33 weeks Pregnant

 

 

We Got a Toilet

 
 
 

Atticus was SOOOO excited. When Chris brought it home he scoped it out and got his tool belt. Ready to work. Chris was not as excited, this was his 3rd toilet install in our house and 4th toilet clog that required taking the toilet out. Chris did not want to do it again, but obliged after a humorous (Chris style) tirade where he threatened to lock the door allowing only those with a key to open it ( he would be key holder) OR to not have a toilet at all. The problem is our children love the toilet and the toilet paper. I have for the last year been putting toilet paper up high where the tots cannot reach it because they like to unroll it and string in through the house. Just recently we decided to try to use the holder again and now all the toilet paper, or a least 1/2 roll, ended up in the toilet at once clogging it. Lovely. This type of clogging however, is better than the doll that took a trip down the toilet and the baby bottle that had to be burned and melted (plastic) to get out. Never boring at the Campbell's.
Today, I got a great surprise in the mail, BOOKS, from Nicole! It is a great treat because I know they will be good. I have been picking out some not so great books lately so a good one will be nice.

Gardening

 
 

Please note picture of Piper with the everlasting mystery plant. This plant is a survivor. It started as a cute little potted plant we bought on a whim at the start of summer with the best of intentions. I was attempting to do a yard overhaul this year and that plant was waiting for a home. While the waiting continued, Piper took finding the plant into her own hands giving it many homes. An exciting jet setting life for a plant. It has lived on top of the dirt, in a pot (only briefly) in a glass and in the bus ( the playhouse). Despite getting only sporadic rainwater and not having a place for its roots to settle down and grow, the plant keeps on keeping on. I wish I knew what type of plant it is because that is the type of greenery this family needs. I went outside today and was saddened by the dead Peony we have in our backyard that Maggie so lovingly took out of her garden and gave to me so that it could have a new home. Unfortunately, it never got planted. Sorry Maggie, Sorry Peony.
Chris I have the Dutch Elm curse, between our 2 properties we have cut down no less than 4 trees, all Dutch Elm Diseased. I think that number may actually be 5 but I dont want to exaggerate. Anyway, our last casualty was last month when a tree in our backyard was given the ominous orange circle. When the tree cutter came to down our lovely tree, that still provided oodles of shade, Atticus was mesmerized. Now, one of his favorite outdoor activities is tree cutting with his electric saw. We wish that Atticus could really do the things he aspires to do, fixing, cutting, building. It would be fantastic to have two Chris's! We would never need to buy furniture again. Hopefully, its just a matter of time.

For any of you who know Alan and Greta who have not heard their son Brett (16) was in a tragic car accident and has been in the hospital with a TBI. They have a caring bridge website where you can check on his progress. they have been there everyday all day for almost a month. the site is caringbridge.org His site name is bretthansenbegg. Please keep brett in your thoughts, they are a family of amazing people.

In Bed, In the Bedroom, At a decent time

 
 

The campbell zoo has been in full chaotic discord since our recent round of illness as everyone was feverish and therefor "needed" to sleep with mom and dad. Since Chris and I are sleeping in the office (so I am not going up and down the stairs 20x per night) we are sleeping with 4 bodies on a full size ( not queen, full) futon bed. The comfort factor is amazing. Piper sleeps horizontal at the bottom of the bed by our feet and Atticus sleeps between Chris and I to start and then makes his way eventually down by Piper. Last night, Piper got kicked out because she wanted to tickle my feet, lay on my feet and sleep under Chris's legs so she opted for the couch (the other option was her room) . Atticus, wise enough to know that he is the only campbell upstairs, starts protesting loudly at about 1200 which on the bright side, means that he lasts 4 hours in his room before coming downstairs. He gets scared up there. Anyway, we decided to lay down the law tonight and get them back on track. Here they are, in bed, in their own room at 830!!!! Notice that Piper has 4 binkys, where they came from, I dont know although the blue one is from France ( I am serious, Chris's mom got them that in France last summer). Yes, Atticus is wearing Pipers old pajamas. Reuse, Recycle right!!!!!

What Happened to the Dudey Pie?

 

A). He got assaulted by a blonde princess with a baseball bat while he was quietly playing with his dads tools in the basement

B.) He fell down and hit his eye on an unidentified object while quietly playing with his dads tools in the basement

C.) it is a mystery

Answer: C- of course. Piper says he fell down the stairs, Dudey says "Piper hit me with a bat" .....I dont think this is the case though as our bats are foam. We heard him cry, but he was sans parental supervision at that brief moment in time. These things happen quick. He does look pretty cute as a one eyed Atticus.

On top of this, both kids were sidelined this week with Hand, Foot and Mouth. They had fevers followed by mouth sores and spots. They are finally on the mend.

Self Potraits

 
 
 
 

Piper took a picture of her baby "Mazie" today, but this pic was cute of both of them I had to use it. she has been very into playing "baby" lately with the new doll she got for her birthday (Chris and I scored with that one). From what I hear, she has extended this pasttime to school as well, according to PIper she plays baby with Arianna and Arianna is the mom. Other than that she " went to the bathroom, and all my friends came too" when I asked who her friends are she said " I dont know those people". I am glad she is going to the bathroom at preschool with people she does not know. The only other tidbit I have gotten is that she is not allowed to play with the lights or curtains. Luckily, her friend Arianna is more locquacious about school and so I get a little more info from Summer. Pipers teacher from last year just got engaged. I can see Pipers wheels spinning on that one, the first thing she said to me was " maybe Ms. Tiffany can get married at my wedding". I think Ms. Tiffany would truly enjoy the pizza, tacos, ice cream, cake and juice boxes that Piper plans for her wedding. Dobber came over today to watch the kids, actually it was Amy but all the kids talk about is Dobber( Amy's dog), Amy brought over daycare pictures (doggy daycare) of Dobber for the kids (actual portraits) they were pretty stoked about that! The last pic is a self portrait Piper took.

 
 
 
Here are the missing pictures from Pipers 2nd birthday party.

Still Here....

Havent Blogged in awhile, so thought I should update. This week was Pipers full week of school. She is thrilled that the Cagles have our minivan and she gets picked up and taken to school by them. Piper says my mom is on "the bedrest so Mazie doesnt pop out" . today, as Summer told me, she was very concerned about her lunch. " my mom cant get off the couch, is Kjersti there to make me lunch?". Luckily, Kjersti was here (thanks Kjersti) so Piper got fed. Lunch and Dinner yesterday were provided by Tricia (thanks Tricia) who also took Atticus for most of the day. He even napped there. Yesterday was one of the most relaxing days I have had in awhile! Tuesday? I think it was Maggie came over with the kids and hung out and helped clean which was awesome! Monday, Chris's mom saved the day by playing with the kids and wearing them out for a late nap. We are sooooooo thankful to have such wonderful friends! My "resting" phase has been pretty hard on Atticus although he has loved playing with new friends everyday, I think he misses me picking him up and holding him and running around with him, he has taken to jumping on me, biting me and pinching me. Poor little dudey, good thing he is so sweet most of the time. Tomorrow he is off to Melissa Swensons who will be watching both my kids and her 3. She is a superstar, wonder mom. PIper has been such a good little helper, unfortunately for her I now know what she is capable of and her list of jobs has grown exponentially. She can get the mail, feed the dog, set the table, pick up toys, fill my water bottle, get my books, clean up after dinner and more!!!! I cant believe how much she has grown......
I havent been taking any new pictures so here is an old one....

Pipers Birthday Party #2

Heres his second birthday party with Nell, Amy and Samantha. Piper screamed when she saw her cake. Pretty Funny. I also like Atticus stealing frosting.

Pipers Birthday Party #1

Here was Pipers Friday party with my mom.

 
 

This was Pipers first day of school! She wore pants! Amazing. she really liked that pink shirt so the deal was she could wear it only if she wore it with pants. She was so excited to go back and see her friends. I was also impressed that she kept her hair up the entire time. Wow, she is getting big.

Bedrest at 29 weeks

Is a bummer but the kids have been pretty cute about it. Atticus is sick too, with gunky nose and vomiting. He only threw up this a.m and has managed to consume his usual intake of various snacks with no further issues so I am hoping that was just an anomoly. Chris told Piper yesterday that she was the nurse which thrilled her, so she then was happy to move pillows, fill water and find Atticus's dog and binki. She even asked Atticus if needed help going to the bathroom. I think she may have a career in this!! Chris's sister was a lifesaver today, Chris went back to work and she came over and played with the kids for a few hours. The kids were excited about that. It was hard for Chris to leave, meaning hard to get out the door as Atticus was throwing up and I cant clean up sooo... he is a good sport. He is also whipping everyone into shape as far as getting toys picked up and rearranging the upstairs to bedrest friendly. Today, Piper got to go and meet her new teacher, Ms. Ricky. She was pretty excited about that although bummed that she did not get to stay (only a 15 minute visit) today. Next week though she is back at it, also starting dance. No picture with this entry as I dont have the camera or picture computer handy!