walking and yoga has helped this pain immensely! I've had a little bit of nesting. I decided I needed to organize the laundry room, leaving Lyndon confused where everything was, but it was nice to have the energy to want to organize!

Sleep: No complaints with sleep. No discomfort at all when moving around at night. I wake up remembering not to lay flat on my back and I am starting to really enjoy my body pillow again. Other than that, I am feeling like I'm getting enough rest, most nights.

Cravings: Iced Tea with Lemon. I drink LOTS of water and iced tea during the day and my mom introduced me to this powdered lemon (Actual lemon) and it's DELIGHTFUL! No serious cravings yet. Just thankful food sounds decent.

Best Moment This Week: Family in town. Alden's last T-Ball game. Feeling a tiny flutter. And, getting a little bump. Good things are happening in there and in our home!

Looking Forward To: Next doctors appointment next week. Soon we will be scheduling an appointment for another ultrasound to find out the gender! It's crazy how fast this pregnancy is going!

11 Weeks Down, 29 To Go!

Until Next Week!

Family Visit!

Since February, we have had a guest in our house at least every few weeks. And, we wouldn't change it for the world! It is so nice to have family in town, since we don't get to see them that often. In February, Lyndon's grandma Kay and his brother Kolton flew down for a long weekend trip. In March, my sister Susan and her family came down for a long weekend, over Easter weekend Lyndon's parents drove down for a long weekend, then Tuesday after Easter my mom and grandma drove down for the week and on Friday we picked up my dad and my brother Johnny from the airport to spend the weekend with them.

On Sunday afternoon, Lyndon's parents headed back to Idaho.

On Tuesday morning, my mom and grandma drove 10 hours down here. They got here late afternoon and surprised the kiddos. The boys were a little shocked, but were very excited that they came. I made a lasagna, bread, and salad that night for dinner. Lyndon had a fire meeting, so he didn't get home until late. We sat and talked in the evening and we called it an early night since they were both exhausted from the long drive and I was just exhausted, like normal.

Wednesday was very relaxing. I was having some morning sickness so I didn't want to do much that day. It was cold and rainy so the boys weren't able to play outside, but we were able to spend some more time talking and catching up. We started a fire in the fireplace during the day which was nice. Youth group was that night, so we all headed to the church and my mom and grandma helped me make the dinner, Loaded Potatoes. Which was such a great help because I still wasn't feeling amazing. We ate dinner there and headed back home while the boys stayed with Lyndon at youth group, playing in the church nursery. We stayed up late that night talking. It was lots of fun.

On Thursday, again, we just spent time with one another. The boys played outside, showing my mom and grandma there backyard and their trampoline. We went and bought some groceries and my mom got the boys the BIG plastic balls to play with. Of course they had to take them on the trampoline. That night, I was feeling up to it so I made dinner. Meat loaf, homemade scalloped potatoes and my mom made a really good salad. Alden also had T-Ball practice so we went and watched his very last practice of the year. The whole team (Including Collyn) got goodie bags for a job-well-done. They did a great job this season.

Friday morning, we headed to the airport to pick up my dad and my brother Johnny. Then, we headed straight to the Sacramento Zoo. However, it was spring break and EVERYONE was at the zoo. Across the street from the zoo is Fairytale Town. So, we went there instead. We all had a wonderful time. We will definitely go back again.

After Fairytale Town, we headed back home, but stopped at In-N-Out Burger for lunch before. Once we got home, some people took naps, but we all rested from the busy day. That night we snacked for dinner, since we had a late lunch.

Saturday morning, we headed to the t-ball fields for Alden's very last t-ball game. Almost every family member was able to see him play this year, which makes my heart melt! I was so afraid with being so far away that we weren't going to be able to share the experience with anyone, besides videos. But, they did! Lots of family got to see him play! After his game there was the closing ceremonies for T-ball and he got a trophy. I'm so proud of my little guy and happy my family got to see him experience it!

After the game, we came home, changed our clothes and headed to Chico. We took the family to the Italian Cottage for lunch and went to the movie theater to watch 'Home'. What a cute movie! After the movie, my mom grandma and I went to Goodwill to find some good deals and the boys went to Sportsman's. After we came home we made a BBQ dinner and talked for a while before everyone headed to bed.

They all left early this morning to head back to Idaho. It was a wonderful week!

Baby #3: 10 Weeks

This past week has past by quickly! With house guests, time seems to fly. I can't believe I'm 1/4 of the way done with pregnancy. Here are some updates.

About Baby: Size of a kumquat. About an inch long and a quarter of an ounce in weight. Little bitty thing in there still. The baby has finished the most critical stage of development and is now in the fetal stage.

Weight Gain: 1 Pound. No weight gain this week. I'm supposed to gain 5 pounds in the first trimester, but I don't know if that will happen with how sick I have been. But, we will see.

Symptoms: Morning Sickness. This week it has eased up a bit. I had only 2 days of it being pretty rough and it seems to be only a few hours a day. There were 3 days that I felt good all day. I've noticed now it only kicks in when I'm getting hungry, so I make sure to stay fed with a full belly most of the day. This wasn't an option before this week. Eating or not eating... I was nauseous. Exhaustion I'm not sure if the exhaustion is from pregnancy, or from having family staying in my house, either way, I have tried to rest for a while each day, even if it's just on the couch, reclined for a while. However, it is also easing up. I've been able to cook a few dinners... And, been in the mood to cook which hasn't happened for about a month now.

Sleep: Sleep has been good. With morning sickness slowly subsiding I am able to get some more rest. Plus, I'm not uncomfortable yet so I am able to move from one side to the other with ease, unlike in a few months. I've been trying to go to bed an hour earlier than normal to get a little more rest at night. The boys have been exhausted with family in town, so they have been sleeping really well, giving me more rest.

Cravings: None. I'm just excited that food is sounding good again. I guess the only thing that sounds good, or craving is sandwiches like a good club sandwich with toasted bread. Something light on my stomach but still filling and hearty.

Best Moment This Week: Family in town. First Lyndon's parents for Easter then my family for the week. It helped deal with morning sickness. Being able to sit and relax and talk... Keeping my mind off of feeling yucky!

Looking Forward To: The end of my 1st trimester and to feel 100% better. I'm almost there!

10 weeks down. 30 to go! This pregnancy is already going SO fast! And, with how busy we are going to be these next few months, it's only going to go faster!!

Until next week....

Happy Easter 2015!!!

It was a fun-filled weekend at the Haines house for Easter this year. Lyndon's parents came down for the weekend to celebrate Easter with us. Even though my morning sickness is still around, it was nice having family in the house.

Bob and Kem showed up Thursday afternoon while I was at my doctors appointment. They surprised Alden for his Tee-Ball game. I jumped out of the car, grabbed some crackers and water (To help the morning sickness) jumped back in the car, and headed to the Little League fields. We enjoyed watching Alden play his game and Collyn went up and down the bleachers and cheered on his brother.

That night, we ordered pizza to be delivered. I had some bread sticks (which settled pretty well on my stomach)and I called it an early night while everyone else enjoyed each others company in the living room.

On Friday, Lyndon and I left the house in the morning (Without kiddos!!! Grammy and Grandpa watched them) while we went grocery shopping. And, not just grocery shopping.... 2 cart overflowing grocery shopping. It was so nice to have some extra hands to help and no little hands 'trying' to help!

We spend most of the day in the backyard. The boys jumped on the trampoline and the adults cheered them on.

That afternoon we also baked colorful cupcakes and decorated them with frosting and sprinkles.

That evening we had a BBQ with Hamburgers and Hot Dogs, Pasta salad, and watermelon. It was a great day.

Saturday we celebrated Easter. The Easter bunny came, bringing the boys baskets of goodies that they played with all day. We spent the whole day relaxing and enjoying each others company. We had an Easter egg hunt for the boys in the back yard and they enjoyed eating some candy, since we rarely have candy in the house.

Collyn (Who came down with a cold) and I fell asleep on the couch together for a couple hours.

That night we ordered dinner from Black Bear Diner (Since I wasn't in the mood to cook, AT ALL).

This morning we headed to church. I was in the nursery with the kids. And, after church there was a Easter Egg hunt. The boys got LOTS of candy! It started to rain when we were having the hunt, so they tried to find the eggs as quickly as possible.

After church, Lyndon's parents left back to Idaho. It was a great Easter weekend. Now to rest up until my family gets here!

Baby #3: 9 Weeks

9 Weeks down! This is going by so fast. I can't believe another week has gone by.

Here are some updates about this week...

About Baby: Size: Grape

Weight Gain: 1 Pound. Currently 115. I haven't gained any weight since last week, I think morning sickness is a reason for this.

Symptoms: Morning Sickness is at its peak this week. I tried the acupressure bands and they didn't do much. A few days ago I sat in the bathroom for almost 1/2 and hour thinking I was going to lose my lunch. Thankfully I didn't. The doctor told me I should start feeling better since I am at the peak of morning sickness. Fingers crossed that's true. He gave me a prescription of some morning sickness meds. I haven't used them yet, but I'm glad I have them just in case. Peppermint tea has helped some and eating small meals. But, I usually have a few hours a day where I can barely handle it. The exhaustion is intense right now. I've explained to the boys that mommy is super tired and they have done pretty well letting me rest during the afternoon. Thank goodness for ABCMouse.com!

Sleep: I still have been waking up in the middle of the night and lay there for a while before falling back to sleep. But, I have been sleeping pretty well. I'm exhausted by the end of the day, so I look forward to laying down at the end of the day.

Cravings: Iced Tea. I make my own, decaf! I have been adding one bag of peppermint tea which calms my stomach. Plus, it helps stay hydrated! Other than drinks, I'm not craving any types of foods. I craved a bacon cheeseburger a few days ago, and that was when I sat in the bathroom about the puke. So, I haven't craved that since.

Best moment this week: Seeing the baby again!!!! I had an ultrasound. I was worried since last time we didn't see a heartbeat. This time..... The little flutter was STRONG! I loved watching it! Plus, baby was wiggling around. Nothing beats seeing your baby!

Looking Forward To: Easter! Family coming into town. Lyndon's family is here this weekend for Easter, and my family is coming next week to visit. Sounds like a lot, but it's nice to have some extra helping hands while I am miserable.