Busy Weekend!

Well if you read my post from last week you knew that I had a busy start to this week. I luckily survived and only had a slightly elevated blood pressure when I went in for my check-up Tuesday afternoon. I still think it was the nurse taking it because when the doctor rechecked it 10 minutes later it was fine...but it might have been the non-stop running as well to elevate it. Who knows all is good and my doctor is happy that my work day is slightly slowing down with only working 8-12:30 each day and having an assistant for lessons this summer to help keep me sane and to take over whenever Izzy decides to arrive!

On Thursday Eric left for his boy's weekend. My mom had also stopped by for a few hours before heading to my brother's house for the night. It was nice having her here to help with dinner and getting Robert to bed. Eric, being the great husband that he is, had made us fried chicken before leaving and it was delicious! It was even a healthy, weight watcher recipe and I always find that anything I don't have to cook tastes better! I meant to go to bed early that night but got wrapped into watching the Twins game and didn't get the rest I probably should have had.

Friday morning after the rain finally stopped Robert and I headed off to Target to get a bunch of things and then came home for a quick nap before we needed to head to work for my class. We got to St. Kate's with a few minutes to spare and I passed Robert off to one of my students to play with while I ran my class and got a few things done in my office. On the way home I talked to Eric and told him that I was probably over doing it, seems to be a theme in my pregnant lifestyle lately, and that some of the cramping and aches I had a month ago were starting to return. I was sure that after an afternoon nap for both Robert and me I'd be feeling better but I was starting to worry about my trip to see family in Mankato the next day. Eric knows me a little too well and between the rainy weather on his camping trip and worrying about me, plus I think missing his little buddy more than he expected, he surprised Robert and I by coming home that night and cutting his trip short. We were happy to see him but I did feel bad that he cut his weekend short although he did end up being a lifesavor at the family event the next day.

So on Saturday after Robert's morning nap we headed for my Aunt Sally and Uncle Joe's house for the big Roberts' gathering! It was a great time and a lot of fun to see so many relatives that we rarely see and even a few cousins that I've never met. I wish the weather would have been a little better but we still made the most of it and if the mud all over Robert's shoes along with his wet jeans says anything you could tell he had a blast running around! Before heading out we changed Robert into his dry pajamas and he was asleep before we were on the main road home.

After the long week I took advantage of Eric being home and after being awoken at 5:30am by an overactive girl I eventually made it back to bed and spent the majority of the morning napping and laying in bed reading. It was exactly the rest I needed. Eric and Robert also spent most of the day relaxing and enjoying not having anything to do or any place to go. While we were waiting for dinner to cook we hooked up the Play Station and allowed it to connect to our computer so we could watch videos of Robert on the tv. Robert loves when we do this and just become mesmorized by what is on the tv. This is one of those times that I wish he was talking and able to share with us what he is thinking but I know the time will come soon enough.

Eric's truck tent that unfortunately only got 1 night of use

Everyone at the Roberts' gathering...well actually not everyone since some had left by this point, we have such a big family!!!

Me with my Godson Aidan and Robert

Me and my Mommy

Robert happy to be with his dad

Robert watching himself, video on at the time was of him starting to walk last August...so cute!

Growing up too fast!

As the time is getting closer for Robert's sister to arrive I'm starting to realize just how much our little man has grown in the past 20 months. The time goes so fast and although I'm excited for our little girl to arrive I know that she'll be running around and able to tell us "NO" like her big brother before we know it. So in honor of our growing son here are some of my favorite pictures of him over the last 20 months!

This will be a busy week for us. I personally will not be following doctor orders of taking it easy the first part of this week as Monday consists of an interview for an open position in our department, teaching class, driving to Red Wing, teaching lifeguarding there, going to bed to wake up to teach a CPR class in Red Wing, then a quick (but safe!) drive to St. Kate's for another interview, then teaching my class there, 32 week doctor check-up, and swim lessons. I promise to sit as much as possible during the above activities and to take the rest of the week as easy as possible. Eric will continue to spend most of the week working from home and keeping watch over our active boy but then gets rewarded with a weekend off! He'll be leaving Friday morning to go on a boy's camping trip and is excited to be with other adults...even though I'm sure he'll miss Robert. Saturday I'll be taking Robert to my Aunt Sally and Uncle Joe's house for a big family get together. A good majority of the large Roberts clan will be gathering that afternoon/evening and I can't wait to see so many of my relatives that I rarely see. Sunday I plan to do nothing but rest before my summer swim lesson program begins on the 14th. Gosh, this makes me tired just typing out my schedule! Hope everyone else has a great week and hopefully a little less busy!

Memorial Weekend

We had a great Memorial Weekend in Red Wing! We spent Saturday enjoying the warm weather and hanging out outdoors with my family. Eric and Nick enjoyed some cigars and beer while Robert splashed in the pool and my mom and I relaxed on the patio. Robert wasn't too sure of the pool until Uncle Nick joined him for some splashing and playing with the toys. For dinner that night we roasted brats on the fire pit and after Robert went to bed we also had some yummy s'mores!

Sunday morning was a little more relaxing and spent mostly indoors because of the icky humidity that had moved in. Mom, Robert, and I all spent a good portion of the morning napping while the bigger boys played on their computers. That evening Eric, Robert, and I went to visit my good high school friends. Sherry and her hubby Mark were in town for the long weekend and so we went for dinner at her mom's house and our friend Abby and her daughter Lucy joined us as well. We had a great meal (thanks to Mark for grilling the shish-kabobs) and were even able to somewhat get Lucy and Robert to eat a little, they especially enjoyed dessert time! It was great to see everyone and for Robert and Lucy to hang out. I really treasure the time we get to spend together and just wish we were all closer and could do it more often.

This morning we headed home to get a little work done around the house before another crazy work week starts. Robert enjoyed being home so much that he took a 4 hour nap! It kind of ruined our plans of going grocery shopping but it was nice to spend some time relaxing without any agendas before going back to work tomorrow.

Here are some pictures from the weekend and a video of Robert at swim lessons last week. We hope everyone had a safe and wonderful holiday weekend and were able to take a little time to thank our troops for all they do to keep us safe!

Lucy loved the puppy (or Racoon head) at Milbrights!

Celebrating Lyric's Birthday!

We spent today celbrating our niece Lyric's birthday. It was a couple of weeks later than her actual 11th Birthday but we had fun anyway! Larry & Mary made a delicious meal that included Lyric's favorite...Ribs and of course with cake & ice cream for dessert how could you go wrong. Robert had a great time playing with all of the Hemplers and was especially fond of Uncle Adam's new ottoman. It was the perfect height for his new found love of climbing as you can see in the pics below.

Robert also enjoyed playing with the Birthday girl and below is a quick clip of giggles and lots of love between cousins.

In other news I am finally entering the last portion of my pregnancy. A few weeks ago I got below 100 days and now I'm almost in the 60s and enter my 30th week tomorrow, the counter at the top of the blog is both good and bad depending on my mood. This pregnancy is definitely different than it was with Robert. A couple of weeks ago I started experiencing muscle pain in the lower uterus and at my 28 week check-up I was told that I need to go on moderate rest. So my plan was to work at St. Kate's as planned and then go home and let Eric pamper me. :) Well Eric has been wonderful but Robert doesn't like not having mommy be as active so I've decided to take it a little easier at work and depend on all my wonderful students and co-workers a little more than usual. The pain has gotten better with more rest but this weekend I started having some contractions on a pretty regular basis. Luckily after an hour or so they went away and haven't returned but I'm sure my doctor will have something to say about this tomorrow at my appointment. I'm hoping this is a sign that unlike her brother she will come before or on her due date but I'd still like to get to at least 37 weeks before we meet our little girl. So here's to taking it an easy or at least easier than I have been!

Mother's Day Weekend!

After a busy week we took the majority of the weekend to rest and relax in Red Wing with my mom and brother. It was a great time and it was nice to be with my mom after coming off such an emotional few weeks for her and all of us. Slowly but surely things are starting to come together for all of us and during times like this I am so thankful to have such great support in my family!

During our time in Red Wing we watched 3 Twins games, took 4 naps between the 3 of us (me=2, Eric=1, and Robert=1...he needed more but is so excited to be at Grandma's that he forgets how to nap!), played at the park, and had lots of yummy food. Definitely a great Mother's Day weekend for both myself and my mom. Below are some pictures of our time at one of the parks in Red Wing.

Robert walking to the playground pointing at the cool things!

Uncle Nick and Robert playing on the bumble bee

Nick & I teeter tottering...I don't recommend doing this when 7 months pregnant!

Playing the drums!

I'm a big boy! Going down the slide by himself!

RIP Grandpa

After a long few years and an especially rough few days my grandfather passed away on Monday. He has suffered with numerous health problems over the last few years and as hard as it is to say goodbye it is reassuring to know that he is no longer suffering.

He was a long time professor and choir director at Gustavus Adolphus College and the college had their school flag put at half staff for the week along with a special tribute on their website. They also arranged for choir alums to sing two songs at the funeral and we were all shocked to see 50 alums show up for the tribute and many more sending their love and thoughts to the family. The funeral was very special and done in a such an amazing way to honor all the wonderful things he accomplished in his life.

Nick, Mom, and myself at the flag

4 of the 5 grandchildren at the flag

Today was also my cousin Parker's 17th Birthday, we celebrated with candles in his fruit for breakfast and then a DQ ice cream cake as a mid-morning snack...YUMMY!

Parker hanging out with Robert!

When we got home this afternoon we pulled out Robert's tunnel that attaches to his tent. He had fun playing with something new and before bed tonight we took this picture of him inside the tunnel. He loves crawling into anything & everything and keeps us on our toes. His giggles, hugs, smiles, and kisses are so wonderful and definitely reminds Eric & I that no matter what goes on around us he is the light at the end of our tunnel and we are so blessed to have such a wonderful little boy.

As for Eric and I we are both keeping extra busy with work and juggling all of life's demands. Eric is taking a class every week through Keller Williams and spends a lot of his evenings and Robert's naps busy working on his real estate projects. I'm in the middle of some bigger pool rentals and trying to get everything wrapped up for this school year and getting everything ready for the summer. I have also officially entered the 3rd trimester and am definitely noticing the change. It is hard to not be able to pick up and do as much with Robert as I would like and to keep the house as clean as I'd prefer. It is a good thing that our little girl is so demanding and is good at giving me a good kick (or 10) to remind me when I'm doing too much.

Robert's Busy Week

Robert had a busy week and as you can tell from above he was tired that he had to climb into our lazy susan for a rest! On Monday Uncle Nick came over since Aunt Mandie was out of town to get a free dinner and to watch the first ever Twin's game in their new outdoor stadium. Unfortunately none of us had tickets to actually be at the game but it was still exciting to watch it on tv and see a great win against Boston!

My boys watching the Twins Play!

Robert sweeping the deck while dad and Uncle Nick have a cigar

On Tuesday we were back at lessons, this time Eric was in the water with Robert. Robert still is trying to get the hang of blowing bubbles...at least this is what I'm hoping he's doing and not drinking the water! He is also getting the hang of jumping in and loving being in the water! I'm very happy about this but judging by his current body build I'm not getting my hopes up that he'll be a swimmer...football player seems more like it right now.

Wednesday was a rainy day so nothing too exciting. Robert was a good boy and took two great naps for daddy which allowed Eric to get more work done!

Eric has been taking a class on Thursdays and we've been juggling babysitters for this day. This week G'ma Hempler stayed with Robert and although he didn't show her how he can take great naps he did have fun playing with grandma, especially digging in her coat pockets! Below you'll see a picture of him showing both G'ma & G'pa Hempler how he colors with his magic markers (the type from crayola that only work on the special paper...BEST INVENTION EVER!).

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were spent catching up on things around the house. Eric's realtor stuff is picking up so he spent a lot of time making phone calls, working on the computer, and today he spent the morning showing our friends Abby & Steve new homes. Robert spent the weekend destroying the house with his toys, crawling into any and every space possible in our home, and running errands with us. I had to work late Friday night teaching a class and then yesterday was running errands with the boys and today I took on way too much work but am going to blame it on nesting. I am happy to say though that the floors are scrubbed, the kitchen clean, the dishes all done, the bathrooms spotless, and 6 loads of laundry completed, and the blog updated. Eric is going to make dinner (he doesn't know this yet) so I can spend the rest of the evening doing absolutely nothing!

We hope everyone has a great week!!!