My name is

We knew that Addison knew her first and middle name. I sometimes call her by both names and she has more recently been very interested in a wooden sign that her Aunt Lori made. It hangs in her bathroom and says "Hope" (her middle name).

We were with some friends on Sunday and someone asked Addison what her name was. She replied "My name is Addison Hope Frazier". I turned to Dustin and said, "When did she start saying her full name?" He replied, "That's the first I've heard it." We really couldn't think of where she would have learned her full name. Even if we had said it once or twice, we thought it unlikely she had picked up on it.

It wasn't until Monday evening when we were down in Addison's playroom and noticed on her chalkboard was written "Addison Hope Frazier". It then occurred to us that her sweet babysitters (our neighbors) who watched her Saturday while we were rooting on the Buckeyes taught Addison her full name.

It's so cute to listen to her say her full name. We're working on clapping to the syllables to slow her down a bit (a suggestion from my mom). Today she told me that my name was "Mommy Hope Frazier". She is such a riot!

911

"9-1-1, What's your emergency?"

That's what we're assuming Addison heard tonight when she called 911 from Dustin's cell phone. At least that's what we heard when we called them back after they left a message for us to let us know that they received a call from his phone and were going to send someone to our house unless we called them back immediately.

Yes, she's my daughter. Except I didn't make the call until I was 11 (I think) when I accidentally hit the wrong speed dial button in my attempt to win a Bobby Brown cassette tape on a radio giveaway. Julie (my younger sister) and I were home alone and thought we were going to be in such big trouble. So, we didn't answer their call backs. Finally, after several attempts, I picked up and the dispatcher told me that they had to send police out to the house to make sure everything was okay. I cried and pleaded with them to do no such thing, that everything was okay and it was an accident. They weren't giving in, it was their policy. So I begged that they not arrest me when they came. I was so scared I was going to be walking out of my house in handcuffs!

Within minutes, an officer showed up to our door, only to find both of us crying our eyes out. Accompanying the officer was a familiar face. It was McGruff, the crime dog. Do you know the one? Julie and I had attended McGruff summer camp for the previous few years and he had also come to our school on occasion. I think it was then that we settled down a bit, at least to the point that our sobs turned to intermittent cries as we tried to catch our breath. They explained to us why it was important for them to come even though we had told them everything was okay. Something along the lines of "someone could be holding a gun to your head making you say those things". Yeah, that one didn't give us nightmares for months!

Though everything turned out okay and the County Jail didn't become my new home, I am glad that Addison didn't have to go through the consequences of accidentally dialing 911. She may have cried like she did 2 weeks ago during her first encounter with law enforcement. Though she probably just would have smiled at the officer and said "Ooopsie Daisy" (her favorite phrase for the past week). :)

OSU vs. Illinois

Dustin snagged a couple of tickets to this past weekends OSU game vs. Illinois (30-0 W). We were so excited to be going to another game this season. The weather report didn't look good when I checked a few days out and only got worse as the week continued. On game day, everything I saw said that the rain would stop by kickoff at 3:30.

NOT.SO.MUCH! We were in a torrential downpour for a good quarter or so, and for the rest of the game the rain pretty much spit on us. Fortunately, Dustin and I went out earlier that day and spent $8 on what would end up saving the day...a couple of OSU ponchos! We stayed completely dry and were so thankful. Many others had the same idea...


And then there were those who had a little too much faith in the meteorologists...


Sorry, Cat, I had to do it! Hopefully it gave you a little giggle. So, how long did it take to dry out?? :)

Video from Matt and Steph's wedding

I just came across a bit of video coverage from our friends' wedding a couple of weekends ago and thought I'd post it.

This one is of Addison and Aaron clapping to the champagne toast.

And in this one, they are showing off a few of their moves on the dance floor during dinner.

Big news can wear a girl out

UPDATE: See bold print below

Addison was so excited to find out she is going to have a little brother, that she zonked right when we got into the car as we were leaving the doctor's office (a full hour before her normal nap time and very unusual for my daughter who doesn't like to sleep anywhere but on a mattress).

Addison loves going to my doctor. Keyword: my. Since 15 months, she hasn't liked her own doctors, though has recently been warming up to them a little more.

She has been to all 3 of my OB appointments with me, all of which have involved ultrasounds. The first time, she thought they were hurting me. She cried and said "hurt Mommy's tummy". I explained to her that my tummy was okay and the doctor wasn't hurting Mommy at all. At the second appointment, she was much more interested in her snacks than what the technician was doing to Mommy's tummy. Today, she was wide-eyed throughout most of the exam, seemingly amazed at what was going on and what she was being told. She was such a good girl. The tech thought Addison might be scared when she turned the sound of the heartbeat on, but Addison loved it. In fact, we had just come from music class and the beat (of 151) sounded like something we sing there, so Addison started singing along. I completely forgot to mention the following. After the ultrasound technician told us that we were having a little boy, Dustin came over to kiss me. Then, Addison, who was sitting next to me leaned over and gave me a big kiss and then continuously kissed my arm. It was adorable!

She is just an absolute sweetie. God, I love her!

The BIG Ultrasound

Now don't pretend you all haven't been sitting at your computers waiting for this update. Because I know you have. Kidding. :)

The peanut wants to start off by saying hello to everyone!


Today's appointment went very well. I am still measuring a couple of days ahead at 17 weeks, 4 days. The baby weighs 7 ounces, which is just right. The peanut did just what we asked and was very photogenic and cooperative during the detailed scan. We got all the images we needed and wanted. The 4 chambers of the heart were pumping away, the brain is huge (he he) and kidneys, bladder, spine, etc. all look perfect. The peanut had all 10 fingers and toes and some beautiful legs, arms, and abdomen. And let's not forget a gorgeous face accompanied by the cutest button nose! The ultrasound technician was "very happy" with what she saw and Dr. L said the baby looks "great". Whew, whew, whew. I feel lighter just knowing that everything is looking good!

Here is a profile view of our precious little.....

BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How many of you skipped the whole part above that just to see what the baby's gender was? Come on, admit it!!!

I've known (I mean, seriously known) all along that I was having a boy. I have felt completely different than I did when pregnant with Addison and even though people kept chalking that up to the fact that I had cancer, was undergoing treatments, was stressed, etc. at that time, I just KNEW. All of my symptoms have been different with this pregnancy. Dustin swore that it was a girl but I have been 93% sure it was a boy since day 1. And I was right, which isn't unusual. He he, there I go trying to be funny again. :) But seriously, I am 2 for 2. Not bad!

We are so thrilled to know the gender and can't wait to start preparing for our little guy's arrival. I don't think it's really hit us yet. It's going to be so different having a little boy around our house. And now, including Wrigley, Addison and I are outnumbered! She sure does like saying she's going to have a "brother", though, and Dustin and I are giddy up to our chins with what is certain to be a great adventure raising both a girl and a boy!

I'll sign off with one last image of our baby BOY!!! Awww....

17 weeks

17 weeks, baby.

Someone this week said to me "you're halfway there" and I just wanted to scream, "No way, Jose! This baby is making it to term!" I didn't, of course, because I think the person was just making a passing statement without really doing an exact calculation. I just politely shook my head and moved on. Anyway, if you are judging the halfway point based on my pregnancy with Addison, I would have been there a week and a half ago!

I was shopping today with a friend and found the cutest shirt at Anthropologie. I thought it would be a nice, comfy fall shirt and Addison liked it because it had owls on it. I couldn't decide what size to get because I didn't want it to be too big now, but also wanted to be able to wear it as my belly grows. I usually wear an XS, but started with trying on a small. It fit perfectly with a little room to spare. The store employee who was working the dressing rooms saw my hesitation and inquired. Once I told her I was expecting, she ran to get me a medium. It was a little baggier than I would have liked, so I still wasn't sure about it. She said "Oh, I bet once you're 3 months or so, you'll fill the medium out very nicely". Again, I just agreed and carried on. :)

So, with that being said, here's what the peanut and I have to show for ourselves this week:

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This week's email from babycenter.com was very short. It's almost as if the writers got lazy this week!

How your baby's growing:
Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

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One recent and very exciting development is that I am now feeling the baby move. I am feeling those first flutters (or popcorn pops as I think it is best described) that I didn't feel with Addison until I was 21 weeks. I've heard you will recognize these movements earlier with subsequent pregnancies and I have to agree. I have been waiting for this moment. It is really fun and reassuring to feel these movements and makes the pregnancy seem a little more real to me. A part of me still doesn't believe my good fortune, perhaps?

So, tomorrow is the day I have my fetal anatomy survey (aka the big ultrasound). I am so very excited, yet nervous. For some reason I am having a bit of anxiety about everything. If you wouldn't mind saying a quick prayer that the peanut is doing great, looks perfect and is developing normally, I would really appreciate it. I'm just a little more of a worrywart these days!

Oh and much less important but still worthy of a request is to keep your fingers crossed that the peanut spreads 'em tomorrow so we can start calling "it" a he or she!! Stay tuned.... :) :) :) :)

Heartbreaking story I feel compelled to share

My heart is in pieces after reading this blog, which I was directed to from another blog I follow. Everything this young family has been through recently almost mirrored my situation just a couple of years ago. A young woman diagnosed with Stage IIB Breast Cancer while newly pregnant and a baby girl born prematurely, yet healthy. All seemed well until Sara (the mom) began having unexplained headaches soon after bringing her baby home and ended up in the hospital with seizures. Doctors couldn't diagnose the problem and therefore had yet to start treatment on her. Her situation worsened in the matter of days and she went to heaven today after being declared brain dead. Please pray for this family. It doesn't take much these days for me to realize how fortunate I am to be alive. I hope everyone who reads this appreciates life more than you ever have.

God Bless the Sullivans.

Matt and Stephanie's Wedding Weekend

This past weekend was the wedding of two of our good friends, Matt and Stephanie. Matt and Dustin have known one another their whole lives and went to school together from elementary through college. Matt was a groomsman in our wedding and Dustin was standing up for him. We knew we'd be busy so we asked my mom to come up and help out.

Friday night was the rehearsal dinner and since I knew Addison would be getting to bed late the next night because of the reception, we opted to keep her home with my mom.

Saturday morning we went to a local park and played for a bit.

The little boy in orange was crying because his grandma died (at least that's what I interpreted while eavesdropping). A lot of the other kids surrounded him and began talking about how many people had died in their families. Addison walked right into the middle of the crowd and sat down, wondering what was going on.

Later that day was the wedding, followed by the reception. We stayed around after the ceremony for pictures. Once they were done with me and Addison, we went out to the church lobby to play with her cousin, Aaron, and the grandparents. Aaron spotted a police man and woman and wanted to go see them.

Addison wasn't so excited about it. She was so scared of the police man and cried. I hope she is always this scared of law enforcement. That should keep her honest!

The funny thing is that this cop drives around doing his regular surveying of the neighborhood and if he sees a wedding ending (there are like 5 or 6 churches within 2 blocks on this street - not kidding), he stops and "arrests" the bride and groom. It was hilarious seeing the shock on Matt and Steph's faces as they were handcuffed.

The newlyweds being taken away.

We finally made it to the reception and Addison was greeted by a surprise gift bag at her seat.

She loved all the toys inside. It was such a good idea to do this for the kids!

The little ones all had a great time playing together.

Addison was a happy (and incredibly adorable) little girl!

She and Aaron made it onto the dance floor in between meal courses to play and dance.

We were already an hour past Addison's 7:30 bedtime (though you'd never know with how wound up she was), so my mom came to pick her up and get her to bed while Dustin and I enjoyed some adult time at the reception. I felt bad making her leave before the fun really began, but I think we were all better off the next morning because of it!

Congratulations to Matt and Stephanie. Here's to a lifetime of love and laughter! Hope you're enjoying Cabo!

Addison singing her ABC's

Remember the ABC song performance I keep promising? Well, this is about the best I've been able to get, from this morning when I was getting ready and Addison was entertaining me, as usual.

She usually doesn't get tripped up on the LMNOP so much. I think she was just being a goofball.

I know she's my kid and all mom's say this, but she is sooooo darn cute!!!!

16 weeks

Here's a little description about the peanut at 16 weeks old:

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.
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16 weeks already! People ask me how I feel and I give them 2 responses, "Good." and "Not pregnant". I've scared a couple of people with the latter part. They've thought that I meant I was no longer pregnant! Oh no! I just mean that I don't "feel" pregnant, really. Sometimes in the evenings when I've had a large dinner and the pooch sticks out a little, I do, but for the most part, no. I'm lucky in that I haven't had any bad symptoms and my daughter naps so I have time to do so myself when I am feeling sluggish. But, for the most part, I have my energy back and am feeling GREAT!

I went out with my MOM's group for Mexican last night. Mexican has been my only craving so far and boy, did it hit the spot! Follow that up with The Cheesecake Factory for desert and I was in heaven! YUM, YUM, YUM! One benefit of being pregnant is that I can use the excuse "It's for the baby" whenever I want to eat poorly!

Addison made a funny comment yesterday. We were at playgroup and one of our sweet little playmates acknowledged that she was 3 years old and Addison was a "baby". Addison lifted her shirt and said "Baby in my belly." I have to admit, it melted my heart. I've mentioned to her a couple of times (usually when she is trying to use me as a trampoline) that I have a baby in my belly and we need to be careful. I didn't think she was picking up on it. Looks like she was! Just like she picked up on my "Oh, shoot" this morning at Gymboree when after the store clerk rang up my items, I learned that I was 4 cents short of earning some Gym Bucks!

So, here are those beautiful belly pics! I know, I know. HUUUUUUGE. Tell me about it!

I feel like such a cheeseball taking pictures of myself!

O-H-I-O

There's a little football team in our town who causes quite a stir from August - January every year. They are cleverly named after our state tree, the Buckeye, and play in the National Championships or a big bowl game much more often than not. The Ohio State Buckeyes, they're called, and though it totally goes against everything I ever believed, I have become a fan. I don't compare to the absolutely crazy fans that reside here in our city and throughout the world, but I am finally admitting that a fan I am. It's really hard not to be! (I will always love my Boilers, no doubt, and will always root for them against the Buckeyes, but for the other 11 or so games each year, I will be rooting for my home team.)

Dustin and I had the opportunity to attend what was being called the biggest game of the season last weekend, against USC. We cheered for the Buckeyes in Dustin's firm suite, nonetheless. Talk about doing it right! We had a great time with our good friends and also Dustin's client (hence the reason for being given 4 spots in the suite). My voice wasn't strong going into the game due to being sick for 10 days prior, but the game did me in. I walked out of the stadium at nearly midnight Saturday night with nothing left but a little croak.

Though we sadly didn't come out on the winning side, it was a great game. Great food, great game, great company. Can't ask for much more on a Saturday night.

To make things even better, we received a GREAT report from Addison's new babysitter. Having just gotten over a terrible illness and having not a chance to meet Jenny prior to that evening, I was a little worried that she might not be too happy being with anyone but me. I was wrong. I think I am finally learning that there is no need to worry about Addison being with other people, even someone who is a complete stranger to her. The girl is so flexible and easy-going. She does great every time! I was told she was a complete angel. We are very lucky and hope the next one has the same temperament as Addison!

Back to the game.....

We did a little tailgating before the game began. People started tailgating in the wee hours of the morning. It was an 8pm game. I told you they're crazy!

Dustin and Anthony

Anthony, Kate, Dustin and yours truly.



Dance party with some fun rappers.


This is really cool. First of all, the OSU marching band is amazing. Each game, they form a cursive Ohio. This was the formation of the O, leading into the h.

And here is the completion of Ohio, with the dotting of the i.

There wasn't an empty seat in the stadium. Even the nosebleed tickets were selling for hundreds of dollars. See? crazy!

I was too busy cheering and yelling at the players and refs to get any shots during the game, but trust me when I say it was a good one!

Cincinnati Race for the Cure

Saturday was the Cincinnati Race for the Cure and for the third year in a row, Team "Kickin' it with Kristi" came out to support the cause.

We went to Cincy on Friday to catch up with some friends and family. My sister and brother-in-law, Beth and Matt, were kind enough to host us even though they were just getting in town that evening from a vacation on the West Coast. They didn't even mind finding out that morning that I had invited a few friends over for a bit to visit and have dinner. Thanks, guys!

"Aunt" Emily flew in from Chicago and stayed with her our friend, Holly. So, Emily, Holly, Brad and JT came over for a visit. Addison and JT are 3 months apart and have gotten along beautifully in the handful of times they've met. This visit was no different. They are really cute together! They even had matching snack traps and enjoyed their time on Beth and Matt's wonderful front porch.

And who couldn't play with a dog leash for hours? Seriously.

It turned out that Emily was the only one making much of an effort to watch these two. What? The yard was fenced in. Plus Bubba was on babysitting duty. :)

They wore Emily out and spent some time on the steps leaning their heads back and proclaiming "Ahhhhhhh". The kids were great at mimicking Emily. It was so cute. Wish I'd gotten it on video.

There is always time for hugs and kisses between two young loves.

Bright and early the next morning, we headed downtown to The Great American Ballpark, where the race commenced.

All 3 of us have survived this disease in my eyes!

The 3 of us with Gammy and Poppy

Gammy and Addison warming up for the big race with a little Jazzercise.

The best team ever, "Kickin' it with Kristi". What wonderful supporters with whom I've been blessed!

Addison and I accepting my Survivor's medal at the end of the race.

Addison and I crossing the finish line.

Our tradition is to go to Panera Bread after the race to eat and visit. Addison and her cousin, Aaron, had fun catching up.

And the kids figured since all they did were ride in strollers, they'd get their exercise with a few push ups on the dirty, germ-infested floor. I figured with as sick as Addison was, she's immune to everything right now!