Dancing Queen

Ladies and Gentlemen, here is Keira in her rendition of "The ABC Dance." My little Brownie is so cute when she walks to the fridge, pushes the toy's button, and begins turning in circles when the song commences. So pretty, Keira. Dance your little heart out.

Kaelyn Awesomeness

Here is the sweet little gal giving her mommy a talking to. When she first started "talking" I mistakenly thought she was going to start crying, but as it turns out Kaelyn is just a drama queen. While she sounds like she is going to start crying, she's really just talking. So talk on my little princess.

And her is the super girl holding her head up so well. Yes, she's just over a month old in this picture.

Another thing about my little one....

she only sleeps being cuddled. The girl could be exhausted. But she'll cry and cry until someone picks her up. And ten seconds later, the poor girl's eyes are closed for three hours.

Well, one thing is for sure-- I've got a strong-willed, strong-bodied little princess. Congrats, you passed initiation into the Copeland sisters' club. Kenli and Keira welcome you with open arms.

Maternity Talk

For all of you out there who don't appreciae all of the unsolicited pregnancy talk that comes with a growng belly...

I totally could have used this shirt a few months ago. That's the passive-agressive, annoyed, pregnant lady coming out in me.



Apparenlty, if I have another, this is the shirt I need. I'm 2 for 3 so far.

And here's the shirt I'll probably end up needing because we just can't make boys.

It's Been a Month of Many Thanks!

Thanksgiving marks one month since Kaelyn was brought into this world-- and I have so much to be thankful for.

Even in this unpredictable world, I can always count on thanking God for all of the wonderful people in my life before I close my eyes at night. Life has never turned out the way I planned for it to, but I have been shown that my plans are nothing compared to what I have been given.

With this quick "Thank you" post, I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. And may you remember all of the reasons you have to be thankful this year.

Here are three of mine

Giving thanks... If I have to... I guess

Some of the best things about this time of year include friends, family, food and the final "F"---

FOOTBALL!



I know, I know, so many fans out there. And why not? Football does so much for so many. It brings strangers in the same family together for a few hours, it provides a reason for people to gather and eat good food, it unites others who share a passion for the same team, and it provides relaxation for a few--I suppose it also provides stress for even more people. It is for one or all of these reasons that most men (and women, too) I've met in my life can't tear themselves away from the comfy couch and big screen come Saturday afternoon... Sunday all day.... oh and sometimes even Monday, Thursday and Friday.



So, before my husband and I tied the knot, one of the reasons I was happy to take his hand in marriage was because I thought his interest in football was like mine with a celery stick-- something I'd settle for after searching my fridge for much tastier choices that ended up not being there. In other words, I thought he only watched the Chiefs on Sunday because there was ABSOLUTELY NOTHING else on t.v. Sunday afternoon. I thought it was a much deserved three-hour rest on the couch that he needed after slaving away in a classroom all week. In fact, this is when my interest in watching football peaked. I actually looked forward to spending time zoning out in front of the t.v. as well.



Fast-forward two or three years...

I CAN"T STAND WATCHING FOOTBALL... for more than a few hours----- a week! From Saturday morning through Sunday night, the only sounds coming from my living room are annoying announcer voices, fans cheering and the crashing sounds of helmets. Not to mention this happening again on Monday night. I can't take it anymore.



In a perfect world, only the Hawks' game would be seen in my house. I do enjoy watching the Jayhawks play- and not just because they're rockin' the college football scene this year. I've just always liked watching them. But that's about all I can handle.



But my husband can and loves to handle much more football. And I'm left wondering, "Why has his preference for weekend activities changed so drastically?" And I have come to a conclusion.



As hectic as life seems when you are a bachelor teaching your heart out and working almost 24/7, nothing compares to having a family-- especially one as full and young as ours. Since this date three years ago we have added three girls to our family. Needless to say, life is a bit more demanding. Aside from working 40 hours a week, he now has a wife, three young girls, and a house to take care of 24/7.



So, I suppose I could see where a reason to sit down and watch some football might be, well.... needed. Even though he is usually changing diapers, fixing bottles, or vacuuming the floors while watching a game, at least he can escape from the daily grind a bit. So, I've decided that instead of hating almost all football, I will "thank" football for providing my husband with some time to "relax" and "escape" fort the weekend. And I say this if I have to... I guess!



I've just learned to cope by delving in to one of my passions... or by doing laundry.

And I wish this is what we were doing instead of watching football!!!

Upadatng the Rants

So, just to prove that I live the same existence everyday, I don't really have a new topic to discuss; however, I can update you on the events of the week since I've posted. By the way, I'm working on having new things to discuss-- I've started reading Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love. Yes, I know I'm a bit behind with Oprah's book club. I've just been a little busy with life.

Back to the update...

1) Those empanadas are still waiting to be created in my kitchen. I did, however, use the chicken to make tortilla soup before it went bad.

2)I'm feeling more and more comfortable everyday about my decision with Kenli and preschool. I realize that pulling her out is helping her adjust to all of the new challenges at home. So far there have been no negative side effects. We'll just try again next year when she's older and not trying to adjust to potty training and a new sister.

3) Keira is also doing better. I have seen a huge decline in the tantrums from Keira. The one-on-one time seems to being working. I just need to learn to be patient and wait it out. This too shall pass.

4) Ok, so no date night yet-- we are just three weeks into our family of five status.
But Matt and I did get to share some kid-free moments together on Sunday afternoon. The babies were all asleep in their rooms for about 2 hours and Matt and I were able to cook, eat, and relax together for that time. It was amazing to see what two hours of being husband and wife instead of co-parents can do to rejuvenate that bond.

5) I haven't been in the mood for wine lately. It's nice to enjoy a glass and relax, but there's not much relaxing going on here. Instead, I crave water to the point that I'm afraid I'll run our pipes dry.

6) No plans for a restaurant yet, but I have come up with a list of some of my favorite foods that are wholesome and good for you (at least as far as I can tell).
Earth Grains whole grain whole wheat bread
Weight Watcher's black cherry yogurt
Mama Mary's whole wheat pizza crust (which I can't find anymore. PLEASE let know if you can find one.)
Turkey pepperoni
Kraft Live Active cheese snacks
Heartland whole wheat organic pastas
Skippy all natural creamy peanut butter
Libby's organic beans
Del Monte organic tomato sauce
Prego organic spaghetti sauce
Tropicana fruit juice
Hunt's organic Ketchup
Those are just a few of the products I substitute for the "regular" product that isn't as healthy. These products are also taste-tested by me and my family and there have been no complaints.

7) Still no clue about the Oprah show. Really, though, it's the least of my worries. Update 11/15... it's next Tuesday. Just in time for after-turkey day-shopping!


Now that you are updated on my previous rants, I will be working on that "new topic" thing we discussed earlier in this post. No promises, though.

Rants

SO I have some free time and I really want to post; however, due to lack of sleep, food, water and my increased stress level... well, let's just say I don't have a normally functioning brain right now. But I want to write!!!!!!

So here are some issues/ideas/thoughts/fantacies spinning in my mind.

1) I have all of the ingredients for some yummy, Paula Deen empanadas I really want to make; I just don't have the time. AHHHH, that frustrates me. If some of you haven't heard, I have an obsession with finding new recipes and trying them out on my family and friends. And now it's all I can do to find the time to find these new recipes. Let's hope I get to make these before the chicken goes bad!!!

2) Did I make the right decision by pulling Kenli out of preschool? This one floats around in my head everynight. Really, I've almost come to the conclusion that I made the right decision. And if I didn't- well, I just hope she's too young to remember.

3) What can I do to help my one-year old feel less stress. Ever since the baby came home, she has been having a rough time. I give her one-on-one attention as much as I can, but I don't think I'm cutting it. At least according to her.

4) Will I ever get to have a kid-free date night with my husband before I reach middle age? That one's self-explanitory if you know that my three kids are 26 months and younger.

5) Why isn't there more wine in this house? It is one treat that I really enjoy a couple of nights each week. Just a half glass relaxes my mind and body.

6) I have this wild fantacy about being able to walk into a restaurant and not have to worry about what bad "stuff" is hiding in the food I order. I really want to open a retaurant where all of the food is naturally healthy and made in a healthy manner. For instance, all food would be made without trans fat. I'd make everything fresh from scratch and it would all be low in sodium and sugar. Also, I'd use lean meats like ground turkey instead of beef, lots of fish and skinless chicken. Nothing processed or made from enriched flour-- only whole-wheat for me. Lots of baking and grilling, but not much frying. Does anybody know of a place like this where the food is actually good? I think it could be pulled off, but not anywhere around here. Oh, and it's smoke-free.

7) When is Oprah going to have her "FAVS" show? This is the only way I can stay up on new technology. She's keeping the air-date a secret. Doesn't she understand that some of us don't have every afternoon free at 4 o'clock? I need the date, lady!

Ok, I've vented a few of my thoughts. Don't worry, I edited for content so I didn't scare any of you too much from being my friends/family.

I think I'm going to go and spend some of my free time with my family-man hubby.

Fall Lovin'

We Copelands are known for loving the fall.

The crisp autumn weather is a breath of fresh air after enduring the summer's heat.

Colorful trees line the streets and saturate our parks with their beauty.

The blend of vanilla, fruit and various spices fill my home and make it heartwarming and mouthwatering.

Chili and cinnamon rolls!

The few weeks where Jayhawk basketball and football overlap.

Not to mention that all of my sweeties were born within a month of the onset of fall-- making my home feel even warmer.

I don't even care anymore that I'm constantly made fun of for buying fall scented candles in early August. Yes, I really do that. Oh, and I have an embarassing amount of fall decorations that I usually set out. However, they are sitting in my basement. What can I say, I just haven't had time to put them out this year!

One of my most favorite fall days ever was last Tuesday. Matt was still off for paternity leave and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. There was enough of a chill in the air to wear a jacket, yet the sun still warmed every inch of my skin. All 5 of us had a decent amount of sleep the night before- so our spirits were high. And with the alignment of the weather and our energy that day an imprompteau trip to the park was a must.

Kenli hit the swings and Keira followed her sisiter.



Then Daddy wanted to take them on the merry-go-round.

So off they went while Kaelyn and I stayed behind to take pictures.



This was Kaelyn's first outing.




After multiple visits to the slide everyone was hungry and we ended the night with a mexican feast at Taco Villa.






Truly an awesome day!

The New Babe

As I'm sure anyone who reads my blog knows, we have recently welcomed Kaelyn to our family.

She is such a sweet bundle of joy who lights up our day (and nights). She is a nice and quiet baby for the most part. She really only fusses when she wants to eat. I hope she keeps her calm demeanor throughout her life. God knows she needs it to survive as a third child in this family full of firecrackers- I.E. Kenli and Keira.

She has developed a pattern for being an "easy" baby. As far as pregnancy goes, hers was rather easy. My labor was fairly easy-- only about 2 hours of what I consider severe pain and about 5 of moderate pain. I'm not even sure if the one push I gave to bring her into the world would count as a "real" push. Even the last two weeks have gone smoothly. The bumps in the road we've experienced have been provided by her two sisters. But who can blame them- they are trying their best to handle such a big, life-altering change. Kaelyn, on the other hand, rarely cries and has to be brought out of her sleep in order to eat. I think if it was up to her, she'd only need to eat every 4-5 hours.

And I can't forget my favorite thing about her- she's a cuddler. She absolutely loves to snuggle, and I love it.

At night while I'm lying there mulling over child-rearing issues and trying to remember which bills I need to pay soon, I always find a moment to thank God for my many blessings. I am constantly reminded by my surroundings that life is a precious and beautiful gift. And it truly is a miracle.

ONE special year

Yep, it's time to celebrate another Copeland birthday. Miss KG is turning 1. Happy Birthday you precious girl.

I have enjoyed getting to know you everyday this past year. You have taught me so much more about motherhood than I ever knew was possible. Yes, your sister introduced me to motherhood, but you made me feel even more like a mom. I learned how to work with a colicky baby to find just the "right" position. I learned that girls, too, can be climbers. I learned just how attached some babies can be to the baba. But most importantly, I learned that everytime a new baby is brought into this family, I grow another heart to love her with. How lucky I am to have you!

I remember the moment I found out you were on the way. I loved you instantly.

I remember the moment I first held you and looked into your eyes. I fell even deeper in love.

I remember your first smile when you saw my face. You melted my heart.

The first time you rolled over, said mama, sat up, army crawled, crawled-- I hold those moments close to my heart.

Recently, your first steps, made me feel so proud.

Your daddy and I are so proud and elated to have shared these moments with you. We can only look forward to sharing many more moments with you. Good or bad, easy or hard, we will always love you and be there for you, sweet girl.

My Baby is Growing Up!

This weekend we celebrated my big girl's 2nd birthday!

Just 24 months ago, my husband and I were in the hospital anticipating the birth of our first daughter. We had no idea what she looked like, or what her personality would be like-- we only knew she was a girl. Now, she has definitely let us know what she is like.

Kenli- newbie

She's a beauty, with shinning red hair, pretty porcelain skin, and big brown eyes. Her smile lights up any room and warms the heart of everyone she's around. From the day she was born, she has drawn people in. You can't help but look at her and smile. There's just something simple, magical, and beautiful about her that I can't quite put into words.

Kenli- one-year old

As far as personality goes- she's got it all. She is funnier than any professional comedian. Her intelligence is beyond a 2 year old-- her emotional intelligence is superb! Her heart is as big as her grin. While she likes to cuddle, she also excels at taking care of sissy and anybody else who needs taking care of. She likes to pretend play- cooking and playing "mommy" are her favorites. She's kind, honest, and lovable. Dogs and cats are her best friends. She's also a good helper. In her world, juice is better than milk; outside is better than inside; dancing is better than sitting, and chicken is better than... well, anything else.

Kenli- 16 months

This sweet, precious and innocent child is the one who made me a mother-- the best and most important job I've ever had. I hope that someday, she can feel the love for her child or children like I feel for her and her sisters. There is nothing greater than the love between a parent and a child. Thank you, Kenli, for letting me in on this little secret!

Kenli- two-years old

Kenli, I love you and I have cherished the past two years more than any other time in my life. I love learning about you everyday, and I anticipate getting to know the wonderful young woman you will become.

Happy Birthday to my Big Girl, Kenli!

Funny Lady

Now that my big girl is about to turn two, she has become very curious and repeats much of what she hears. One afternoon, she was bound and determined to take a shower with me. "What," I thought, "I've never seen this behavior before." The one tme I was actually trying to save a few minutes by having her take a shower with me, she grudgingly sat in my arms for 1 minute while I tried to wash her squirmy, wet little body. After this adventure, I thought "no more." That is until just the other day when she just had to be in there with me.

So, we step into the shower. She stands there not knowing what to do, and decides to point to her nose, and as I always say, "yes, that's your nose." Points to her ears, "yes, those are your ears." You see, this is one of her favorite games.

As we continue, she points to her chest. I say, "those are your boobies." Then I proceed to tell her that Daddy, baby sissy, and mommy have boobies too. She laughs. Then for the kicker- she points to her chest and says,"Toys?" But the best part had to be that inquisitive, yet reassuring look she had on her face. Like she was saying, "these are toys, right mom?"

Yes, right then and there, I completely lost it. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

Just a reminder

Recently I was forwarded this email about small things in life one can appreciate, and I just really enjoy it. I think it's healthy to take just a few minutes to sit down and read this list. I don't know the exact feelings (if any) that will hit you, but I feel better and a little refreshed after reading these 44 positive things in life. They are simple pleasures, but they do lift my spirits.

In addition to the list below, I'm going to have to add a few myself here.

My mother's green beans, chocolate pudding, fudge.
My grandmother's homemade chicken and noodle soup, rice krispie cookies.
My husband's strawberry smoothie, guacamole.
My sister's chocolate cake.
Heidi's cornbread, guacamole.
Gma's homemade ice cream.
Sharyl's beans.
Amy's cherry mashes.
(yes, there's more than food)!

Meeting and holding my newborn child for the first time.

Doing any one of my favorite hobbies.

Good wine and cheese.

Watching a student's face when they have an "ah-ha" moment.

Going to bed each night knowing that I have so much to be thankful for.

Beautiful sunsets.

My morning coffee with whole grain CHOCOLATE muffins.

Living close to so much family.

Reaching the point in adulthood when I can really appreciate where I come from.

Cooking with a new recipe that soon turns into a family favorite.

Baking cookies with my babies "helping" me.

Loving someone despite any of their "faults."

Viewing a piece of art or reading something that really hits you.

The first day after winter that it really feels like spring.

The first day after summer that really feels like fall.

Autumn. Enough said.

Decorating for the holidays.

Down comforters and clean sheets.

Target. Enough said.

The mall... no wait, Chick f' la.

Eating sweet and salty foods together.

Guacaqueso from Lupita's

My two-year old's drawings.

My 10-month old's proud looks when she figures out something new.

Kicks from the baby still growing.

Sears and Walgreens for providing me with pictures to treasure.

Watching my young children play and laugh together.

Healthy, frozen meals- especially veggies.

Hearing rain hit the roof.

Candles.

Saturday morning trips to Walmart with my husband.

The feeling I get when I sit down after just cleaning the house for hours upon hours.

Old cartoons like The Flintstones, Yogi, Tom and Jerry, The Jetsons, Smurfs.

Oh, and how could I forget, stylish maternity clothes. ha ha!

Now that I have added some, ok, TONS of my own appreciations, here are the ones from the email. After reading through them, think about what small things in life matter to you. Add them by commenting or continue this list with your own email or blog.

1. Falling in love.

2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.

3. A hot shower.

4. No lines at the supermarket.

5. A special glance.

6. Getting mail.

7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.

8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.

9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.

10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.

11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry ).

12. A bubble bath.

13. Giggling.

14. A good conversation.

15. The beach.

16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.

17. Laughing at yourself.

18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they love you

19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.

20. Running through sprinklers.

21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.

22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.

23. Laughing at an inside joke with friends.

24. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.

25. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.

26. Your first kiss (the very first).

27. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.

28. Playing with a new puppy.

29. Having someone play with your hair.

30. Sweet dreams.

31. Hot chocolate.

32. Road trips with friends.

33. Swinging on swings.

34. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.

35. Making chocolate chip cookies.

36. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.

37. Holding hands with someone you care about.

38. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.

39. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.

40. Watching the sunrise.

41. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.

42. Knowing that somebody misses you.

43. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.

44. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

Warning: the following may offend you... for one reason or another!

The Today Show did a story this morning about New York City public hospitals taking away free samples of formula. No, this isn't budget cuts-- this is people sticking their know-it-all noses into a woman's personal choice issue. New York wants to triple its 24% breastfeeding rate by the year 2010. In order to persuade new moms to breastfeed, they are no longer providing free formula samples in the gift bag sent home with women who have just given birth. "Instead, the new mothers will each be given a breast-milk bottle cooler, disposable nursing pads, breastfeeding tips and a baby T-shirt with the slogan “I Eat at Mom’s” emblazoned on the front. Breastfeeding coaches will accompany the mothers at bedside “to help initiate breastfeeding within one hour of delivery.”

I'm sick and tired of people, the government in particular, trying to decide for the general female population what is right for their bodies and life. As a mother of three, I can proudly say that I want to do what is right for my baby- and most mother's do. What is "right" in life, isn't always easy- and I know many mothers who feel that way about breastfeeding.

The problems with this "solution" to encourage breastfeeding are endless. Breastfeeding is different for every baby and every mother. Why does anybody think that they can throw a bandage over the issue and call it good?

Some women simply don't produce enough milk. Some babies are born with jaundice and need formula supplements. Some mothers need or want to return to work where breastfeeding or pumping can be difficult. Some mothers are completely uncomfortable with the idea of breastfeeding, and the list goes on and on. But my point is-- every situation is different and no one should try to persuade a new mother one way or another. Once a woman enters motherhood, she is inundated with powerful, overwhelming feelings of worry, guilt, fear, and the unknown. Why exaggerate these burdens of new mothers when they could be calmed by educating them?

Why not educate women on their choices instead of dictating what to choose? What if new mothers were given pamphlets about breastfeeding that include not only the benefits, but also the challenges? As many of us know, breast feeding often requires a support system. Why not give the new father or the new mom's support person a pamphlet about ways to assist and ease the emotional roller coaster of breastfeeding? Additionally, the mother and support person could be given information about the different formulas that are on the market, even samples of some. Oh no, what would happen if new moms were actually educated and could make an informed decision for themselves.

And all of this campaigning for promoting infant's health is coming from one of the most polluted cities in the nation. "A little ironic, dontcha think?"

And by the way, here are the pictures of two incredibly healthy children who couldn't breastfeed past 3.5 months for two different reasons.





Forced to stop by insufficient supply.





Forced to stop due to milk allergy. This one had to be put on a specific formula.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9802E1DC1331F930A25755C0A9609C8B63

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/01/nyregion/01mbrfs-breastfeed.html?ex=1343620800&en=b70d394d5cf23f14&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss