Darkness

Winter is near...I can feel it. It's already 9:30 this morning and still dark. Crazy huh? It doesn't seem to bother me so much in the dead of winter, but I have a difficult time during these transition phases between the seasons. I'm crossing my fingers that Lucas will really enjoy the snow this year and that we can try to make the best of these long winters. I'm ready for the sledding and ice skating, along with lots of hot cocoa and fires! (Well, at least I say that now!) I am signed up for a workshop this evening that teaches parents how to properly dress their children in the snow. Can't wait to learn more and hopefully be more motivated to get outside!

Unsuccessful

Our first month trying proved to been unsuccessful and although I'm trying to keep optimistic, that doesn't take away the disappointment that I feel. As much as I know that everything will happen when it's meant to, I feel as though I am ultimately fighting against time. I know that I am still young, but there are a few roadblocks in my near future that are causing me a great deal of stress in the baby department.

Firstly, I have always had a 3 year maximum sibling gap that I desperately want to stick to. Lucas will be two years old in only two short weeks and I feel that it's important for him to have a sibling relatively close in age. My fear is that my children will not be interested in common things and not create that loving bond with each other. Typing this out I realize how dramatic that sounds, but I don't want to see Lucas 5 years older than the next and always annoyed and embarrassed by the littler one. (Although I know that's bound to happen once or twice regardless of age!).

But most importantly, I am serious about keeping my commitment to school. I should be receiving my admission letter for the nursing program here in the next few weeks and I am very nervous to see what it says. Each applicant is required to wait an 18-24mo waiting period, and I had finally come to terms with this. By having another next summer, I would still be able to spend the first year at home before committing to nursing school. Not ideal circumstances, but workable to say the least. Levi was speaking to a man who's wife is currently in the program and he claimed that she waited two years to begin. When Levi mentioned that I have a 4.0 GPA the man immediately said I have nothing to worry about and that I will be in the program in no time. Yikes! I was really depending on that time gap to focus on being mommy and I'm worried that I may not have that option anymore.

I suppose the hardest part of all of this has been in coming to terms with school. I fear that every month that we don't conceive is a month less that I get to spend home with baby. Although Levi was so sure that he could impregnate me on the first try, I know that it doesn't always work that way. Aren't men just so full of themselves?! It's difficult not to be bothered by this failed notion and I wish that life would just hurry up and give me what I want! So much for patience, right?

Bear Tooth

Watching movies with my hubby has always been our greatest evening routine. Cuddling on the couch to watch a movie together after a long day is exactly what I need half the time. With Levi out of town, a friend and I decided to take our boys to the Bear Tooth Theatre to see the new Toy Story 3 in 3D! For those of you not familiar with this place, it is exactly what I imagine a movie theater should be. The price of admission is only $3.50 (kiddos free if you place them on your lap) and they only have one showing at a time. Before entering, you place your food order (pizza, salads, tacos, bread sticks, desserts, you name it!) and then make your way into the theater. Every other row consists of seats, but directly in front of your chair is a TABLE. Yes, a table! As the lights dim and the previews begin, your food is delivered right to you! Amazing, huh? I wish I would have thought of this idea first...this place is ALWAYS packed! It is sectioned off into two levels- the balcony for those under 21 and the lower level for supervised children and adults (with a full service bar right in the theater).

Lucas did fantastic and I was shocked that he actually wore the 3D glasses half of the time. This was his very first time in a movie and he couldn't stop saying "WOAH!" and explaining everything he saw. He is going through a "big" phase right now, so of course he had to continue yelling "BIG MOVIE!" Thank goodness there were nearly 100 other children and it didn't bother anyone! I can't wait for hubby to get home so we can go again. The food was good and not near as expensive as the nasty greasy stuff you get at a typical theater. So it looks like there is no more need to get a sitter just for us to go out to a movie. Well... at least not every time. Mommy and Daddy still need a few date nights here and there!

Trying for two!

Levi and I decided that it's time to add another Cecil baby to our family! We are currently trying to conceive and I couldn't be more excited!!

For obvious reason, we really want to have a summer baby this time around. Lucas was born in November so we rarely ventured outside for those first few months. Then the following year when he was new walker, the idea of stumbling around on snow and ice made me very nervous. We want to enjoy the nature and outdoors more with our new addition as well as ensure that Lucas isn't cooped inside with a newborn during the already-difficult-enough winter. (I can see the jealousy starting already!) This way, I will also be able to spend an entire year home with the new baby before starting the nursing program. The timing couldn't be better!

My ovulation window just ended a few days ago and I have to wait almost another week and a half (possible sooner) before I can test. The anticipation is already killing me! I'm a fairly patient person, but this is definitely one of those categories that does not apply. My breasts are very tender and my stomach a little twisted, but I'm afraid I may be looking for signs that really aren't there. It's amazing what the human brain can do to a baby craving woman! Sometimes I feel like a psychological mess.

I am so proud of the sweet, smart, handsome little boy that Lucas has developed into and I cannot wait to do the fun all over again! So happy hubby finally came to his senses =)

Long Distance Relationship

I am overcome with joy each time I see Lucas and my little brother Cameron together. They have only been in the same state together four times since Lucas has been born, but their bond would make you believe that they see each other every day of their lives. These two are inseparable and the love they have for each other shines bright. Here are a few photos of the boys!










It's amazing how much these two have in common and how well they interact. I love these boys!

California

I spent the last 10 days visiting family and friends in California and got a nice little escape from my busy life. I spent lots of time with my mom and brother and got to see both of my sisters a few times. To make the trip even better, Levi came down and spent the last week with me! We braved up and left Lucas with grandma for a night(my absolute FIRST night away from him)and took a getaway trip to Tahoe! We're in love and have decided that we want to move there once I finish school!

We even had a mini birthday party for Lucas and had a surprisingly great turn out! I still haven't come to terms with the fact that my son with be TWO next month, but hopefully this early celebration will help me cope with reality when the time comes.

I had to attend a museum exhibit for an assignment and was so happy to learn that Bodies Revealed was still in Sacramento. This is not for the weak stomached, but I'm such a science nerd and LOVE the human body. Not to mention the fetal development room...I couldn't get enough!

But now I'm back home and swamped with homework. I swear, today I've been either taking a break from homework to clean, or taking a break from cleaning to do homework. At least I have three toddlers helping to keep my day interesting.

Naturally, since I have lots of stuff I SHOULD be doing, I will probably spend my time blogging! So check back often because I have lots to post.