The Darnell Family

Our grocery adventure was put on hold until Sunday due to the ultrasound. While in the store mom wanted to buy Reilly a certain toy and it happened to be on the opposite side of the isle from the baby dolls. Reilly found one that coos and moves around that she thought was cute and she had to have the baby doll. She carried that thing around all day yesterday. She has fed it, rocked it, covered it with her blanket, showed it all her toys, tried to get it to walk or stand, danced with it, etc. She even decided to sleep with the baby over her much beloved Pablo. It has been very cute to watch and amazing as she is not the most girly of girls by any stretch!

As per typical, we have another stubborn child! We went to the 3d/4d ultrasound this past Saturday. This baby is the exact opposite of camera ready, burst of energy Reilly. This baby is laid back, legs crossed, and chillin. However, after some pain being pushed around on momma it does appear we are going to have another girl. And for those keeping record, yes, I did cry. Trust me it is not at all that I will not love every bit of her, just hard. I know how badly Daniel and my family wanted a little boy (yes, me too). So, Daniel and I are temporarily giving up our thoughts of little football player. Don’t worry - I got over the crying relatively quickly and even have bought her first pair of shoes. At first I thought I would just hold out thinking maybe she was wrong and we would confirm on the 8^th and 9^th. However, when I got home I put one picture from new baby up to picture from Reilly and it is almost identical from the same time frame on the 3d/4d. Pretty much assured another girl! (And just for FYI - for those that want to read the books on do this, this, and this and you will conceive a boy - from experience two times over it is not 100%.)

Daniel, Reilly and I are all goofing off in our room last night. Well, Reilly was going crazy and we were laughing at her. Daniel then decides to ask Reilly if she wants a brother or a sister. Reilly responds, "Brother, baby, pleeaasse". This morning I began retelling the story to mom when she is getting Reilly out of the car. Reilly looks up at me and says "Reiwee want brother momma, please". Great - now two people will be crying if tad is a girl!

So, our little tad has decided to have its sister's attitude!  I left work today and started eating junior minutes.  Upon getting off the expressway I started downing Mountain Dew so that I could ensure Tad would be awake for our viewing.  After some typical blood tests and a little confusion over how I lost 2 pounds, we very excitedly went to see Tad.  We started with trying with the tummy.  Tad was awake and just a moving around!  We saw some very cute feet, toes, hands, fingers, spinal cord, and even got a pictures of the face (or cute picture as Dr. James said).  After much pushing around by Dr. James no luck on seeing the sex.  Also, would not cooperate to get the basic head, abdomen, and leg measurements.  Tad is very much in breech position right now and just was not cooperative at all.  We then went below with the wand.  At this point I guess Tad decided to just be difficult (a.k.a. The Reilly), crossed the legs, and curled up in a ball.  Again, no view of the sex of our Tad!  Dr. James is sending me to the hospital in a few weeks to get some good measurements of the Tad and then we will have our next appointment with him within a few days of that.  Can't wait though so I have set up a 3d/4d ultrasound for 3:30 this coming Saturday.  Hopefully our little stubborn Tad will be nicer then.  Either way, within 1 month I will have three ultrasounds and by golly that little Tad better give us something!  Afterwards we picked up Reilly and treated everyone to where else but Nagoya.  As Reilly says, yummy in tummy! 

I guess I spoke to soon in an earlier post about the heartburn. I swear I would be okay with a ball headed baby as this heartburn is killing me. Once again this Tad loves the tropical tums, but really can I just get a break! I don’t even have to eat or drink anything to get it. Unreal!!!

We’ve been overly anxious to find out what our little tadpole is? Hopefully tad will be cooperative and let us find out tomorrow if I can start with boy or girl names (and confirm which dream is correct)! I have been able to feel small movements here and there (especially during and after the fights Saturday night).

Reilly is still being a little ham. She has really gotten into the Backyardigan episode Dolphin Race. I can’t wait for her to be able to see and touch a real one when we take her to Sea World in a couple of weeks. Her touch for drama/singing has also grown. She very much loves singing all the songs in her favorite shows and does her best to act out each scene she can. The singing is funny because she doesn’t know all the words (or can’t get them out as fast as they can) so it ends up being lots of la-la-la, etc. and then a few phrases and then some humming. The acting ends up being creative because she has to use props for the other characters/people in the show. Her blanky has been a number of things for sure. (Aunt Val - you have just got to see her - such a ham) Papa got a new truck and has promised she will get to ride with them going to Orlando. She does love riding with Papa. Her stubborn streak continues and it gets harder and harder to be "momma" lately because Nana, Papa and G.G. just want to spoil her and since she doesn’t love on Daddy all the time he takes it whenever he can (even though it might be something she has been told no on she still goes to work her magic on daddy). I know she and I are in for a battle, but it is very hard especially of late with all these pregnancy hormones kicking in. I don’t want to be the one telling her no and I want all the hugs and kisses; however, while it sucks I know it has to be done. She is doing really great on the potty and I think we are finally turning that corner. I had a much more easier time with my godchildren. Guess it really is different when they are your children!

Well, be looking for an update tomorrow and I’ll let you know if we are thinking pink or blue!

We still have a little more time before we find out what little Tad is doing (and if Tad is a boy or girl). However, that does not stop Miss Reilly from being, well . . . herself. Yesterday I took Reilly to her check up with the eye doctor. It is a little different with her because they do pictures instead of letters. She got the cake picture right off; however, that was prompted by it being a birthday cake and her wanting a birthday party. The others were all doing equally as well until we came to a picture of a hand. She was asked if she knew what that picture was to which she stated "high five". The doctor then asked if she had any of those on her and what were they called. Reilly put up her hands (in sort of a waving pattern) and said "uh, yeah, hands". She was asked if she had just 1 hand and the still waving Reilly looked at her and said "uh, no, two". What can I say - she got her smart ass comments naturally!

Side Note:  Reilly's latest saying (besides I want something to eat) is rubbing her tummy and saying "Momma, so hungry".  It is hilarious the way she says it! 

 It is funny with Reilly. Whenever we take her places people are always kind to say how cute she is and to comment on how much she talks. I joke that it is nonstop. That she even moves and talks in her sleep. Really though, it is not a joke. Last night I get her home and I swear, you would have thought I gave her a tub of chocolate because she was nonstop, crazy, and absolutely hilarious. She ended up watching the end of Ghost Rider (yes, I know, not normally a movie for a 2 year old, but this 2 year old was laughing her head off and thought the flames and monsters were "too cool"). At 9:00 we put her to bed and Daniel and I went off to get our showers and ready to wind down for the night. After I got out and was laying in bed I turned on her monitor. She was just talking away. It got quiet so I thought she finally was good and asleep until I heard, "Hey, hey, I want somepen {something} to eat" . . . small pause . . . "I said I want somepen {something} to eat." Daniel and I were laughing our heads off. She went into Reillyeze speak and finally crashed out. She has been too funny as of late!

Okay. So you know about the first dream of the little girl. Since I KNOW I am not having twins, why would you think then I just had a dream last night that we had a boy (again, can even remember the name). Both very vivid dreams. Maybe we need another ultrasound to confirm there is only one baby in there. Either way both the girl and boy name were precious and would fit well with Reilly (that is if I can budge Daniel). I’ve looked up the meanings and they work nicely too. Oh, next month cannot come too soon!

With Reilly I just knew she was a girl very early on despite all the other people saying it was a boy. I have been just rolling with this pregnancy and not leaning one way or another. Until now. I had my first dream last night. In it we had a beautiful baby girl (born bald, but later in the dream she had the prettiest auburn red hair). Very real and even remember the name for her. We shall see next month what this brings.

So, we got another look at our little Tad today. This was the first time Daniel has been able to make it to an appointment. We were not supposed to get an ultrasound today, but Dr. James is such a softy for the sentimental that he let us get one after the cultures were done. Couldn’t get anything from up top, but was able to get a pretty good look below. Unfortunately, nothing that stayed long enough to get a good picture, but enough for us to see. The cutest thing was little Tad just chillin with his/her legs crossed. Next appointment set for August 12^th. Should be able to find out pink or blue then! We finished the day with our tradition from Reilly's pregnancy and went to Nagoya.  Reilly was all excited to go to the place that has "fire, rice, chicken, steak, and soup", please note that she finds it necessary to say all these to indicate she wants to go to Nagoya. 

What a very fun day in deed. Today was Miss Cohen’s 3^rd birthday party. The party was at Kids on Air in Conyers. It was the first time that Reilly had been there (or really had ever been on those at all). We thought it was too cute that we were able to get her to say "b-day party" and occasionally "Cohen’s b-day party". To say she had a blast is the understatement of the year! She played so hard her little cheeks were bright red. Daniel and I were really impressed at how well she did at the climbing sections. I know she would have done even better if we could have gotten Pablo out of her hands, but hey, we considered it a victory that we were able to leave the blankey, Optimus, and Bumblebee this time. The "party" part was funny as she devoured two slices of pizza, and then was a little too full for cake. Reilly was busy playing with balloons and when I got up to throw away plates, she snuck away from Daniel and ran back out to the play! I was worried she would want to unwrap Cohen’s presents as Reilly loves some presents, but she wanted to play some more. When we finally left little miss red cheeks was exhausted. We were able to keep her awake in the car until we got her home. Daniel and I were then treated to a three hour nap. I think we should sign her up to go play there every Sunday!

We always do the same old thing on Saturdays. Lunch with Nana, G.G., Papa & Daddy sometimes and then we go to Wally World for the grocery shopping. A full day adventure I swear. Today was a special treat because included in our lunch was Uncle Rob and his mom Ms. Ann. Reilly was on pretty good behavior for herself and enjoyed sitting next to Nana and Uncle Rob. By the end Reilly and Rob had collected everyone’s flags (Frontera) and she had quite a flag presence in what was left of her lunch! Very much enjoyable day!

I ended up with a 4 day weekend for the 4th. What fun! Thursday I spent cleaning the house for the family to come over. Reilly stayed with grandparents that night so Daniel and I got some good sleep to prepare for the next day. We had some amazing steaks and other wonderful food followed by Daniel turning into a little boy full of excitement with his fireworks. Reilly was not afraid of the noise or anything. She just kept saying "cool" and "awesome" and during the finale she said "Awesome Daddy, Awesome". All this while laying on the driveway between Uncle Tommy and Aunt "Icky" (don't worry this is very endearing as she very much loves Aunt Vicky - she just can't get the "V" out). Had another one of the bad headaches Saturday morning. Haven’t really wrote about those, but they are really kind of horrible. Probably the worse I’ve had since the year long migraine. Had a fight on Saturday. Luckily, I was able to catch a nap with Reilly and so I was able to stay awake for it all. Had to have Olive Garden again this Sunday. Very reminiscent of pregnancy with Reilly except during that one I wanted the sauce and this time I want the garlic bread. Who knows what is going on in there?!?!? Next dr. appointment isn’t until next week because Dr. James is out of town this week. I think we are just doing cultures though and might not get to see the little tad. Not sure though as Dr. James is pretty cool about letting me check the little one out.

Okay, so the tadpole craves garlic bread in the morning. I leave for lunch today and all I want is chocolate milk. Absolutely crazy! Went to the only place to get good chocolate milk in Decatur -Crescent Moon. Added one huge piece of french toast that I could only eat half of and a bowl of fresh fruit. Fabulous! Wonder if Daniel would mind breakfast for dinner tonight? Hum?!?

Daniel already had Friday off and so I took a personal day so we could have some fun together (a very rare event as of late). We dropped off a very sad Reilly who wanted to stay with mommy and daddy and drove to Alabama. Why would we need to drive to Alabama? Well, I’ll tell you. Our 4^th of July mountain adventure has been cancelled due to more reasons than any reader here would want to know. As such, a new plan needed to be created that would make my very sad husband happy as he truly loves the fireworks in Franklin. Truthfully, I will miss it as well. I couldn’t wait for Reilly, my mom, and dad to see what we love about the 4^th in Franklin. So, we went to Alabama to get some "good fireworks" for Daniel to set off. A few hundred dollars later we left with a very happy Daniel! All in all it will be a great day because we are just going to have my parents, Nana, Uncle Tommy and Aunt Vicky over. Reilly will love being with Tommy and Vicky as she loves and misses them so much. We finished our day off together at Franks. For those that don’t know of it (and why would you) it is a small restaurant attached to a gas station in Newnan. Daniel went there a ton when he lived there years ago. I have only been once before, but was excited to go again. It was absolutely DELICIOUS! They marinate their marinara for 7 hours, but this time was not for pasta. They are also the "House of Prime Rib" and let me tell you what - they certainly live up to that name! Heavenly!!!! Saturday morning Reilly and I went to the meat market to order some amazing steaks for new 4^th celebration (since we can’t go to Cody’s in Franklin this will due). We went to Mexican to eat and as soon as we pulled up Reilly said "yummy yummy chips". Nana (G.G.) and I just burst out laughing. That night all I wanted was pan pepperoni lovers from Pizza Hut so once Daniel got off work that is what we got. I swear - Reilly ate more than I did. Sunday was meant to be a relaxing day, but again with the garlic bread - I swear! So off to Olive Garden we went. We somehow ended up at Babies-r-us, but that was not too much fun since we don’t know what little tad is yet. On the way home Daniel thought ice cream sounded like a good plan.  Reilly had a blast - although I think she liked Daniel's chocolate malt milkshake and my peach sorbet a little better than her baby vanilla cone as she went back and forth between ours and Daniel ended up eating hers!  Like I said, good weekend!

So, with Reilly I did crave things, but they were all relatively normal and all kept in pretty good check. What is going on here - yesterday morning and this morning right at 10:30 on the dot I have had the strongest craving for what . . . garlic bread. I tried to satisfy this craving at dinner last night. I made lasagna for dinner and included with that some crescent rolls. For two of the batch I coated them in garlic before baking. Oh how delicious - I cannot even begin to explain how happy that taste made me. Should have worked right . . . wrong. 10:30 this morning it started again. I remember craving Papa Johns pizza with Reilly before 9:00 in the morning a few times. I couldn’t get that early nor can I seem to achieve anyone selling garlic bread before a suitable lunch time. Off to Mellow Mushroom I went for lunch. The waitress was completely confused as to why all I wanted was a water, garlic bread, and marinara dipping sauce. Don’t worry, I explained it to her to which she thought it was hilarious and agreed that she would ask the cook to cover the heck out of the bread with garlic (not a typical request). Oh my word - all I can say is it was absolutely exquisite! Back at the office and I can still taste the garlic. I suppose a coke or tea or something would have cut it, but water it is. I actually didn’t even use much of the sauce because that seemed to dilute the garlic flavor. What is going on in there little tadpole?! Oh well, I hear garlic is good for you so I guess I’ll just trudge on. Any bets on what will happen tomorrow?

So Reilly and I were alone in the house (seems typical of late as Daniel has really been putting in some hours). She came over and snuggled up with me on the couch as that seems to be my favorite spot - yep, that's right those 1st trimester sleepies have gotten me again! Reilly then rolled over and put her little hands on my face and said Re-wee momma’s baby. Of course Reilly is momma’s baby. She said momma having another baby? I told her that yes, momma had another baby, her brother or sister, growing in my belly. Reilly jumped off the couch, pulled up my shirt, pointed at my belly and said "Ut-uh momma". I tried to explain this in 2 year old terms. She thought it was the funniest thing and kept saying nope and laughing. Guess we should wait until I’m showing and/or the baby is kicking before trying to explain this again!

Got my second glimpse of Tadpole #2.  Growing perfect and heartbeat looked great on the screen.  Go back in five weeks for another check up.  Also, (THANKFULLY) despite G.G. (I hope it's twins) and Reilly's (mommy's babies, how many babies?, 2)  comments it does appear to be only one baby. 

Have gotten the sleepies, but thankfully Reilly has been pretty nice to mommy about it and just curled up with me on the couch.  Can't tell for sure if I am getting hot flashes or it is just the Georgia summer - I swear I do not remember it being this hot when I was a kid.  Other than that, I feel great!  No heartburn like last time, but taking my tropical tums just for the calcium.  Another pregancy and still not wanting milk. 

Unlike last time, I have already gotten Daniel to pick me something up.  Was craving red and pink starburst the other day (thanks Sam).  He brought me back all kinds of new ones to try.  Yippee!  Aunt Val says she craved sweets the second time and she had a boy (remember, Reilly would not allow any sweets for mommy).  We shall see! 

I swear our litte Reilly is such a little water bug!  She absolutely loved "the beach" and the "pool" this past week.  Finally found a vest that fit her little self and she was right at home.  Daddy had to miss the trip due to work, but Nana, Papa, G.G. Uncle Tommy and Aunt Vicky all joined in.  What a blast we had.  Not only was it a week of fun in the sun (except for preggo mommy who tried to stay out of it as much as she could), but we got to see a rocket launch.  All Reilly can say is "rocket ship", "water fall", and "the beach".  Too much fun was had by all.  I think we are all ready for Orlando (especially since Daddy will be able to join on that trip).  I have a ton of pictures, but here are at least a few.