Power. We all have it, but we don't think we do, or we don't think we have the right kind. I'm quickly realizing there are 2 reasons we think this way. 1. We are misusing our power and 2. We underestimate our ability to walk in that power.
Today I'm specifically speaking about the power of our words. At first this realization was slow, each day learning a bit more about the power I have, then all of a sudden the flood gate opened and my mind is racing with how imperative our words are. As a mother, as a wife, and as a Daughter of the Most High my words are POWERFUL!
Our words can change everything. Seriously. The realization of this power started with my children. When I spoke negative things like; shyness, grumpiness, Drama Queen, spoiled, etc., over my children it gave them permission to act in it! They were meeting my expectations! I had been speaking 'death' over my kids, and over my attitude with them. I not only gave them permission to act that way, I gave myself an excuse to let them act that way. So the first step was to stop speaking negative things over my kids. But it's not enough to stop speaking negative things over them! Just like when the Angel of the Lord called a weak and pretty un-mighty Gideon mighty, we need to speak 'life' over our children! We need to call out of our children what we desire them to be! Example. When my child is grumpy, and really, he is, instead of speaking that against him I have been saying, "Oh what a happy boy! You are so joyful! Can momma see that handsome smile?" And so on. Sometimes he continues to cry, sometimes it gets worse, but more times than not, he stops crying and does start smiling! But even if his actions don't change, cause face it, he's 6 months old and he continues to cry, something miraculous happens in me! My attitude and heart changes towards his bad mood. For Kaylee, my almost 3 year old, instead of saying you're not a very good sharer or, a good listener, etc. I find something she is, "You are such a great hugger/kisser/sister..." When I praise her instead of telling her what she's doing wrong, her desire to listen and please me increases. She wants to make her momma happy! My heart also changes, and my patience increases!
Need more Biblical evidence? Just look at Corinthians, in chapter 1, verse 2 Paul addresses his letter "To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus..." He calls them sanctified, holy, then spends the next 16 chapters telling them how UN-sanctified they are! He builds them up and then corrects! He doesn't come right out and say how jacked up they are!
I've mentioned a little how my heart changed towards my kids when I speak life instead of death but my biggest noticeable heart change has been towards my husband. Now, I love Frank, very much but I don't always have a good attitude towards him. I usually feel like there is more he can do to help me, with the kids, around the house... His honey-do list, for example, just grows and things only get crossed off when I finally break down and do it. So I would speak laziness or unhelpfulness over him. Well, when I stopped speaking or thinking those things over him and started speaking and thinking about what a hard worker he is, I was amazed how quickly my opinion changed. He really IS a hard worker! And he really helps me a lot with the kids, and around the house. I wasn't giving him the credit he so rightly deserved. I could only see what wasn't done and I was constantly frustrated. So when I started to praise him for all he does do, instead of nagging about what he didn't do, my appreciation grew and I stopped nagging. Well. Funny how things work. When I stopped nagging and speaking death over him, and started to praise him, he started to help me with all the things I really wished he had done all along. He wants to help me! He even asks what else he can help me with!
Now from a Heavenly standpoint. I'm still working on this one. But I'm learning that the more I put my self in the Lord's presence each day, the more He speaks to me and answers my prayers. My relationship with God has become more of a relationship and less like a wish list of things I'd like His intervention on. I am also learning about my power in Christ's name. Of course, I'm learning to respond to the things that the Lord has spoken over me, I worry less about my own agenda and worry more about His. My desire is to please Him with a happy heart, and to love, love, love! And how quickly my heart will change when instead of complaining I have a heart of thankfulness and praise! He makes all things new, my heart included, every time the enemy plants a seed of discontent.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
My Rant to Michael's
I typed my 'message' to Michael's in their little box pushed send. Error. Again. Error, and again. Well thanks for providing such excellent customer service and a working website. Grrrrrr. Oh, it's so nice to notice that you have a PO Box I can send a letter to you. Thanks, but no, I'll keep my .47$ but as for a phone call... that is going to happen.
'Someone must care about your customer service. Your employees may not, but I sure hope someone on the Michael's food chain does, otherwise the future may be dreary. I for one, as a former customer certainly care about the way I've been treated my last 3 visits at your stores. And it's because of this service, I wouldn't return to one of your stores if it was the only place on the face of the earth to purchase food. Seriously the thought of visiting one of your stores gives me a headache, instantly.
I visited your Greenbrier, Va location to purchase some canvas that was on sale. First I couldn't find the canvas, after walking through the store twice with a tired toddler, did I mention I was pregnant at the time? I asked a clerk, who told me she was too busy to help me and she quickly hurried away. Call it pregnancy hormones, or frustration but I collect my daughter and promptly left your store. Obviously if some has the time to tell me they don't have the time to point me in the correct direction, my money isn't good in your establishment either.
My second disappointing and frustrating trip to Michael's was in Aurora, Co. I was 37 weeks pregnant and a day away from giving birth. I came in because you were having an awesome sale on all your Melissa & Doug items. I love Melissa and Doug and needed to get my daughter a few gifts for her half birthday. I found the items quickly enough, one was on clearance, so I knew I wouldn't be getting an additional 50% of but like I said it was already on sale. So I collected all the items I wanted, then stood in line, and waited and waited and waited. Seems like you're under manned at all your stores. I finally get the the register and everything, including my clearance item rings up full price. Weird, right? I asked the girl, I thought these were on sale. Just a no. No explanation. So I told her about the ad I had received in the mail earlier that week, thinking today is the last day of the sale, but no, the sale doesn't start until tomorrow! Seriously! Who sends ads out 2 weeks in advance! True, I could have read the dates but here all week long I had been stressing over getting to Michael's. So of course I'm frustrated but I asked about the clearance item and she told me it wasn't on sale. "But it was marked on the shelf that it's on sale." She told me it was wrong. She didn't go look, didn't ask someone else to look. Just said no. Then asked me of I was buying this stuff or not. Um, not. Jeez.
So the nail in the coffin was during my next visit. My friend and I had seen a project on pinterest we wanted to do so we came in for some supplies. She was looking for some puzzles and I told her all about Melissa and Doug and how you had the best collection I had seen in a store. So we went to look. So 2 adults, 2 toddlers and an infant. We went down the aisle and all your Melissa and Doug stuff happened to be on sale again. So of course we both started picking out toys. Our little girls were not happy sitting in the cart but it just so happened we were down the same aisle as the bins of animal figurines. So we let the girls out to play. They were being good, making animal sounds and playing very nicely when a clerk came over. She pushed past our girls, and began putting the toys away they had gotten out. I'm very conscious of the mess my daughter makes and 3 animals on the floor does not justify this woman's actions. She put them away then went out of the aisle but stood staring at our girls. Like she was monitoring our kids. At this point I was so fed up with my past visits and treatment of your employees I put away everything I had picked out to buy, the toys in my daughter's hand, put my cart away and left. My friend and I were so shocked and disappointed by your employee's behavior.
I have always considered Michael's to be a family store and kid friendly and your store has always been my first choice for anything craft related. But now, I drive the extra miles to Hobby Lobby because I know I'm gonna get great deals, and excellent customer service. I hope you can understand how frustrating these trips to your store have been and why you will not be seeing my family back in your stores.'
'Someone must care about your customer service. Your employees may not, but I sure hope someone on the Michael's food chain does, otherwise the future may be dreary. I for one, as a former customer certainly care about the way I've been treated my last 3 visits at your stores. And it's because of this service, I wouldn't return to one of your stores if it was the only place on the face of the earth to purchase food. Seriously the thought of visiting one of your stores gives me a headache, instantly.
I visited your Greenbrier, Va location to purchase some canvas that was on sale. First I couldn't find the canvas, after walking through the store twice with a tired toddler, did I mention I was pregnant at the time? I asked a clerk, who told me she was too busy to help me and she quickly hurried away. Call it pregnancy hormones, or frustration but I collect my daughter and promptly left your store. Obviously if some has the time to tell me they don't have the time to point me in the correct direction, my money isn't good in your establishment either.
My second disappointing and frustrating trip to Michael's was in Aurora, Co. I was 37 weeks pregnant and a day away from giving birth. I came in because you were having an awesome sale on all your Melissa & Doug items. I love Melissa and Doug and needed to get my daughter a few gifts for her half birthday. I found the items quickly enough, one was on clearance, so I knew I wouldn't be getting an additional 50% of but like I said it was already on sale. So I collected all the items I wanted, then stood in line, and waited and waited and waited. Seems like you're under manned at all your stores. I finally get the the register and everything, including my clearance item rings up full price. Weird, right? I asked the girl, I thought these were on sale. Just a no. No explanation. So I told her about the ad I had received in the mail earlier that week, thinking today is the last day of the sale, but no, the sale doesn't start until tomorrow! Seriously! Who sends ads out 2 weeks in advance! True, I could have read the dates but here all week long I had been stressing over getting to Michael's. So of course I'm frustrated but I asked about the clearance item and she told me it wasn't on sale. "But it was marked on the shelf that it's on sale." She told me it was wrong. She didn't go look, didn't ask someone else to look. Just said no. Then asked me of I was buying this stuff or not. Um, not. Jeez.
So the nail in the coffin was during my next visit. My friend and I had seen a project on pinterest we wanted to do so we came in for some supplies. She was looking for some puzzles and I told her all about Melissa and Doug and how you had the best collection I had seen in a store. So we went to look. So 2 adults, 2 toddlers and an infant. We went down the aisle and all your Melissa and Doug stuff happened to be on sale again. So of course we both started picking out toys. Our little girls were not happy sitting in the cart but it just so happened we were down the same aisle as the bins of animal figurines. So we let the girls out to play. They were being good, making animal sounds and playing very nicely when a clerk came over. She pushed past our girls, and began putting the toys away they had gotten out. I'm very conscious of the mess my daughter makes and 3 animals on the floor does not justify this woman's actions. She put them away then went out of the aisle but stood staring at our girls. Like she was monitoring our kids. At this point I was so fed up with my past visits and treatment of your employees I put away everything I had picked out to buy, the toys in my daughter's hand, put my cart away and left. My friend and I were so shocked and disappointed by your employee's behavior.
I have always considered Michael's to be a family store and kid friendly and your store has always been my first choice for anything craft related. But now, I drive the extra miles to Hobby Lobby because I know I'm gonna get great deals, and excellent customer service. I hope you can understand how frustrating these trips to your store have been and why you will not be seeing my family back in your stores.'
Projects
Wow, this is like my 3rd blog post this month. You're so lucky ;)
Both kids are napping so I thought this might be a good time to catch up on the projects I have been working on... You know, with all that oodles of extra time I have during the day to sit around and sew, glue and paint... ::Rolls eyes::
Both kids are napping so I thought this might be a good time to catch up on the projects I have been working on... You know, with all that oodles of extra time I have during the day to sit around and sew, glue and paint... ::Rolls eyes::
I'm pretty sure I've posted Kay's hair bow holder before, but here it is again... I love that we attached a loop of ribbon around the top to organize clips. It makes searching for clips so easy - no dumping out! My mom and I made this from a large Oatmeal canister, I bought the candle holder at Target on clearance for a few dollars and then 2 sheets of scrap book paper. A little glue and ribbon and
TAD AH!
MMMMMM! Mixed Berry Breakfast cake. I love cake. And I especially love eating it for breakfast! I'll be posting the recipe in Ehbrecht Eats soon, maybe today?! I made this when we had baby visiting company and used blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries.
The always favorite fruit pizza... Memorial Day style :)
German Chocolate Cupcakes I made for Frank's command bake sale.
Had to make his extra special ;)
I made Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes for Kay's half birthday party. SO. YUMMY!
Braelyn's Cinderella Birthday Cake :)
Home made dish washing soap. I found a recipe on Pinterest. But couldn't find the citric acid, so I omitted it. The first few cycles I really liked it a lot, but then I noticed my glasses looked foggy. Then I tried to use white vinegar as a rinsing aid. But it was still ok. Then I read another recipe that used Koolaid Lemonade packets for the citric acid, so I bought 2 and added it in, and I love my soap once again! This recipe contains, 1 cups of Borax, 1 cup Super Washing Soda, 1/2 container of lemi shine, 1/2 cup salt and 2 packets of Koolaid mix... And I still sometimes use vinegar as a rinse aid.
Homemade laundry soap. I LOVE this! LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I can't tell a different between my usual soap and my homemade soap. It works great, smells great and is pretty easy to make. I spent $20 on the supplies and I'm counting each load I wash so I know exactly how much each load costs. I drew a line on my purex bottle so I (ahem, Frank) would know how much to use each load.
1 box Borax, 1 box Super Washing soda, 2 boxes Baking Soda (or 1 big box), 2 bars of Zoat soap grated (it's soft and easy to grate!), one container of Oxy Clean, and 1 bottle of purex.
This is only the full purex bottle of the soap, I have a 5 gallon bucket full in the garage.
French Toast Breakfast muffins. Dipped in butter, yea, I said it. Then rolled completely around in Cinnamon Sugar. They absolutely melt in your mouth. Thank you Pinterest.
My 4th of July wreath! Also a Pinterest project. This took 2 days of nap time to complete but I love looking at it!
Frank started running after I had Joel. I thought this was a phase, something that he'd get tired of. But no, he's still going running strong... He's done a few races and bless his heart, wants to keep all his race bibs, I understand. What I can not get over though, is him leaving them all over our house. They constantly get shuffled from room to room until they get spilled on or ripped. So one day when Frank went to run in Leadville for um, 15 hours, (it's a 2 1/2 hour drive both ways, if you don't hit any traffic, which of course they did on the way home) I made him this. I hand painted the letters, that's why it looks a little jacked up. But I put hooks along the bottom so he has a place to hang medals and other things from his races.
Dollar Store/Nap time crafting with Abbi. Well, nap time is kind of a lie. The girls laid in Kay's room giggling and playing instead of sleeping but we were both able to get our wreaths made. The wreath form is a pool noodle. Thanks Pinterest. So altogether this cost $6 to make, plus Kay got several new toys for her sandbox. I also used a glue stick and glued sand on the flip flops, noodle and shovel, it's hard to tell what it is in the picture.
I made Joel a more appropriate boppy cover. I have 2, one downstairs, and one upstairs in my bedroom. Having a second boppy is super convenient. Especially right after birth and your brain doesn't work, at all. The one upstairs had Kay's old pink cover (Poor guy), so I purchased some fabric and whipped this up in 2 days (and by days, I mean nap times). I still have enough fabric to make another, it's a different pattern though. Maybe next week?
I have an idea for a fall wreath, which I hope to make while Frank is gone next week for training. And of course, I'm collecting some ideas for a Halloween wreath and I'll need a birthday wreath soon too... So much to do, so few naps....
Today after nap time Kay is going to help me decorate the cupcakes we mixed up before she went to sleep. Should be messy! I can't wait! I love freaking my husband out with sugar mess! :)
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Life lately
So, if pregnancy is a good way to loose weight, which for me, it was. Then gall stones and the subsequent surgery have been an excellent plateau buster.
When I was home visiting in June I also made a trip to the ER. What a glamorous way to spend a night away from your kids. I woke up one morning at 3 in considerable pain in my chest, like right under my breasts. (Sorry.) I knew I wasn't having a heart attack so I tried to go back to sleep. An hour later I woke up in such bad pain I thought I was dying. I seriously got on the floor and began praying and weeping for my kids. I woke Brother 3, who woke my mom, who eventually woke my dad around 5 to take me to the ER. After several hours in the ER, an X-ray, CT scan, and EKG they said Gastritis, possibly an ulcer and sent me home. Of course nothing is ever really wrong with me.
Fast forward a few weeks and back home in Colorado, my friend Abbi along with her little girl, Braelyn and the kids and I went to the Wildlife experience. All of a sudden I was in severe pain and kicking myself for not following up with my doctor once I got home. That stabbing upper abdominal pain left me incapacitated and I suffered through the museum. No way was I going back to the ER to hear I was fine. I was in pain until about 5 that night, it didn't matter if I was standing, sitting, walking or laying down it hurt and nothing helped. Then as suddenly as the attack began, it was over and I was back to cleaning and getting ready to pick my mom up from the airport. That was Thursday.
Five days later, on Tuesday, my Granny, Grandpa, Kay and I were going to watch Frank and Brother 2 play softball. I had another attack. It hurt to breathe, I wanted to vomit and definitely didn't want to talk. I briefly told my grandparents about the type of pain and they said it sounded like the pain my Granny had before they removed her gall bladder. I still had a hard time believing there could actually be something wrong with me, but after some convincing by Frank and my grandparents, I visited the ER, again. This time I got pain meds! Totally worth the trip for that reason alone! Thanks for nothing, Chesapeake General! After I was sufficiently high, I cried my eyes out to the nurse. A few hours, and another dose of pain meds later I had an ultra sound, then some more waiting, and finally a visit from the Doctor. Sure enough, I had gall stones. Holy what?! Something was really wrong!? I was discharged with some more meds, and instructed to follow up with a surgeon. Night 2 without children, a rocking success, NOT!
I was able to sleep until about 5 the next morning and woke up in pain, 10 hours after the attack had started (my other attacks had lasted about 5 hours each and the pain is constant) this is when I realized 1. something really was wrong with me and 2. gall stones weren't a joke. We had tried to get my prescription filled after being discharged, but the only 24 hour pharmacy, Walgreen's, does not take Tri-Care (Boo!) and they wanted $60 for some lousy pills. Pass. I should have listened to Frank though, and just paid it, but I figured by the time the medicine they gave me in the ER wore off, the attack would be over. Plus, who wants to pay $60 for something now they don't and may not need when they can get for free in 8 hours?!
I called my doctor for a follow up and so he could write a referral, the soonest appointment, Aug. 10. I seriously laughedand explained the situation in my pain induced hysteria. A few hours later a nurse called me to write a referral. She even called the surgeon and made me an appointment for that afternoon. So instead of attending my own Tastefully Simple party, I left my mom and Granny in charge and went to see the surgeon. We scheduled surgery for Friday. Frank rushed me home in time for the end of the party, but since I was put on a bland diet to keep any further attacks from happening I couldn't eat anything, well I may have tried a few things I shouldn't have, and my mom yelled at me :). I lived on peanut butter and juice for the next two days and stewed about my upcoming surgery. Friday I was a crying, panicked mess, and thankfully my husband put up with me.
The surgeon told Frank there was a lot of scar tissue around my gall bladder and I have probably been dealing with this for the past year. So for all the times, I complained about being in pain while I was pregnant, it wasn't Joel, it was my gall bladder. Sorry son. And thanks to all the NP's that shook their head and said it was just the baby. 'Preciate ya.
Apparently I am sassy when waking up from anesthesia. Frank told me he bought a pair of shoes when I was in surgery, and I told him, if that were true I'd put him in the ICU. I spent the next few days groggy. I was eager to get back to normal and we took a drive west on Sunday, the boys panned for gold, and we searched for rocks.
The recovery from gall bladder surgery is worse than child birth. No sweet baby to snuggle. You have to sleep on your back. In and out of awareness from the medication. Pain any time you move, even on the meds, or any time something (i.e., kids) nudges your bloated stomach. No lifting. No driving. Still no good eating. And lots of things I'm not willing to write about, and you would not want to read about.
Thankfully, I'm on the mend now. My family went home, we were so blessed by their visit, especially the timing of it all! Frank took Wednesday and Thursday off work to help me around the house with the kids. He's back to work today, I'm in minimal pain, I still don't carry Kay around like she'd like and I'm still sore but overall good. I'm down about 5 pounds since surgery. Making my total weight loss from pre-pregnancy to now 20 pounds. Hopefully I will be able to start working out again next week!
Next Friday, my cousin Brittany is coming to visit :) Then Frank leaves on Saturday for New Orleans, for training for 6 days. Then about 2 weeks after he gets back, the kids and I will be flying to North Carolina for 2 weeks, then driving to Indiana for Brittany's wedding, and I'm praying I fit into my dress, then we'll be flying home from there.
I've been keeping myself busy, before the surgery, that is, making homemade laundry soap - love it, homemade dishwasher soap - new recipe next time, making freezer jam, and stocking our new freezer with meals. Kay loves to sing and dance, she has been doing lots of counting and she surprises us everyday with something new she's learned. Joel is, well, big. 18 pounds at 3 & 1/2 months. He's not sleeping through the night consistently, but he's a quick eater and goes back to sleep easily, most nights. He's so happy, smiles and laughs all the time, jabbers and drools a lot. He loves his big sister and she loves him and we are having lots of fun as a family of 4.
I think that's it for now, I've got to get bread baking for dinner :) the west is a rough place, no luxuries like back east ;)
When I was home visiting in June I also made a trip to the ER. What a glamorous way to spend a night away from your kids. I woke up one morning at 3 in considerable pain in my chest, like right under my breasts. (Sorry.) I knew I wasn't having a heart attack so I tried to go back to sleep. An hour later I woke up in such bad pain I thought I was dying. I seriously got on the floor and began praying and weeping for my kids. I woke Brother 3, who woke my mom, who eventually woke my dad around 5 to take me to the ER. After several hours in the ER, an X-ray, CT scan, and EKG they said Gastritis, possibly an ulcer and sent me home. Of course nothing is ever really wrong with me.
Fast forward a few weeks and back home in Colorado, my friend Abbi along with her little girl, Braelyn and the kids and I went to the Wildlife experience. All of a sudden I was in severe pain and kicking myself for not following up with my doctor once I got home. That stabbing upper abdominal pain left me incapacitated and I suffered through the museum. No way was I going back to the ER to hear I was fine. I was in pain until about 5 that night, it didn't matter if I was standing, sitting, walking or laying down it hurt and nothing helped. Then as suddenly as the attack began, it was over and I was back to cleaning and getting ready to pick my mom up from the airport. That was Thursday.
Five days later, on Tuesday, my Granny, Grandpa, Kay and I were going to watch Frank and Brother 2 play softball. I had another attack. It hurt to breathe, I wanted to vomit and definitely didn't want to talk. I briefly told my grandparents about the type of pain and they said it sounded like the pain my Granny had before they removed her gall bladder. I still had a hard time believing there could actually be something wrong with me, but after some convincing by Frank and my grandparents, I visited the ER, again. This time I got pain meds! Totally worth the trip for that reason alone! Thanks for nothing, Chesapeake General! After I was sufficiently high, I cried my eyes out to the nurse. A few hours, and another dose of pain meds later I had an ultra sound, then some more waiting, and finally a visit from the Doctor. Sure enough, I had gall stones. Holy what?! Something was really wrong!? I was discharged with some more meds, and instructed to follow up with a surgeon. Night 2 without children, a rocking success, NOT!
I was able to sleep until about 5 the next morning and woke up in pain, 10 hours after the attack had started (my other attacks had lasted about 5 hours each and the pain is constant) this is when I realized 1. something really was wrong with me and 2. gall stones weren't a joke. We had tried to get my prescription filled after being discharged, but the only 24 hour pharmacy, Walgreen's, does not take Tri-Care (Boo!) and they wanted $60 for some lousy pills. Pass. I should have listened to Frank though, and just paid it, but I figured by the time the medicine they gave me in the ER wore off, the attack would be over. Plus, who wants to pay $60 for something now they don't and may not need when they can get for free in 8 hours?!
I called my doctor for a follow up and so he could write a referral, the soonest appointment, Aug. 10. I seriously laughedand explained the situation in my pain induced hysteria. A few hours later a nurse called me to write a referral. She even called the surgeon and made me an appointment for that afternoon. So instead of attending my own Tastefully Simple party, I left my mom and Granny in charge and went to see the surgeon. We scheduled surgery for Friday. Frank rushed me home in time for the end of the party, but since I was put on a bland diet to keep any further attacks from happening I couldn't eat anything, well I may have tried a few things I shouldn't have, and my mom yelled at me :). I lived on peanut butter and juice for the next two days and stewed about my upcoming surgery. Friday I was a crying, panicked mess, and thankfully my husband put up with me.
The surgeon told Frank there was a lot of scar tissue around my gall bladder and I have probably been dealing with this for the past year. So for all the times, I complained about being in pain while I was pregnant, it wasn't Joel, it was my gall bladder. Sorry son. And thanks to all the NP's that shook their head and said it was just the baby. 'Preciate ya.
Apparently I am sassy when waking up from anesthesia. Frank told me he bought a pair of shoes when I was in surgery, and I told him, if that were true I'd put him in the ICU. I spent the next few days groggy. I was eager to get back to normal and we took a drive west on Sunday, the boys panned for gold, and we searched for rocks.
The recovery from gall bladder surgery is worse than child birth. No sweet baby to snuggle. You have to sleep on your back. In and out of awareness from the medication. Pain any time you move, even on the meds, or any time something (i.e., kids) nudges your bloated stomach. No lifting. No driving. Still no good eating. And lots of things I'm not willing to write about, and you would not want to read about.
Thankfully, I'm on the mend now. My family went home, we were so blessed by their visit, especially the timing of it all! Frank took Wednesday and Thursday off work to help me around the house with the kids. He's back to work today, I'm in minimal pain, I still don't carry Kay around like she'd like and I'm still sore but overall good. I'm down about 5 pounds since surgery. Making my total weight loss from pre-pregnancy to now 20 pounds. Hopefully I will be able to start working out again next week!
Next Friday, my cousin Brittany is coming to visit :) Then Frank leaves on Saturday for New Orleans, for training for 6 days. Then about 2 weeks after he gets back, the kids and I will be flying to North Carolina for 2 weeks, then driving to Indiana for Brittany's wedding, and I'm praying I fit into my dress, then we'll be flying home from there.
I've been keeping myself busy, before the surgery, that is, making homemade laundry soap - love it, homemade dishwasher soap - new recipe next time, making freezer jam, and stocking our new freezer with meals. Kay loves to sing and dance, she has been doing lots of counting and she surprises us everyday with something new she's learned. Joel is, well, big. 18 pounds at 3 & 1/2 months. He's not sleeping through the night consistently, but he's a quick eater and goes back to sleep easily, most nights. He's so happy, smiles and laughs all the time, jabbers and drools a lot. He loves his big sister and she loves him and we are having lots of fun as a family of 4.
I think that's it for now, I've got to get bread baking for dinner :) the west is a rough place, no luxuries like back east ;)
Monday, July 2, 2012
Birthday Time
I know it's long over due... Poor Joel is 2 1/2 months old and without a Birthday story. He's snoozing in his swing, fat and happy. Fat in a good and healthy way! He's definitely a growing boy! But more about his stats later...
I last blogged/updated the baby watch in April. Here's a synopsis. After an active week of unpacking and celebrating Easter, and with a to-do list the length of my body (that's 5'7'', to be exact) we went to see Dr. Tate on Monday, April 9 for my weekly appointment. I had been having some contractions, but having been through 1 full pregnancy and 3 short weeks away from completing a second, I was more than familiar with those Braxton Hicks contractions. When we learned that I went from 0 cm dilated to 4 cm dilated in a week, Dr. Tate put Joel on the clock, he had one week to make his appearance naturally, otherwise she would induce me the following Tuesday. So I may have panicked. Just a bit. :)
We made some quick calls, my grandparents were driving from Indiana to Colorado to help with Kay but couldn't leave until Wednesday. My mom, who had not yet purchased her plane ticket, but was going to that evening, changed her plans to come the following Wednesday. I spent the next 2 days doing little, and going insane in the meantime. Praying I did not go into labor. At the time, we knew no one in Colorado. So no one to leave Kay with. And I did not want to be in the delivery room by myself, although, we knew if it came down to it, I would be.
Thankfully, God's timing was perfect. My grandparents drove straight through. 20 hours. Seriously. They only stopped for gas. Can we say how incredibly blessed we are by them? They arrived on Thursday and I picked up my re-prioritized to-do list. Now that my grandparents were here I was anxious to go into labor, I didn't want them dropping everything and high tailing it out here for me to sit around pregnant. I spent the next few days having little to no contractions. I was so stressed that I wasn't going into labor, I couldn't go into labor. Finally, I reliqushed to God. Will I ever learn to automatically give Him everything? I had held on so tightly trying to walk myself, drink my-Raspberry-Tea-self among other wives tales into labor. Fail.
Granny made beef roast for dinner on Sunday, it was sooooo good! And we joked it would be Joel's last meal in utero. I started having contractions, nothing new. We played cards, I was still having contractions. Strike that, regular contractions. Our bags had been packed for days, even Kay's bag. Frank fell asleep on the couch and after 2 hours of regular contractions I decided it was time to go to the hospital. We already knew I was at 4 cm, so my thoughts were, how long will it take me to get to 5...? My grandparents and I talked, I decided I was going to shower and if I was still having contractions I would go to the hospital. I woke Frank, told him the plan and to shower if he wanted. Groggy from sleep, he asked why we were going to the hospital. For what else, I asked! It's time to have this baby!!! I've never seen that man move so fast! He leapt up the stairs and was in and out of the shower and back downstairs with all the bags within minutes. A half hour later we were telling Kaylee bye and leaving for the hospital. We barely made it off base when I realized I wasn't wearing my wedding bands. I insisted we go back for them, although I know Frank was anxious to get to the hospital. We stopped by the base hotel my grandparents and Kay were staying at, and kissed her again. The front desk ladies wanted to know when I was due. Not for another 2 weeks I told them, but we're on the way to the hospital now, since I am in labor.
We got to the hospital about 10 on Sunday night. No need to valet the truck since we could park right up front and the hospital was deserted. We gathered up our bags and headed up to labor and delivery. Of course they couldn't find my pre-admission paperwork. So Frank worked on that, and I got to put on a lovely hospital gown. They checked my progress... Or lack there of. Still 4 cm, but starting to efface. (If you are a man, reading this, I'm sorry.) The nurses called the oncall doctor, which was not Dr. Tate, explained the situation and what Dr. Tate had told me last week. At this point I was progressing and the baby was coming one way or another. I was told once again to walk. Went through this when I went into labor with Kay. I did not want to have to do this again. Walk to get admitted. But with the excitement of having contractions and going into labor, I had forgotten the promise I had made to myself. There were a few other things I wanted differently for this labor too. I wanted to do it naturally. I wanted skin to skin. All things I had missed with Kay.
So Frank and I started make the loop around the labor and delievery ward. 2 hours later I was admitted, 5cm, 75%. The nurse said the on-call doctor wanted me to have a shot of morphine so I could sleep before I progressed any further. I refused. When we got settled into the delievery room and couldn't fall asleep because of the frequency of the contractions, and after asking a million questions I finally agreed to the shot. And so we slept.
That morning I woke up about 8, and had progressed to 6cm. I was in little to no pain. So far so good. Dr. Tate came to check on my progress and broke my water about 10 that morning. After I stopped pouring amniotic fluid I wanted to walk. We made it a half of lap before I couldn't bear to stand up anymore. Somehow we made it back to my room and the nurse came in to check me, 7cm. Tons of pain. She asked again about pain management. I refused. Then while she was standing by the bed, I had another contraction. "I. Can't. Do. THIS!!!!" I looked at Frank, "I'm sorry," I said, best I could "I just can't do this. I want an epidural." I was crying. I knew he didn't care, but somehow I felt like I had let him down. I guess he learned from when I went into labor with Kaylee, it's better not to say anything one way or another. Within a few minutes I was signing the papers and was given that blessed epidural. (12:45) Checked again, 8cm. This time, there was no clicker, I wasn't in control of the medication like I was when I was in labor with Kay. I could still feel pressure. Although the pain was considerably less I could still feel the contractions. It was much, much better.
Everytime I felt pressure I had progressed another cm. Sometime around 1 the nurses called Dr. Tate (her office was right across the street) and told her Joel would be coming soon. Before 2pm I had the desire to push. I felt what they call the ring of fire (or crowning) something that I had no idea about from before. We started to push. No Dr. Tate. More pushing. No doctor. 1 contraction, they had to hold his head back. 2 contractions, they had to hold him back. The nurse said, "One more contraction without Dr. Tate and she is going to miss delivering this baby!" At this point I could care less who delivered the baby. Get your hand off his head! It's TIME!!! Enter Dr. Tate. Enter Joel David Ehbrecht at 2:13pm April 16, 2012. 8 pounds, 14 ounces and 21 1/2 inches long. He went from my womb to my chest and I got to hold my slimy, pink baby boy. Tears. Pictures. Lots of both.
We definitely hit the baby jackpot, again, with Joel. He's a great sleeper, and a healthy eater :) He's super relaxed and just chills. He watches his sister run around and loves when she and her little friends kiss all over him :) What a boy! At 2 months old Joel was 14 pounds and 23 3/4 inches long. 8 days later Joel is 15 pounds and 24 1/2 inches. So. He's doing a good job growing!
Life with 2 hasn't been much of an adjustment for us. Just another kid to feed, change and put to sleep. Of course we read, play and giggle lots too! Kay is a big helper, she loves her brother and asks him to play with her, it melts my heart! We just got home from visiting North Carolina for 9 days. Kay will be there until July 4, probably why you are finally getting a blog post.
I traveled there with both children, by myself 2 weeks ago. And just want to update my rant blog about that woman on the plane from when we were going to Texas. She was traveling alone with 2 children, and one kicked my seat the entire time. I was also 6 months pregnant and had Kay on my lap, and so very, very irritated by the mother. Yea. It wasn't as hard as you made it look or sound. A few snacks, some activities, attention and a sweet little talk did the trick. Next time I fly though I want to sit in the very back row, so I don't have some pesky kids kicking my seat the entire time. That's right, I called your kids pesky!
I think that finally catches me up!!! Yay!!!
I last blogged/updated the baby watch in April. Here's a synopsis. After an active week of unpacking and celebrating Easter, and with a to-do list the length of my body (that's 5'7'', to be exact) we went to see Dr. Tate on Monday, April 9 for my weekly appointment. I had been having some contractions, but having been through 1 full pregnancy and 3 short weeks away from completing a second, I was more than familiar with those Braxton Hicks contractions. When we learned that I went from 0 cm dilated to 4 cm dilated in a week, Dr. Tate put Joel on the clock, he had one week to make his appearance naturally, otherwise she would induce me the following Tuesday. So I may have panicked. Just a bit. :)
We made some quick calls, my grandparents were driving from Indiana to Colorado to help with Kay but couldn't leave until Wednesday. My mom, who had not yet purchased her plane ticket, but was going to that evening, changed her plans to come the following Wednesday. I spent the next 2 days doing little, and going insane in the meantime. Praying I did not go into labor. At the time, we knew no one in Colorado. So no one to leave Kay with. And I did not want to be in the delivery room by myself, although, we knew if it came down to it, I would be.
Thankfully, God's timing was perfect. My grandparents drove straight through. 20 hours. Seriously. They only stopped for gas. Can we say how incredibly blessed we are by them? They arrived on Thursday and I picked up my re-prioritized to-do list. Now that my grandparents were here I was anxious to go into labor, I didn't want them dropping everything and high tailing it out here for me to sit around pregnant. I spent the next few days having little to no contractions. I was so stressed that I wasn't going into labor, I couldn't go into labor. Finally, I reliqushed to God. Will I ever learn to automatically give Him everything? I had held on so tightly trying to walk myself, drink my-Raspberry-Tea-self among other wives tales into labor. Fail.
Granny made beef roast for dinner on Sunday, it was sooooo good! And we joked it would be Joel's last meal in utero. I started having contractions, nothing new. We played cards, I was still having contractions. Strike that, regular contractions. Our bags had been packed for days, even Kay's bag. Frank fell asleep on the couch and after 2 hours of regular contractions I decided it was time to go to the hospital. We already knew I was at 4 cm, so my thoughts were, how long will it take me to get to 5...? My grandparents and I talked, I decided I was going to shower and if I was still having contractions I would go to the hospital. I woke Frank, told him the plan and to shower if he wanted. Groggy from sleep, he asked why we were going to the hospital. For what else, I asked! It's time to have this baby!!! I've never seen that man move so fast! He leapt up the stairs and was in and out of the shower and back downstairs with all the bags within minutes. A half hour later we were telling Kaylee bye and leaving for the hospital. We barely made it off base when I realized I wasn't wearing my wedding bands. I insisted we go back for them, although I know Frank was anxious to get to the hospital. We stopped by the base hotel my grandparents and Kay were staying at, and kissed her again. The front desk ladies wanted to know when I was due. Not for another 2 weeks I told them, but we're on the way to the hospital now, since I am in labor.
We got to the hospital about 10 on Sunday night. No need to valet the truck since we could park right up front and the hospital was deserted. We gathered up our bags and headed up to labor and delivery. Of course they couldn't find my pre-admission paperwork. So Frank worked on that, and I got to put on a lovely hospital gown. They checked my progress... Or lack there of. Still 4 cm, but starting to efface. (If you are a man, reading this, I'm sorry.) The nurses called the oncall doctor, which was not Dr. Tate, explained the situation and what Dr. Tate had told me last week. At this point I was progressing and the baby was coming one way or another. I was told once again to walk. Went through this when I went into labor with Kay. I did not want to have to do this again. Walk to get admitted. But with the excitement of having contractions and going into labor, I had forgotten the promise I had made to myself. There were a few other things I wanted differently for this labor too. I wanted to do it naturally. I wanted skin to skin. All things I had missed with Kay.
So Frank and I started make the loop around the labor and delievery ward. 2 hours later I was admitted, 5cm, 75%. The nurse said the on-call doctor wanted me to have a shot of morphine so I could sleep before I progressed any further. I refused. When we got settled into the delievery room and couldn't fall asleep because of the frequency of the contractions, and after asking a million questions I finally agreed to the shot. And so we slept.
That morning I woke up about 8, and had progressed to 6cm. I was in little to no pain. So far so good. Dr. Tate came to check on my progress and broke my water about 10 that morning. After I stopped pouring amniotic fluid I wanted to walk. We made it a half of lap before I couldn't bear to stand up anymore. Somehow we made it back to my room and the nurse came in to check me, 7cm. Tons of pain. She asked again about pain management. I refused. Then while she was standing by the bed, I had another contraction. "I. Can't. Do. THIS!!!!" I looked at Frank, "I'm sorry," I said, best I could "I just can't do this. I want an epidural." I was crying. I knew he didn't care, but somehow I felt like I had let him down. I guess he learned from when I went into labor with Kaylee, it's better not to say anything one way or another. Within a few minutes I was signing the papers and was given that blessed epidural. (12:45) Checked again, 8cm. This time, there was no clicker, I wasn't in control of the medication like I was when I was in labor with Kay. I could still feel pressure. Although the pain was considerably less I could still feel the contractions. It was much, much better.
Everytime I felt pressure I had progressed another cm. Sometime around 1 the nurses called Dr. Tate (her office was right across the street) and told her Joel would be coming soon. Before 2pm I had the desire to push. I felt what they call the ring of fire (or crowning) something that I had no idea about from before. We started to push. No Dr. Tate. More pushing. No doctor. 1 contraction, they had to hold his head back. 2 contractions, they had to hold him back. The nurse said, "One more contraction without Dr. Tate and she is going to miss delivering this baby!" At this point I could care less who delivered the baby. Get your hand off his head! It's TIME!!! Enter Dr. Tate. Enter Joel David Ehbrecht at 2:13pm April 16, 2012. 8 pounds, 14 ounces and 21 1/2 inches long. He went from my womb to my chest and I got to hold my slimy, pink baby boy. Tears. Pictures. Lots of both.
Daddy and Kay playing with the legos Joel gave her
Joel's first bath... He looks like he loves it!
I want to hold him!!
We had a birthday party for Joel! I wanted a cake :) and Kay blew out the candle
Happy Birth Day Baby Joel!
Great-Grandparents, again
Lolli and the babies
Grumpy and Buck
We definitely hit the baby jackpot, again, with Joel. He's a great sleeper, and a healthy eater :) He's super relaxed and just chills. He watches his sister run around and loves when she and her little friends kiss all over him :) What a boy! At 2 months old Joel was 14 pounds and 23 3/4 inches long. 8 days later Joel is 15 pounds and 24 1/2 inches. So. He's doing a good job growing!
Life with 2 hasn't been much of an adjustment for us. Just another kid to feed, change and put to sleep. Of course we read, play and giggle lots too! Kay is a big helper, she loves her brother and asks him to play with her, it melts my heart! We just got home from visiting North Carolina for 9 days. Kay will be there until July 4, probably why you are finally getting a blog post.
I traveled there with both children, by myself 2 weeks ago. And just want to update my rant blog about that woman on the plane from when we were going to Texas. She was traveling alone with 2 children, and one kicked my seat the entire time. I was also 6 months pregnant and had Kay on my lap, and so very, very irritated by the mother. Yea. It wasn't as hard as you made it look or sound. A few snacks, some activities, attention and a sweet little talk did the trick. Next time I fly though I want to sit in the very back row, so I don't have some pesky kids kicking my seat the entire time. That's right, I called your kids pesky!
I think that finally catches me up!!! Yay!!!
Like the State of Colorado, I'm burning madly
I can't hold my tounge any longer... Today I absolutely have to rant. I know Danielle is smiling. :)
In case you've been living under a rock for the past few weeks and have had no outside contact, there are something like 17 wildfires raging out west in Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. Probably the most "news-covered" is the Waldo Canyon fire burning since June 23rd down in Colorado Springs. If you didn't know, the Springs are the number one tourist area in Colorado, with attractions including; Garden of the Gods, Pike's Peak, Seven Falls, the Cheyanne Mountain Zoo (where you can feed the nation's largest giraffe herd for $3), the Flying W Ranch, Cave of the Winds and many, many others it's not hard to guess why. In fact, the Springs have become one of our favorite spots. The fire has gained national attention because it threatens the incredibly populated city, including the Air Force Academy and the aforementioned landmarks. So there's some background information for you... On to the rant...
Like everything these days, Buckley has all kinds of Facebook pages. (Gag). There are the classifieds, families of, spouses of, play group of, and on. and on. and on. You get the idea. Of course, I am a member of several of these pages, I know, I know. But they're helpful resources for newbies such as myself. Speaking of newbies...
I get that you just PCS'd (or moved, for all you non-military) to the area, but that doesn't give you an excuse to be 1. Dumb and 2. Idiots. People are posting in these pages asking about fireworks displays for the 4th. Acceptable. Although you could just watch the news, or look it up on Google like the rest of us who are commenting on your post. My real issue lies with the people complaining that most cities fireworks displays have been cancelled/postponed. But why? They ask. Ummmm... Colorado is. on. FIRE!!!! "Oh. But I reeaaaallllllyyyyyy wanted to take my daughter this year :'( "Seriously? 30,000 people are displaced because of the fires, something like 57 people (last I heard) have been KILLED, more than 350 homes completely destroyed and you are sad that your toddler, who won't remember the fireworks in 2 days, won't be able to see them? "But we can still do sparklers, right?" What part of BURN BAN and NO OPEN FIRE, don't you get? No, really? What's so hard to understand about ((No Rain + Temperatures in the 100's + a bad Pine Beetle season (basically, they killed a LOT of trees this spring making for some excellent firewood) = Favorable conditions for fire)) ? Look, none of this information has been withheld, there are signs literally everywhere, on base, in town that say "Burn Ban in effect. No open fires. No fireworks." The news interrupts every single program to share updates. How can these people still be oblivious? Of course everytime I see these posts, my fingers itch to electronically scream at them for their ignorant, indifferent and inconsiderate comments. Have some compassion people!!
And breathe.
In case you've been living under a rock for the past few weeks and have had no outside contact, there are something like 17 wildfires raging out west in Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. Probably the most "news-covered" is the Waldo Canyon fire burning since June 23rd down in Colorado Springs. If you didn't know, the Springs are the number one tourist area in Colorado, with attractions including; Garden of the Gods, Pike's Peak, Seven Falls, the Cheyanne Mountain Zoo (where you can feed the nation's largest giraffe herd for $3), the Flying W Ranch, Cave of the Winds and many, many others it's not hard to guess why. In fact, the Springs have become one of our favorite spots. The fire has gained national attention because it threatens the incredibly populated city, including the Air Force Academy and the aforementioned landmarks. So there's some background information for you... On to the rant...
Like everything these days, Buckley has all kinds of Facebook pages. (Gag). There are the classifieds, families of, spouses of, play group of, and on. and on. and on. You get the idea. Of course, I am a member of several of these pages, I know, I know. But they're helpful resources for newbies such as myself. Speaking of newbies...
I get that you just PCS'd (or moved, for all you non-military) to the area, but that doesn't give you an excuse to be 1. Dumb and 2. Idiots. People are posting in these pages asking about fireworks displays for the 4th. Acceptable. Although you could just watch the news, or look it up on Google like the rest of us who are commenting on your post. My real issue lies with the people complaining that most cities fireworks displays have been cancelled/postponed. But why? They ask. Ummmm... Colorado is. on. FIRE!!!! "Oh. But I reeaaaallllllyyyyyy wanted to take my daughter this year :'( "Seriously? 30,000 people are displaced because of the fires, something like 57 people (last I heard) have been KILLED, more than 350 homes completely destroyed and you are sad that your toddler, who won't remember the fireworks in 2 days, won't be able to see them? "But we can still do sparklers, right?" What part of BURN BAN and NO OPEN FIRE, don't you get? No, really? What's so hard to understand about ((No Rain + Temperatures in the 100's + a bad Pine Beetle season (basically, they killed a LOT of trees this spring making for some excellent firewood) = Favorable conditions for fire)) ? Look, none of this information has been withheld, there are signs literally everywhere, on base, in town that say "Burn Ban in effect. No open fires. No fireworks." The news interrupts every single program to share updates. How can these people still be oblivious? Of course everytime I see these posts, my fingers itch to electronically scream at them for their ignorant, indifferent and inconsiderate comments. Have some compassion people!!
And breathe.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Ahhhh! It feels so wonderful to sit and write! The past month has gone by so incredibly fast! How come it took FOR.EVER for one week to go by when I was pregnant, but now that Joel is here, an entire month is like the blink of an eye. Crazy!
Having a second child doesn't seem all that tough, yet. Joel is such a good baby, I occasionally forget we have him. He sleeps the day away in his swing, or pack and play, or whatever room I'm cleaning/working in and only fusses when it's time to eat. Eventually he can work himself up to a cry when I can't stop what I'm doing to feed him but his nuk placates him long enough for me to finish whatever chore I'm in the midst of. He's beginning to spend more time awake each day, though, and loves to watch his sister run me around.
Kaylee loves her little brother. She kisses him constantly, to the point where I have to shoo her away. Both her and her daddy are the kissers of the family, I think Joel will be like his momma, sometimes, enough is just enough. Kay has seemingly blossomed into a kid overnight. Potty training has continued to go well, then on Mother's Day she climbed onto the potty all by herself and has been taking herself since. She also started singing her ABC's quite effectively on Mother's Day. She has become Momma's helper and she wants to do everything by herself.
Child birthing and rearing seem to be my niche in life. I blame my mother ;). She always made raising 4 kids look so easy, I'm starting to believe it's genetic... This time, just like after giving birth to Kaylee, it only took a few days before we were out and about, taking walks and running errands like we always do.
Being a mother a second time has been way different. Kay and I spent the first months of her life constantly together. We napped all the time, I carried her around with me, every where, no matter what I was doing, and I felt like I could never leave her alone, let alone leave her in another room. Poor Joel. We hardly snuggle, and never nap (cause face it, between Kay's needs and just moving here, there is constantly something that needs attention), I sometimes leave him downstairs while I run upstairs to get the laundry, or leave him upstairs while I run down to get water. I'll even leave him in the living room while Kay and I sit outside. By no means is he neglected, just Kay was overly spoiled. Perhaps this is one of the reasons she's such a stinker now?
But life is good, and I'm loving every minute of it, even when it's not so easy. There are even times when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, not that that happens very much, and I think, wow, I'm a mother of two. Sometimes it just doesn't feel real. Even when we just had Kay I felt like the long term baby sitter, waiting for her mother to come get her.
Anyways, I have some pictures to share... Completed rooms and projects of our new home... You're gonna have to wait on the Birthday story... I'm running out of time today and I desperately need to run the vacuum before Frank gets home. Kay spilled goldfish crumbs all over the floor... Where is that girl's mother?! I hope she gives bonuses for cleaning up messes! I'm overdue for a raise! ;)
Having a second child doesn't seem all that tough, yet. Joel is such a good baby, I occasionally forget we have him. He sleeps the day away in his swing, or pack and play, or whatever room I'm cleaning/working in and only fusses when it's time to eat. Eventually he can work himself up to a cry when I can't stop what I'm doing to feed him but his nuk placates him long enough for me to finish whatever chore I'm in the midst of. He's beginning to spend more time awake each day, though, and loves to watch his sister run me around.
Kaylee loves her little brother. She kisses him constantly, to the point where I have to shoo her away. Both her and her daddy are the kissers of the family, I think Joel will be like his momma, sometimes, enough is just enough. Kay has seemingly blossomed into a kid overnight. Potty training has continued to go well, then on Mother's Day she climbed onto the potty all by herself and has been taking herself since. She also started singing her ABC's quite effectively on Mother's Day. She has become Momma's helper and she wants to do everything by herself.
Child birthing and rearing seem to be my niche in life. I blame my mother ;). She always made raising 4 kids look so easy, I'm starting to believe it's genetic... This time, just like after giving birth to Kaylee, it only took a few days before we were out and about, taking walks and running errands like we always do.
Being a mother a second time has been way different. Kay and I spent the first months of her life constantly together. We napped all the time, I carried her around with me, every where, no matter what I was doing, and I felt like I could never leave her alone, let alone leave her in another room. Poor Joel. We hardly snuggle, and never nap (cause face it, between Kay's needs and just moving here, there is constantly something that needs attention), I sometimes leave him downstairs while I run upstairs to get the laundry, or leave him upstairs while I run down to get water. I'll even leave him in the living room while Kay and I sit outside. By no means is he neglected, just Kay was overly spoiled. Perhaps this is one of the reasons she's such a stinker now?
But life is good, and I'm loving every minute of it, even when it's not so easy. There are even times when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, not that that happens very much, and I think, wow, I'm a mother of two. Sometimes it just doesn't feel real. Even when we just had Kay I felt like the long term baby sitter, waiting for her mother to come get her.
Anyways, I have some pictures to share... Completed rooms and projects of our new home... You're gonna have to wait on the Birthday story... I'm running out of time today and I desperately need to run the vacuum before Frank gets home. Kay spilled goldfish crumbs all over the floor... Where is that girl's mother?! I hope she gives bonuses for cleaning up messes! I'm overdue for a raise! ;)
Kay's dresser, that Frank sanded and my mom painted :)
Kay's hair band holder... The lid has a ribbon hot glued to hang down to help organize other clips
Joel's room. Obviously. The Navy flags spell out JOEL
My mom also painted the rocking chair and little dresser for Joel's room.
I've also kept busy cooking and stocking my freezer. Now we just have to remember to eat it all.
Well... that's all for today. JD needs to eat and we need to pick up before Daddy gets home :) Frank is working this weekend, so I hope to further catch up then. <3
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Blog? What Blog?
My, it's been a while. I know. Things have been a bit crazy over the past 3+ weeks or so. I have done an awful job of connecting with friends and returning calls, texts and emails. I'm sorry friends! I so appreciate all your encouragement and love! Thank you! I feel so loved! I've been sick for the past 10 days, and it hurts to talk plus with 2 kids, (one nursing almost every 2 hours) I have been trying to rest every chance I get!
Unfortunately, for my faithful followers, this week is going to be busy too and I won't be able to post. My mother-in-law and brother-in-law land in Denver in about 2 hours and, well, let's face it, my house is just not clean yet. SO I need to get busy. But I just wanted you all to know that I love you and I will try to post soon! I have lots to share! The Birthday Story! Completed Projects! Andddd, A Put Together House!
I'm thinking and praying for you and your families! Also, for those of you in Virginia/Carolina, the kids and I will probably be visiting in June! Will let you know for sure soon!
I love you all!
Unfortunately, for my faithful followers, this week is going to be busy too and I won't be able to post. My mother-in-law and brother-in-law land in Denver in about 2 hours and, well, let's face it, my house is just not clean yet. SO I need to get busy. But I just wanted you all to know that I love you and I will try to post soon! I have lots to share! The Birthday Story! Completed Projects! Andddd, A Put Together House!
I'm thinking and praying for you and your families! Also, for those of you in Virginia/Carolina, the kids and I will probably be visiting in June! Will let you know for sure soon!
I love you all!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
This week and baby watch
I'm starting to realize that describing our week as really busy is normal. So... It's been a normal week for us.
Here are this week's highlights!
We' re still working on unpacking and organizing. The good news is that we have some mostly finished rooms. On Friday morning Frank and I assembled our dresser and were able to unpack a lot of his clothes. I'm still wearing all my maternity things, so I've left mine in the boxes. After storing all our clothes for 4 months, they stink, so our washer and dryer has been running non-stop. After today I should be all caught up! :) Now to put everything away....
Friday night we went to see the Nuggets/Suns play. Kay loves Basketball and was squealing, I luv it! We had such a great time and it was nice to relax for a few hours. If I'm at home I'm constantly doing something.
On Saturday we took Kay to see the Easter Bunny. She loved him this year and we got a very sweet looking picture, although we all know how wild she is...
Sunday morning Kay got us up super early! We read about the Resurrection then marched downstairs to see what the Easter Bunny brought Kaylee. I made breakfast, applesauce pancakes & we used the apple syrup I made last week, they were soooooo good! Frank and Kay dyed eggs, then we all decorated cut-out cookies. Kay had a great time eating the sugar! And she made a huge mess! But it was a LOT of fun! Then we hurried out the door for church. Kay spent about an hour in the 2 year-old class then she got tired, and I spent the rest of the service holding my sleeping girl and listening to Pastor Ed. After church Frank fixed lunch while I got the ham in the oven. This was our first ever holiday, just us 3, and the last since we are expecting Baby J this month :) We spent the afternoon outside, Frank sanding down an old dresser my parents gave us (which is going to get painted for Kay's room), I painted Kay's bed, and Kaylee drew with some chalk Grumpy and Lolli sent her in her Easter box. 4 hours or so later we had dinner, and by the time everything got cleaned up it was bed time!
Yesterday was epic. I started the morning doing something I had always said I wouldn't. In fact, it was one of my major reasons for not wanting to get married or have children. I would make my sweeping declaration at Thanksgiving, as my mom had her hand down the turkey's butt to clean out the gizzards. I AM NEVER DOING THAT! Well. Yesterday my hopes and dreams of never having to clean out a bird came crashing down. Twice. To the 2 chickens I bought last week for Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas. My whole day seemed to revolve around those chickens, cleaning, cooking, picking then shredding all the meat. It took hours. By the time I was finished Frank was home from work. We worked in Kay's room, hanging up clothes and putting things away, then carried her bed up!
Then life got really, really interesting. I had my weekly baby check up and we found out that I went from no dilation to 4 cm dilated, in a week. Dr. Tate says if I don't go into labor naturally this week, and have progressed at all towards labor by next Monday (i.e., further dilation, or thinning cervix) then she wants to induce me on Tuesday. My grandparents are coming from Indiana for the birth and to stay with Kaylee. They will leave tomorrow morning, so until they get closer than 17 hours, I'm taking it very, very easy. Considering I am still having contractions I think I will be having a baby, one way or another in the next week. Please pray peace over us. I want to have the baby naturally, suggestions/encouragement please! We have a lot to do to prepare for birth... Like pack for the hospital, and the nursery is a disaster. Frank's chief is letting him off work early today so he can help me pack and continue to prepare for Baby's arrival. My to-do list is as long as ever, but now getting shuffled around.
I promise to keep ya'll updated. <3
Here are this week's highlights!
We' re still working on unpacking and organizing. The good news is that we have some mostly finished rooms. On Friday morning Frank and I assembled our dresser and were able to unpack a lot of his clothes. I'm still wearing all my maternity things, so I've left mine in the boxes. After storing all our clothes for 4 months, they stink, so our washer and dryer has been running non-stop. After today I should be all caught up! :) Now to put everything away....
Friday night we went to see the Nuggets/Suns play. Kay loves Basketball and was squealing, I luv it! We had such a great time and it was nice to relax for a few hours. If I'm at home I'm constantly doing something.
On Saturday we took Kay to see the Easter Bunny. She loved him this year and we got a very sweet looking picture, although we all know how wild she is...
Sunday morning Kay got us up super early! We read about the Resurrection then marched downstairs to see what the Easter Bunny brought Kaylee. I made breakfast, applesauce pancakes & we used the apple syrup I made last week, they were soooooo good! Frank and Kay dyed eggs, then we all decorated cut-out cookies. Kay had a great time eating the sugar! And she made a huge mess! But it was a LOT of fun! Then we hurried out the door for church. Kay spent about an hour in the 2 year-old class then she got tired, and I spent the rest of the service holding my sleeping girl and listening to Pastor Ed. After church Frank fixed lunch while I got the ham in the oven. This was our first ever holiday, just us 3, and the last since we are expecting Baby J this month :) We spent the afternoon outside, Frank sanding down an old dresser my parents gave us (which is going to get painted for Kay's room), I painted Kay's bed, and Kaylee drew with some chalk Grumpy and Lolli sent her in her Easter box. 4 hours or so later we had dinner, and by the time everything got cleaned up it was bed time!
Yesterday was epic. I started the morning doing something I had always said I wouldn't. In fact, it was one of my major reasons for not wanting to get married or have children. I would make my sweeping declaration at Thanksgiving, as my mom had her hand down the turkey's butt to clean out the gizzards. I AM NEVER DOING THAT! Well. Yesterday my hopes and dreams of never having to clean out a bird came crashing down. Twice. To the 2 chickens I bought last week for Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas. My whole day seemed to revolve around those chickens, cleaning, cooking, picking then shredding all the meat. It took hours. By the time I was finished Frank was home from work. We worked in Kay's room, hanging up clothes and putting things away, then carried her bed up!
Then life got really, really interesting. I had my weekly baby check up and we found out that I went from no dilation to 4 cm dilated, in a week. Dr. Tate says if I don't go into labor naturally this week, and have progressed at all towards labor by next Monday (i.e., further dilation, or thinning cervix) then she wants to induce me on Tuesday. My grandparents are coming from Indiana for the birth and to stay with Kaylee. They will leave tomorrow morning, so until they get closer than 17 hours, I'm taking it very, very easy. Considering I am still having contractions I think I will be having a baby, one way or another in the next week. Please pray peace over us. I want to have the baby naturally, suggestions/encouragement please! We have a lot to do to prepare for birth... Like pack for the hospital, and the nursery is a disaster. Frank's chief is letting him off work early today so he can help me pack and continue to prepare for Baby's arrival. My to-do list is as long as ever, but now getting shuffled around.
I promise to keep ya'll updated. <3
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