Ben's Verbal Progress {as of June 25, 2009}

• mama
• dada
• yay-yay {his name for Thomas}
• O {Orin}
• nana {banana}
• ni-ni {night night}
• num-num {food}
• co {cup}
• coco {milk, choc. milk}
• wa-wa {water, juice}
• doh {no}
• ya
• bye-bye
• ba {done, empty} *said like a goat "baaa"*
• ba {bath} *said like the beginning of the word bath*
• ball
• hel {help}
• HoHo {a character on Ni Hao Kai Lan}
• Ni Hao {Chinese for hello}
• hewo {hello}
• hi
• hey
• go
• weee {his slide}
• wow-wow {Wow Wow Wubbzy}
• go-go-go {Yo Gabba Gabba / Go Deigo Go}
• col {cold}
• butn {button}
• ow {booboo, owie, bite, bump, etc.}
• aah {he wants a bite}
• uh uh {no}
• eye
• uh oh

He also makes animal noises:

• monkey
• elephant
• cat
• dog
• bear/lion/tiger/monster/etc

I Think...

I think the baby kicked me the other night... I remember all too well when the boys kicked, and this felt just like it. I got so excited, but of course Thomas couldn't feel it.
Then today, s/he moved to the front of my stomach and was like a hard ball protruding out of my already showing belly. Again, I got excited, but again, Thomas missed it!
Ben is really getting used to the baby being in my belly. I ask him "where's the baby?" and first he points at his belly {he's either saying himself or that the baby's in his belly} then when I say "no," he rushes over to my belly and lifts my shirt, says "hi" and starts tickling the baby or giving it a kiss!
Orin, my little man, has started helping with Ben a lot more. He changes some of the wet diapers {you should watch that, it's so cute} and helps to feed him etc. I can't believe Orin promised me he is going to change all the baby girl's {he wants a sister so he thinks this one is a girl} diapers - even the dirty ones!! That's one for the books! It started out as a joke. We were teasing him about taking care of the new baby and he stood up and said all chivalrously "I'm gonna help Mama and change all the baby girl's diapers - even the dirty ones - I promise!" Of course I'm not gonna hold him to that, but it sure would have been great to have recorded it and tease him with it later... j/k

The Dr. Visit

We went to the 3rd appointment today. All was good news.

• Baby's heartbeat- 163/minute
• My weight- 111 lbs. {gained 3 lbs.}

The next appointment in three weeks will include a blood test meant to screen for certain development issues.
Then, on my 20 week visit: we get to find out the sex!!!! Woo Hoo!! We were hoping it would be sooner, but it's ok... it's not like this baby is going anywhere! lol!

I listed off my main complaints: fatigue, headaches, cramps
Again, she assured me that this is normal pregnancy stuff and that I'm doing fine.

When the nurse came in to find the heartbeat, the cold gel and the pushing aroung made my little ducky wiggle! I was starting to wonder because I actually haven't felt any stirrings in a couple days. All is well though!!!

Let's Talk About My Boys

Meet Orin. He's my 6 year old. He just "graduated" kindergarten. By age 4 he was counting to 100. He has been reading since then too. He is my knight in shining armor; my sweet, sensitive, chivalrous big helper. He was so excited to get his baby brother.... until he figured out that baby brother isn't as nice as he is. So far, he has suffered bloody noses and knocks on the noggin for his troubles! When he found out about baby #3, he was even more excited! He said he wants a girl this time...and he hopes it's a NICE baby!

Which brings me to Ben. He's my 2 year old. The word "no" means nothing to him and he bulldozes his way through everything. He can be very sweet, but only if he's in the mood. Otherwise, he's a wild animal who refuses to wear clothes while at home. He definitely keeps things interesting. He has fully functional hearing but would rather use sign language to communicate his needs. He does use a few verbal words, but it's so few compared to where Orin was at this age. While Orin will be the brilliant artist, Ben will be the daring stunt-man!

Where I'm At As Of Today {I borrowed this from Emily}

Sorry it's blurry, my 6 year old took the picture with my phone! lol
How far along: 14 weeks 4 days
Net weight gain/loss: approx. 5 lbs
Maternity clothes: not yet, but I'm running out of pants to where!
Stretch marks: only what was already there from the previous 2
Belly button: still an innie
Sleep: Eh. I'm on leave from work, so I get plenty of time at home... Thomas lets me sleep alot.
Baby movement: just some wiggles here and there... unless s/he's mad at Daddy {lol}
Food cravings: slushies and smoothies, potatoes
Food aversions: seafood
What I miss: mixed drinks, bars {not that I went out much to begin with, but until the smoking ban kicks in....}
Looking forward to: Thomas being able to feel the baby move
Best moment this week: having the whole weekend with Thomas to myself :)
Milestones: no longer sick all day!

Introduction

This is my first post on this site. Let me just start by introducing myself. My name is Tammy Avery. I am 26 years old. I have a 6 year old boy named Orin {I call him Bubby} and a 2 year old named Benjamin {I call him Boo}. I am starting my second trimester of my third pregnancy.
Orin's father {Paul} left us and I got a divorce. Ben's father {Jarrod} beat me, so I eventually left him and got my second divorce. Now, I am happily involved with Thomas. He will make a wonderful father. My intention for this site is to blog about my babies, but there might be some occasional off-topic posts.