We had our first OB check this afternoon. All I really cared about was getting to hear the healthy heartbeat of our newest addition. After all that has gone on with the CO poisoning and extreme summer heat, I can't say that I wasn't the tiniest bit worried that something could be wrong. But I'm a worrier. Are there any mothers out there who can claim otherwise? I realize that we all have varying degrees of worry, and I try to stay within the bounds of sanity; but, I'm a little obsessive sometimes. Especially in pregnancy!
Yeah, I know. I digress...
Doc placed the heartbeat wand on my belly and began the search. I tend to dread the initial search because I am terrified that she will find nothing. And of course that terror took over for about 30 seconds this afternoon.
She searched high, she searched low. She moved it to the left--then to the right. All over the center. And nothing. I think I actually said, "Oh, I hate this!" To which she said, "I know, but we'll find it." And as soon as I was about to say "try going to the very bottom on my right side,"she discovered the thump-thump sound I love so much in that very spot! All of my girls have hovered down in this spot--is this a common heartbeat spot? I don't know. But it is for my kiddos.
Anyway, to say I was instantly relieved is nothing short of an understatement. She then continued on saying that my "uterus is way outta there," referring to being way popped out of my pubic bone.
Needless to say, we're not really sure when I am due. I was thinking I was about 12 weeks along, but it turns out I'm measuring 16 weeks. So we are left guessing:
-is there more than one in there?
-do I have some kind of tumor/growth thing going on?
-is this a big baby?
-are the dates off?
-or do I just have a stretched out muscle?
Who knows, but we'll get to find out tomorrow!
And to answer a few more questions:
"No, I can't wait."
"No, I probably won't sleep much tonight."
"Yes, I'm hoping to be either further along or have a roomy 'house.'"
"Yes, you're right. I do think twins would be a neat way to complete our family, but I'm not totally convinced that's what we need. However, if that's what it ends up being, I will gladly accept the challenge and love every second of it! Well, maybe not EVERY second but just as many seconds as I love being a mother to any of my kids. This, by the way, would be about 98% of the day's seconds!"
"Um, duh! Of course I know twins would be better news than a tumor/growth. Don't worry, many may think I'm crazy for having a larger-than-average sized family, but I do still have my head screwed on rather straight, folks!"
Okay, enough questions.
Oh, you weren't asking.
Well, you got an earful anyway! Sorry.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
A (detailed) Week in Review
I don't know if there are many that read this blog who haven't also friended me on facebook, but for the three of you out there I am here to update you on our week.
For the last week and a half, the Copelands have endured some icky, sweltering, sticky temperatures in our house. It seemed our AC was on the fritz. We ended up having an AC/Heating company visit our house 5 times before we bit the bullet and decided to replace our 21 year old unit.
BUT WAIT....
For a mere $700 more they would throw in a furnace too. I know how my husband thinks (ladies, I know some of you are with me on this one), and it has to be a tremendous deal if he's going to pay extra. Sidebar...
This is the same guy (I love him to death, but this is just funny) who went to Lowe's to buy stuff for our lawn that would kill off the insane amount of mosquitoes we have in our backyard. He came home with a bag, put it allover our grass and went on his merry way. A few days later when we were all still being eaten by those little buggers, he checked the bag he bought only to find that mosquitoes were not listed as one of the insects who would suffer in death by this pesticide.
When I asked how this possibly could have happened, he briefly mentioned something about the bag he bought being $2 cheaper than the other bag-- it just so happened that this other bag kills mosquitoes. Okay, I've made my point with my husband and deals!
Back to the deal on the furnace-- he went for it. And THANK GOD for that spur of the moment decision.
The day after our decision to go for it all, the installation guys were there at 8:45 am. By 10:15 I was told that we had a Carbon Monoxide leak in our house.
Yeah, you know what I was thinking. Something to the tune of
RUN! GET OUT! HOW ARE WE STILL ALIVE!?!
Luckily the kiddos were at Gram's house, so I was totally not afraid to let my freak-out happen--well, I was a little embarrassed freaking out in front of the two guys. Anyway, I started asking questions-- mainly how long has it been going and should I get out now.
The nice guy said he would check the numbers for me with his handy-dandy detector. Then I was told it had probably been leaking somewhere between 2 and 2 1/2 years. We bought this house in February of 2008 and moved in two months later-- you do the math.
So, I went from a super awesome high when I woke up to a day full of quiet grading, coffee-sipping and some peaceful cleaning, to a day full of fear, questions, and nerves.
The guy (really, he has a name but I don't know it) came to me and said that my reading was at 80 ppm. This, my friends, was in the summer when no furnace was being run and my AC had been turned off for two hours. To think of how high the numbers may have been last winter (or two) still raises my blood pressure.
I call my husband and we agree immediately to purchase the most sensitive detector (we can agree on some deals--like life-saving deals, just not cute shoe deals) out there.
I then call my doctor, well actually my nurse, and give her the We've been poisoned story. It ends up I was telling her the dangers and treatments, so she hung up so she could go speak with the doctor. In the meantime, I'm conducting my own research (and I know doctors HATE this with a passion, but what the H-E- Double Hockey sticks do you think I'm going to do? Just sit there and wait for you to tell me something? No! I have an education. I know how to conduct research. In fact, I teach people how to properly research; therefore, I deem it to be the responsible patient thing to do) and discover a) all of the symptoms, and b) who is considered to be high-risk.
Well, of course 5 of the 6 people living in my house are risky because they are either young children/babies or a pregnant mother. I come upon the symptoms which range from flu-like symptoms, to neurological symptoms, to heart problems. Of course, other minor things include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. The latter of those symptoms are not only hard to distinguish from colds and such but also pregnancy. But the other symptoms were suddenly beginning to make sense.
The week or so before our AC guys were replacing our unit, our family had been spending much of our time cooling off in our basement---right next to our leaking furnace. Two days prior to our leak discovery, 1/2 of the girls suddenly came down with the "flu." One had a high fever, chills, and severe fatigue, while the other was cranky, tired and had a fever--- in August mind you! Not only did I think it rare to have the flu in the 112 degree heat, but because of said heat, we have pretty much been hermits. Needless to say, I was dumbfounded when the doc told us it was probably the flu. Of course, two days later, this all made sense.
I also thought back to last year when I delivered our baby Boushka, and I was feeling abnormally tired (this was my fourth child and I knew I was too tired to just be feeling the effects of having a baby and experiencing sleepless nights), very weak, and every time I rested in a reclined position it felt as if I was going to die in my sleep. I struggled for each breath I took, and most nights I would end up sitting in the nursing position just so I could rest. I ended up being re-admitted to the hospital a week after her birth due to bradycardia (slow heart beat, mine was 38-42 bpm) and dyspnea (shortness of breath). The ER doctor immediatley thought of a pulmonary embolism, but all the tests came back fine. I had an EKG and echocardiogram, a Pulmonary Ventilation/Perfusion Scan or (VQ scan), an MRI, a sonogram on my stomach, gallbladder and kidneys... I think that's it. Nonetheless, every test I had came back perfect, except for the echo which came back near-perfect minus a little fluid and enlargement. The cardiologist explained this away with having recently been pregnant (and having an epidural) and sent me on my way. Baffled and frustrated, I went home and tried to be okay with it all.
Later that summer (2009), I was misdiagnosed with a dangerous condition called postpartum cardiomyopathy, which is basically a weakening of the heart muscle due to something related to the pregnancy. I was then cleared of this problem a month later, but still left without an explanation of my heart/breathing problems. As the year wore on, I began to try and get back into shape, and by April/May I had actually lost 15 pounds more than the regular baby-weight shedding. But my breathing would sometimes still cause me discomfort. I figured it was allergy related.
Fast-forward to my "symptom checking" this past week, and all of a sudden all of this makes sense, too. I disovered that the nasty little CO guys bind with your hemoglobin (which is your big Oxygen provider being pumped to all of your organs) and takes over much of the oxygen. So, when the doctors all said that my heart wasn't getting enough oxygen they were right. I just wish they could've figured out the cause. The mere mention and explanation of chronic CO poisoning would've spurred me to check out a detector and saved me tons of worry and pain.
I've really digressed...
By now the doctor has called me back and said not to worry about this poisoning business. Since we were coming in for our first OB check on Tuesday and also replacing our old unit, we should be fine. I was a little dissatisfied with this news. I thought we should at least have our blood checked--- but I think this was my curiosity getting the best of me. So being the good patient that I am, I agreed and figured they'd been trained for this, not me.
But the best news so far is that within hours of our ppm dropping below 30, my nagging, dull frontal headache was a thing of the past. And that night when I went to bed, I didn't struggle the slightest for breath. I was simply amazed (and convinced that we had been poisoned, no blood-test needed thank you very much) at the instant difference. I am hoping and waiting that some other mysterious symptoms will also be disappearing soon.
And to my husband, thank you for taking the deal. By replacing our furnace, I believe we may have saved our lives--at the least, I know we saved several unexplained illnesses and problems.
Here's to hoping that some more things will be explained. I will keep you updated.
For the last week and a half, the Copelands have endured some icky, sweltering, sticky temperatures in our house. It seemed our AC was on the fritz. We ended up having an AC/Heating company visit our house 5 times before we bit the bullet and decided to replace our 21 year old unit.
BUT WAIT....
For a mere $700 more they would throw in a furnace too. I know how my husband thinks (ladies, I know some of you are with me on this one), and it has to be a tremendous deal if he's going to pay extra. Sidebar...
This is the same guy (I love him to death, but this is just funny) who went to Lowe's to buy stuff for our lawn that would kill off the insane amount of mosquitoes we have in our backyard. He came home with a bag, put it allover our grass and went on his merry way. A few days later when we were all still being eaten by those little buggers, he checked the bag he bought only to find that mosquitoes were not listed as one of the insects who would suffer in death by this pesticide.
When I asked how this possibly could have happened, he briefly mentioned something about the bag he bought being $2 cheaper than the other bag-- it just so happened that this other bag kills mosquitoes. Okay, I've made my point with my husband and deals!
Back to the deal on the furnace-- he went for it. And THANK GOD for that spur of the moment decision.
The day after our decision to go for it all, the installation guys were there at 8:45 am. By 10:15 I was told that we had a Carbon Monoxide leak in our house.
Yeah, you know what I was thinking. Something to the tune of
RUN! GET OUT! HOW ARE WE STILL ALIVE!?!
Luckily the kiddos were at Gram's house, so I was totally not afraid to let my freak-out happen--well, I was a little embarrassed freaking out in front of the two guys. Anyway, I started asking questions-- mainly how long has it been going and should I get out now.
The nice guy said he would check the numbers for me with his handy-dandy detector. Then I was told it had probably been leaking somewhere between 2 and 2 1/2 years. We bought this house in February of 2008 and moved in two months later-- you do the math.
So, I went from a super awesome high when I woke up to a day full of quiet grading, coffee-sipping and some peaceful cleaning, to a day full of fear, questions, and nerves.
The guy (really, he has a name but I don't know it) came to me and said that my reading was at 80 ppm. This, my friends, was in the summer when no furnace was being run and my AC had been turned off for two hours. To think of how high the numbers may have been last winter (or two) still raises my blood pressure.
I call my husband and we agree immediately to purchase the most sensitive detector (we can agree on some deals--like life-saving deals, just not cute shoe deals) out there.
I then call my doctor, well actually my nurse, and give her the We've been poisoned story. It ends up I was telling her the dangers and treatments, so she hung up so she could go speak with the doctor. In the meantime, I'm conducting my own research (and I know doctors HATE this with a passion, but what the H-E- Double Hockey sticks do you think I'm going to do? Just sit there and wait for you to tell me something? No! I have an education. I know how to conduct research. In fact, I teach people how to properly research; therefore, I deem it to be the responsible patient thing to do) and discover a) all of the symptoms, and b) who is considered to be high-risk.
Well, of course 5 of the 6 people living in my house are risky because they are either young children/babies or a pregnant mother. I come upon the symptoms which range from flu-like symptoms, to neurological symptoms, to heart problems. Of course, other minor things include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. The latter of those symptoms are not only hard to distinguish from colds and such but also pregnancy. But the other symptoms were suddenly beginning to make sense.
The week or so before our AC guys were replacing our unit, our family had been spending much of our time cooling off in our basement---right next to our leaking furnace. Two days prior to our leak discovery, 1/2 of the girls suddenly came down with the "flu." One had a high fever, chills, and severe fatigue, while the other was cranky, tired and had a fever--- in August mind you! Not only did I think it rare to have the flu in the 112 degree heat, but because of said heat, we have pretty much been hermits. Needless to say, I was dumbfounded when the doc told us it was probably the flu. Of course, two days later, this all made sense.
I also thought back to last year when I delivered our baby Boushka, and I was feeling abnormally tired (this was my fourth child and I knew I was too tired to just be feeling the effects of having a baby and experiencing sleepless nights), very weak, and every time I rested in a reclined position it felt as if I was going to die in my sleep. I struggled for each breath I took, and most nights I would end up sitting in the nursing position just so I could rest. I ended up being re-admitted to the hospital a week after her birth due to bradycardia (slow heart beat, mine was 38-42 bpm) and dyspnea (shortness of breath). The ER doctor immediatley thought of a pulmonary embolism, but all the tests came back fine. I had an EKG and echocardiogram, a Pulmonary Ventilation/Perfusion Scan or (VQ scan), an MRI, a sonogram on my stomach, gallbladder and kidneys... I think that's it. Nonetheless, every test I had came back perfect, except for the echo which came back near-perfect minus a little fluid and enlargement. The cardiologist explained this away with having recently been pregnant (and having an epidural) and sent me on my way. Baffled and frustrated, I went home and tried to be okay with it all.
Later that summer (2009), I was misdiagnosed with a dangerous condition called postpartum cardiomyopathy, which is basically a weakening of the heart muscle due to something related to the pregnancy. I was then cleared of this problem a month later, but still left without an explanation of my heart/breathing problems. As the year wore on, I began to try and get back into shape, and by April/May I had actually lost 15 pounds more than the regular baby-weight shedding. But my breathing would sometimes still cause me discomfort. I figured it was allergy related.
Fast-forward to my "symptom checking" this past week, and all of a sudden all of this makes sense, too. I disovered that the nasty little CO guys bind with your hemoglobin (which is your big Oxygen provider being pumped to all of your organs) and takes over much of the oxygen. So, when the doctors all said that my heart wasn't getting enough oxygen they were right. I just wish they could've figured out the cause. The mere mention and explanation of chronic CO poisoning would've spurred me to check out a detector and saved me tons of worry and pain.
I've really digressed...
By now the doctor has called me back and said not to worry about this poisoning business. Since we were coming in for our first OB check on Tuesday and also replacing our old unit, we should be fine. I was a little dissatisfied with this news. I thought we should at least have our blood checked--- but I think this was my curiosity getting the best of me. So being the good patient that I am, I agreed and figured they'd been trained for this, not me.
But the best news so far is that within hours of our ppm dropping below 30, my nagging, dull frontal headache was a thing of the past. And that night when I went to bed, I didn't struggle the slightest for breath. I was simply amazed (and convinced that we had been poisoned, no blood-test needed thank you very much) at the instant difference. I am hoping and waiting that some other mysterious symptoms will also be disappearing soon.
And to my husband, thank you for taking the deal. By replacing our furnace, I believe we may have saved our lives--at the least, I know we saved several unexplained illnesses and problems.
Here's to hoping that some more things will be explained. I will keep you updated.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
UPDATE!
Seeing as how it has been nearly 4 weeks since I updated my Pregnancy Update, here's a quick little post I can fit in between bedtime tuck-ins and grading gobs of papers.
Stretch Marks: Geez, not yet. Of course, I have old ones from a certain second pregnancy with my 9 pounder (all of my others have been 7, 7.1 and 7.2)
Symptoms: more stops at the ol' lou, wavering between nausea and starvation all the time then suddenly feeling stuffed after a few small bites (I usually experience this in late pregnancy, but whatever), my heart racing and making me feel tired (can we say heat exhaustion combined with tons more blood in my body), loss of appetite (most of the time).
Okay, off to get the hooligans in jammies, their teeth brushed, and their kisses and hugs given. I have a full week of grading ahead, but I want to try and make some last summer memories before HEAT WAVE 2010 passes by. So needless to say, I'll be back...who knows when!
How Far Along: 11 weeks exactly
Total Weight Gain: I'm going back and forth between a couple pounds. I think as of now, I'm up 1.5 lbs
Maternity Clothes: Only when regular clothes are dirty!
Best Moment this week: Feeling my fundus growing closer to my belly-button
Gender: More on this later, but we have strong suspicions about what I am brewing.
Total Weight Gain: I'm going back and forth between a couple pounds. I think as of now, I'm up 1.5 lbs
Maternity Clothes: Only when regular clothes are dirty!
Best Moment this week: Feeling my fundus growing closer to my belly-button
Gender: More on this later, but we have strong suspicions about what I am brewing.
Movement: Well, there are some flutters that I normally don't feel, but I have no clue if they're actually from moving legs and arms--I really doubt I can feel anything now.
Food Craving:The most recent has been something sweet or carbs. Both wonderful choices I know. Luckily, grapes are doing great as my sweet.
What I miss: Not waking with a full bladder every 1-2 hours
Sleep: Interrupted at night due to the bladder thing. Not feeling as tired during the day, but still more tired than normal.
What I am looking forward to: Baby bump (not the big belly) and finding out the sex.
Belly Button: In all four of my previous pregnancies my bb remained an innie. I'm guessing it'll do the same this time around.Food Craving:The most recent has been something sweet or carbs. Both wonderful choices I know. Luckily, grapes are doing great as my sweet.
What I miss: Not waking with a full bladder every 1-2 hours
Sleep: Interrupted at night due to the bladder thing. Not feeling as tired during the day, but still more tired than normal.
What I am looking forward to: Baby bump (not the big belly) and finding out the sex.
Stretch Marks: Geez, not yet. Of course, I have old ones from a certain second pregnancy with my 9 pounder (all of my others have been 7, 7.1 and 7.2)
Symptoms: more stops at the ol' lou, wavering between nausea and starvation all the time then suddenly feeling stuffed after a few small bites (I usually experience this in late pregnancy, but whatever), my heart racing and making me feel tired (can we say heat exhaustion combined with tons more blood in my body), loss of appetite (most of the time).
Okay, off to get the hooligans in jammies, their teeth brushed, and their kisses and hugs given. I have a full week of grading ahead, but I want to try and make some last summer memories before HEAT WAVE 2010 passes by. So needless to say, I'll be back...who knows when!
Monday, July 26, 2010
QUIZ
How well do you know us? Often, I'm unsure of how well I know much of anything around here except how to clean the kitchen, but what follows is a fun True/False quiz. Go ahead and take the challenge.
True or false?
I use vinegar everyday.
True or false?
We found a dead oppossum in our yard this past weekend.
True or false?
I don't tend to appreciate award-winning movies.
True or false?
I do tend to appreciate award-winning BBQ.
True or false?
I often fall asleep while planning out the house I plan to build when we're filthy rich.
True or false?
One of our daughters has a mongoloid spot.
True or false?
I am not from the south, but I had a beloved grandma named Mema!
True or false?
I once held down 5 jobs.
True or false?
When I was pregnant with Bug, my doctor exclaimed, "You're my first three-peat (like repeat).
True or false?
I can't remember the last time I purchased raw beef.
True or false?
My husband is handy, but I had no idea until well after we were married.
True or false?
You will almost always find one of the following in my house:
homemade pudding, homemade pumpkin bread, homemade apple crisp, some kind of homemade cookie.
True or false?
My husband and I have the same birthday.
True or false?
One of our daughters was born 2 lbs heavier than the other three.
True or false?
I made 98% of the baby food Boushka ate from 6 months to 12 months.
True or false?
I have been involved in 4 wrecks, only one of which was there an ambulance involved.
True or false?
One babe got sick with H1N1 last year, and I was pretty sure it was a death sentence (thank you media).
True or false?
I have never seen in its entirity any Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Twilight Saga, etc., movie.
True or false?
I received my M.S.E. (Masters of Science in Education) when I was 22.
True or false?
My husband and I went to our first birthing class the day after we got married.
True or flase?
I heart back-to-school shopping.
True or false?
I made up siblings when I was a kid.
True or false?
There was a 5 month span one year when I finished my masters, got married, lost my father and grandmother, had a baby, bought a house and started a new job.
True or false?
All throughout school, I only received one detention.
True or false?
All of my daughters have an animal assigned to them as well as a food nick-name.
True or false?
I have a very helpful and giving husband.
True or false?
I used to think 30 was old, but turning 28 tomorrow has made me think twice about that.
True or false?
I (try my darndest) to stay up for SNL every Saturday night.
True or false?
I am currently wearing a maternity shirt with regular pants?
True.
Everything.
All of it.
The whole enchilada!
100% True.
So how'd you do? Try one yourself, it's kind of fun!
True or false?
I use vinegar everyday.
True or false?
We found a dead oppossum in our yard this past weekend.
True or false?
I don't tend to appreciate award-winning movies.
True or false?
I do tend to appreciate award-winning BBQ.
True or false?
I often fall asleep while planning out the house I plan to build when we're filthy rich.
True or false?
One of our daughters has a mongoloid spot.
True or false?
I am not from the south, but I had a beloved grandma named Mema!
True or false?
I once held down 5 jobs.
True or false?
When I was pregnant with Bug, my doctor exclaimed, "You're my first three-peat (like repeat).
True or false?
I can't remember the last time I purchased raw beef.
True or false?
My husband is handy, but I had no idea until well after we were married.
True or false?
You will almost always find one of the following in my house:
homemade pudding, homemade pumpkin bread, homemade apple crisp, some kind of homemade cookie.
True or false?
My husband and I have the same birthday.
True or false?
One of our daughters was born 2 lbs heavier than the other three.
True or false?
I made 98% of the baby food Boushka ate from 6 months to 12 months.
True or false?
I have been involved in 4 wrecks, only one of which was there an ambulance involved.
True or false?
One babe got sick with H1N1 last year, and I was pretty sure it was a death sentence (thank you media).
True or false?
I have never seen in its entirity any Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Twilight Saga, etc., movie.
True or false?
I received my M.S.E. (Masters of Science in Education) when I was 22.
True or false?
My husband and I went to our first birthing class the day after we got married.
True or flase?
I heart back-to-school shopping.
True or false?
I made up siblings when I was a kid.
True or false?
There was a 5 month span one year when I finished my masters, got married, lost my father and grandmother, had a baby, bought a house and started a new job.
True or false?
All throughout school, I only received one detention.
True or false?
All of my daughters have an animal assigned to them as well as a food nick-name.
True or false?
I have a very helpful and giving husband.
True or false?
I used to think 30 was old, but turning 28 tomorrow has made me think twice about that.
True or false?
I (try my darndest) to stay up for SNL every Saturday night.
True or false?
I am currently wearing a maternity shirt with regular pants?
True.
Everything.
All of it.
The whole enchilada!
100% True.
So how'd you do? Try one yourself, it's kind of fun!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Things You Think About When Number Five is on the Way
Honestly, I haven't had much time to think about what it'll be like to have 5 little people, so I can only expect this list to grow and change as I have more sleepless nights come up in the next few months. But so far, this is the stuff running through my mind...
-Car seats. That's our biggest issue. We have a Toyota Sienna that actually has room for 8. All of my children (who will be 5 1/2 and younger when baby arrives) will still be in car seats. The older two, maybe three, will be in boosters with backs. Boushka will be in a five-point harness, and then of course the baby will be in a carrier. Where are they all going to ride? I've got a tentative plan that I haven't even discussed much with Matt, but I'm hoping he'll have this one all figured out. It just hurts my head to think much about it.
-Will Boushka, who is the most needy child I've ever had, be okay accepting a new baby in the house? Will she be aggressive (we've already seen aggressive behavior from her while she rides in carts at the grocery store; she also pinches, hits and love-bites me), or will she want nothing to do with baby?
-Room situations. The older two already bunk together--they've done so for the past three years. We have two other bedrooms (other than our master) that are each taken up by one of our other two children. The baby will probably move out of our room about a year from now. Where will I put him/her? If the other two end up bunking together, when should I move them so it doesn't seem like the baby kicked one of the older girls out of her room?
Okay, those are the major issues that for now, don't have me tossing and turning too much; but I know in the months to come, these questions will certainly give me something to think about while I'm literally tossing and turning every few minutes.
Oh, and if you have any suggestions on any of the above, feel free to let me know. Especially the car seat situation.
-Car seats. That's our biggest issue. We have a Toyota Sienna that actually has room for 8. All of my children (who will be 5 1/2 and younger when baby arrives) will still be in car seats. The older two, maybe three, will be in boosters with backs. Boushka will be in a five-point harness, and then of course the baby will be in a carrier. Where are they all going to ride? I've got a tentative plan that I haven't even discussed much with Matt, but I'm hoping he'll have this one all figured out. It just hurts my head to think much about it.
-Will Boushka, who is the most needy child I've ever had, be okay accepting a new baby in the house? Will she be aggressive (we've already seen aggressive behavior from her while she rides in carts at the grocery store; she also pinches, hits and love-bites me), or will she want nothing to do with baby?
-Room situations. The older two already bunk together--they've done so for the past three years. We have two other bedrooms (other than our master) that are each taken up by one of our other two children. The baby will probably move out of our room about a year from now. Where will I put him/her? If the other two end up bunking together, when should I move them so it doesn't seem like the baby kicked one of the older girls out of her room?
Okay, those are the major issues that for now, don't have me tossing and turning too much; but I know in the months to come, these questions will certainly give me something to think about while I'm literally tossing and turning every few minutes.
Oh, and if you have any suggestions on any of the above, feel free to let me know. Especially the car seat situation.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Week in Review
Despite our rather erratic routine (I use routine loosely) this week---what with me having awesome energetic days followed by days where I spend as much time sitting or lying down as I can (let's hear it for awkward sentences)--- we did manage to squeeze in a few activities.
A certain 14 month old received her first (and very much needed) haircut. Most people would never notice she had any work done, but I can tell, if only a little. After all, I didn't want too much done with it, but it is always in her face. She has a crazy amount of bangs that are always smeared with her morning banana, or hummus, or avocado, or whatever smushy-smearing food she's chowing on. She likes them all! These bangs needed something done with them, but our stylist, the stylist in the next booth, and I were all at a loss as to what to do with them. They are just at an awkward stage where you just really can't do much. So that's exactly what we did, not much. But she's still cute and ornery.
See, here's the ornery part. She (finally) learned how to crawl up the stairs. Or, maybe I should say she finally took the daring chance to approach and eventually climb these stairs. Oh, and she did it when I was not looking. I ran to our kitchen to fetch a drink for one of her sisters, and when I came back in to our living room...
We also had furniture delivered this week. Since we sold our basement futon (bye, bye youthful days) we decided to buy a sleeper sofa. This way we can still enjoy sitting together downstairs, but now our guests will also have a place to sleep. The picture quality is low here (yes, low picture quality is a theme on this blog in case you haven't noticed, but if you know anyone who'd sell a nice cannon or nikon rather cheaply you just let me know), so I used good ol' sepia to get rid of the icky coloring. It still isn't great looking, but those kids on our new chocolate leather couch sure are!
We also got the older two girls (who share a bedroom) bunk beds. They are nice solid wood and the girls are thrilled with them. I planned on taking pictures of the girls enjoying their finished product, but only one was awake by this point. Can you see sleepy brownie on the bottom bunk?
My poor husband started putting these together as soon as he got home around 5 that day. He was finally able to bring two sleeping bodies to bed just before 11pm. He only took a 3 minute break to gobble up his veggie and pasta cheese dinner. I felt so bad that he had to work that hard for so long. I know that would have killed my back (all the bending and lifting), so I am very thankful for his perseverance. I probably would have given up and had the kiddos come sleep with us in our bed until theirs were all finished. But they've been in their own beds for a few nights now. It's so cute-- Peach calls her bed the "tree house" and Brownie calls hers the "fort." So now when they go to say goodnight to each other, Brownie calls up to her sister on the top bunk "good night tree house!" And Peach from the top bunk calls down to Brownie, "good night fort!" I heard this for the first time tonight, and I have to admit I thought it was too cute. I hope they keep it up!
On to ballet. It seems like these two silly girls are getting most of the attention on today's post, but that's just how our week went. Plus, they are the two who are old enough to participate in much of the activities our town offers. Anyway, after the farmer's market yesterday, the older two and I grabbed a quick breakfast at a new cafe in town. I munched on some eggs benedict while the girls feasted on fruit and pancakes. While we waited for our food, I drew them pictures of green onions, the very much requested orange onions (I didn't have the heart to tell them that these onions do not exist), apples, and an orange. I also snapped a few photos to pass the time. I thought they were too cute not to share.
And then we actually arrived at ballet where I made them pose for some more photos. I know you can't see Peach too well, but the picture of Brownie just cracks me up. Can you see how she's posing. This child literally strikes a pose all the time. She has her little leg slightly bent and her hand lying against it ever so gently.
And this one is a bit more dramatic. Now can you see her posing. I laugh because this is my fashionista. She is all about clothes (okay, dresses), shoes, accessories, and matching all of those things. Of course the matching is done according to her own tastes, but I never bug her about her choices. While they may look a little mismatched, I think the girl really appreciates self-expression. And honestly, what adult is going to come up to me and say, "Oh my, I can't believe you let your daughter out of the house in a yellow shirt with a polka-dotted pink flower and a purple skirt with green and black stripes on it." And honestly, if somebody did say something like that to me, I'd look them up and down and laugh. Then I'd probably just shake my head and bite my tongue. Or maybe I'd act like I didn't hear them and move on.
So that was pretty much all the excitement from last week-- at least all that I got pictures of.
Brownie did have a play date with her sweet friend from school. Those two are so cute together and her little friend is such a little sweetheart who loves Cinderella dress up!
Matt and I were able to celebrate our anniversary last night. We dropped the girls off at my mom's house around 5. We ran over to a little adult-ish, quiet, nice restaurant we'd never tried. I was really wanting to have a glass of wine to toast our five years together, but of course I would be enjoying no such thing. We did split the crab cake appetizer (YUM!!!), but I could have had the whole thing to myself with a salad and called it dinner. He ordered steak that came with two shrimp on top and green beans. I ordered the chicken carbonara. I was shocked to discover I had no veggies. I never make pasta without veggies thrown in, so I had the waiter bring me a side of green beans and I added those to my pasta. It was still too heavy, so a decent portion went in the box. As for Hubby's steak, he said he can season steak better. And this is coming form a guy who has had steak (or any beef for that matter) a few times in the last few years. So the fact that it didn't just sweep him off his feet, tells me that maybe this really wasn't all that great. Then to top it off, we were going to stay for desert but it was so hot in there I thought I was going to melt (you know, because I'm just that sweet)! All joking aside, it was so hot (they don't turn on the air until they open which is when we got there, and we were seated by giant windows with the sun pouring in) I about walked out to our car mid-meal just so I could have some air. Needless to say, we made desert plans elsewhere.
Since we caught the early-bird special (we ate at 5:30, we didn't really go to a restaurant with an "early-bird" special), we had enough time (like three hours) to kill at the mall. Matt actually wanted to go to the mall. This never happens. In fact, when he told me earlier that day that he wanted to go to the mall, I had to ask him to repeat what he had just said. I just knew I didn't hear right. Turns out I did hear him right, and we went shopping for his new shoes. Of course I browsed Motherhood Maternity and found two shirts and two pairs of pants I really wanted. In just the last year to year and a half, the majority of what they carry has changed. And the good news is, they changed it to the type of clothes I like: the scrunchy sides on the shirts and the secret belly fit pants. So two of each came home with me.
We then had some time to spare at Barnes and Noble. Ours has a Starbucks (I don't know if all Barnes and Nobles have that or not), so we split a chocolate cheesecake and sipped on our own drinks.
Our last stop was the movies. We picked up two tickets for Grown Ups. The story didn't have much to it, but the one-liners were pretty good. It seems like that in some parts of that movie they just did a little ad-lib for the jokes. But that made it pretty darn funny. We both shared a good amount of laughs and then came home.
Our house was left in shambles when we left it, but it was so nice to just go to bed and crash. The girls (all four of them) stayed at Grammy's over night. We have never had that opportunity so we were glad to accept my mom's generous offer to watch them for so long.
And I have to admit, I tried to get up and clean/organize/start laundry this morning, but I/we just lazed around. We had big ambitions for how we'd spend our morning, but it turns out we are just lazy bums. But we loved not having to get up when someone else's needs required us to. We enjoyed skipping breakfast and all the clean up that comes with weekend breakfast. It was nice not to have to rush to change diapers, or clothe anybody (okay, we clothed ourselves obviously), or do much of anything. Sometimes I really miss being a morning bum. I could use that at least once a month!
A certain 14 month old received her first (and very much needed) haircut. Most people would never notice she had any work done, but I can tell, if only a little. After all, I didn't want too much done with it, but it is always in her face. She has a crazy amount of bangs that are always smeared with her morning banana, or hummus, or avocado, or whatever smushy-smearing food she's chowing on. She likes them all! These bangs needed something done with them, but our stylist, the stylist in the next booth, and I were all at a loss as to what to do with them. They are just at an awkward stage where you just really can't do much. So that's exactly what we did, not much. But she's still cute and ornery.
See, here's the ornery part. She (finally) learned how to crawl up the stairs. Or, maybe I should say she finally took the daring chance to approach and eventually climb these stairs. Oh, and she did it when I was not looking. I ran to our kitchen to fetch a drink for one of her sisters, and when I came back in to our living room...
We also had furniture delivered this week. Since we sold our basement futon (bye, bye youthful days) we decided to buy a sleeper sofa. This way we can still enjoy sitting together downstairs, but now our guests will also have a place to sleep. The picture quality is low here (yes, low picture quality is a theme on this blog in case you haven't noticed, but if you know anyone who'd sell a nice cannon or nikon rather cheaply you just let me know), so I used good ol' sepia to get rid of the icky coloring. It still isn't great looking, but those kids on our new chocolate leather couch sure are!
We also got the older two girls (who share a bedroom) bunk beds. They are nice solid wood and the girls are thrilled with them. I planned on taking pictures of the girls enjoying their finished product, but only one was awake by this point. Can you see sleepy brownie on the bottom bunk?
My poor husband started putting these together as soon as he got home around 5 that day. He was finally able to bring two sleeping bodies to bed just before 11pm. He only took a 3 minute break to gobble up his veggie and pasta cheese dinner. I felt so bad that he had to work that hard for so long. I know that would have killed my back (all the bending and lifting), so I am very thankful for his perseverance. I probably would have given up and had the kiddos come sleep with us in our bed until theirs were all finished. But they've been in their own beds for a few nights now. It's so cute-- Peach calls her bed the "tree house" and Brownie calls hers the "fort." So now when they go to say goodnight to each other, Brownie calls up to her sister on the top bunk "good night tree house!" And Peach from the top bunk calls down to Brownie, "good night fort!" I heard this for the first time tonight, and I have to admit I thought it was too cute. I hope they keep it up!
On to ballet. It seems like these two silly girls are getting most of the attention on today's post, but that's just how our week went. Plus, they are the two who are old enough to participate in much of the activities our town offers. Anyway, after the farmer's market yesterday, the older two and I grabbed a quick breakfast at a new cafe in town. I munched on some eggs benedict while the girls feasted on fruit and pancakes. While we waited for our food, I drew them pictures of green onions, the very much requested orange onions (I didn't have the heart to tell them that these onions do not exist), apples, and an orange. I also snapped a few photos to pass the time. I thought they were too cute not to share.
And then we actually arrived at ballet where I made them pose for some more photos. I know you can't see Peach too well, but the picture of Brownie just cracks me up. Can you see how she's posing. This child literally strikes a pose all the time. She has her little leg slightly bent and her hand lying against it ever so gently.
And this one is a bit more dramatic. Now can you see her posing. I laugh because this is my fashionista. She is all about clothes (okay, dresses), shoes, accessories, and matching all of those things. Of course the matching is done according to her own tastes, but I never bug her about her choices. While they may look a little mismatched, I think the girl really appreciates self-expression. And honestly, what adult is going to come up to me and say, "Oh my, I can't believe you let your daughter out of the house in a yellow shirt with a polka-dotted pink flower and a purple skirt with green and black stripes on it." And honestly, if somebody did say something like that to me, I'd look them up and down and laugh. Then I'd probably just shake my head and bite my tongue. Or maybe I'd act like I didn't hear them and move on.
So that was pretty much all the excitement from last week-- at least all that I got pictures of.
Brownie did have a play date with her sweet friend from school. Those two are so cute together and her little friend is such a little sweetheart who loves Cinderella dress up!
Matt and I were able to celebrate our anniversary last night. We dropped the girls off at my mom's house around 5. We ran over to a little adult-ish, quiet, nice restaurant we'd never tried. I was really wanting to have a glass of wine to toast our five years together, but of course I would be enjoying no such thing. We did split the crab cake appetizer (YUM!!!), but I could have had the whole thing to myself with a salad and called it dinner. He ordered steak that came with two shrimp on top and green beans. I ordered the chicken carbonara. I was shocked to discover I had no veggies. I never make pasta without veggies thrown in, so I had the waiter bring me a side of green beans and I added those to my pasta. It was still too heavy, so a decent portion went in the box. As for Hubby's steak, he said he can season steak better. And this is coming form a guy who has had steak (or any beef for that matter) a few times in the last few years. So the fact that it didn't just sweep him off his feet, tells me that maybe this really wasn't all that great. Then to top it off, we were going to stay for desert but it was so hot in there I thought I was going to melt (you know, because I'm just that sweet)! All joking aside, it was so hot (they don't turn on the air until they open which is when we got there, and we were seated by giant windows with the sun pouring in) I about walked out to our car mid-meal just so I could have some air. Needless to say, we made desert plans elsewhere.
Since we caught the early-bird special (we ate at 5:30, we didn't really go to a restaurant with an "early-bird" special), we had enough time (like three hours) to kill at the mall. Matt actually wanted to go to the mall. This never happens. In fact, when he told me earlier that day that he wanted to go to the mall, I had to ask him to repeat what he had just said. I just knew I didn't hear right. Turns out I did hear him right, and we went shopping for his new shoes. Of course I browsed Motherhood Maternity and found two shirts and two pairs of pants I really wanted. In just the last year to year and a half, the majority of what they carry has changed. And the good news is, they changed it to the type of clothes I like: the scrunchy sides on the shirts and the secret belly fit pants. So two of each came home with me.
We then had some time to spare at Barnes and Noble. Ours has a Starbucks (I don't know if all Barnes and Nobles have that or not), so we split a chocolate cheesecake and sipped on our own drinks.
Our last stop was the movies. We picked up two tickets for Grown Ups. The story didn't have much to it, but the one-liners were pretty good. It seems like that in some parts of that movie they just did a little ad-lib for the jokes. But that made it pretty darn funny. We both shared a good amount of laughs and then came home.
Our house was left in shambles when we left it, but it was so nice to just go to bed and crash. The girls (all four of them) stayed at Grammy's over night. We have never had that opportunity so we were glad to accept my mom's generous offer to watch them for so long.
And I have to admit, I tried to get up and clean/organize/start laundry this morning, but I/we just lazed around. We had big ambitions for how we'd spend our morning, but it turns out we are just lazy bums. But we loved not having to get up when someone else's needs required us to. We enjoyed skipping breakfast and all the clean up that comes with weekend breakfast. It was nice not to have to rush to change diapers, or clothe anybody (okay, we clothed ourselves obviously), or do much of anything. Sometimes I really miss being a morning bum. I could use that at least once a month!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Surprise!
Did you notice anything different?
Well, the rumor mill will be starting soon, so I'm making it publicly known...
We are expecting our 5th child.
I was hesitant to post anything until we hear a heartbeat, but I've since decided against that idea. Even if we hear a heartbeat, there's no guarantee that everything will be perfect weeks down the road. And this is just too good of news not to share.
I found out the night before Father's Day. So here are some horrible pictures (lighting and what not, not horrible pictures of Matt) of Matt discovering the news.
We had just gotten home from our vacation about two hours before this photo was taken. I had dropped the ball on Father's Day (no gift, no plans, house a mess, things to unpack...), so I decided this would be the perfect gift.
He's reading a little piece of paper I scratched such lovely words on--
"Congratulations, you're the father of four
How would you like to add one more?"
Clever, I know!
He still looked confused (okay it was a deer in the headlights look), so I handed him the positive test.
Though the pictures are poor, he really is smiling. I was too. We hugged and vowed to keep it a secret for a while... we, actually I, lasted a whole week.
I've seen a few bloggers do a Pregnancy Update, so I figured I'd go ahead an include one every once in a while. Here's my first.
Well, the rumor mill will be starting soon, so I'm making it publicly known...
We are expecting our 5th child.
I was hesitant to post anything until we hear a heartbeat, but I've since decided against that idea. Even if we hear a heartbeat, there's no guarantee that everything will be perfect weeks down the road. And this is just too good of news not to share.
I found out the night before Father's Day. So here are some horrible pictures (lighting and what not, not horrible pictures of Matt) of Matt discovering the news.
We had just gotten home from our vacation about two hours before this photo was taken. I had dropped the ball on Father's Day (no gift, no plans, house a mess, things to unpack...), so I decided this would be the perfect gift.
He's reading a little piece of paper I scratched such lovely words on--
"Congratulations, you're the father of four
How would you like to add one more?"
Clever, I know!
He still looked confused (okay it was a deer in the headlights look), so I handed him the positive test.
Though the pictures are poor, he really is smiling. I was too. We hugged and vowed to keep it a secret for a while... we, actually I, lasted a whole week.
I've seen a few bloggers do a Pregnancy Update, so I figured I'd go ahead an include one every once in a while. Here's my first.
How Far Along: 7 1/2 Weeks
Total Weight Gain: I've lost 3 or 4
Maternity Clothes: Note yet.
Best Moment this week: The day that I had normal energy and felt well--the girls and I had fun that day :)
Gender: ????? We have our guesses
Total Weight Gain: I've lost 3 or 4
Maternity Clothes: Note yet.
Best Moment this week: The day that I had normal energy and felt well--the girls and I had fun that day :)
Gender: ????? We have our guesses
Movement: Not that I can detect
Food Craving: One day it was pizza. The rest of the cravings (when I have them, they're rare right now) center around jalapenos. Think cheesy, guacamole-y, spicy nachos.
What I miss: My energetic, busy, accomplished-feeling days.
Sleep: It's fine at night--maybe one time I have to get up to use the restroom. During the day, it's all I want to do, but for obvious reasons I don't.
What I am looking forward to: Baby bump (not the big belly) and finding out the sex.
Food Craving: One day it was pizza. The rest of the cravings (when I have them, they're rare right now) center around jalapenos. Think cheesy, guacamole-y, spicy nachos.
What I miss: My energetic, busy, accomplished-feeling days.
Sleep: It's fine at night--maybe one time I have to get up to use the restroom. During the day, it's all I want to do, but for obvious reasons I don't.
What I am looking forward to: Baby bump (not the big belly) and finding out the sex.
Belly Button: All four of my previous pregnancies, my bb remained an innie. I'm guessing it'll do the same this time around.
Stretch Marks: Geez, not yet. Of course, I have old ones from a certain second pregnancy with my 9 pounder (all of my others have been 7, 7.1 and 7.2)
Symptoms: Absolutely no energy, which I think is related to the dehydration I'm experiencing (of course I know it's related the pregnancy, too). Gastro-related issues--which are making me dehydrated. Elation!
Stretch Marks: Geez, not yet. Of course, I have old ones from a certain second pregnancy with my 9 pounder (all of my others have been 7, 7.1 and 7.2)
Symptoms: Absolutely no energy, which I think is related to the dehydration I'm experiencing (of course I know it's related the pregnancy, too). Gastro-related issues--which are making me dehydrated. Elation!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Vacation 2010: Long, picture-filled post follows
To say we needed a family vacation was an understatement. I know some of you will read "need" and think I have that word mixed up with "want," but I'm here to tell you that I don't.
We'd never had a family vacation. The last time any of the six of us vacationed, Peach (who is nearly 5) was 9 months old, I was 5 months pregnant with Brownie, and Matt was still teaching. 'Nuff said!
So we packed up the car and headed to the land where it looks like you can jump among the clouds. We had a nice time on the ride there--we left at 2 am--- but the ride home was a different story. More on that in a moment.
We did several fun activities, but we did not do any activities I set out to do. Instead of kayaking, hiking, white water rafting, or horseback riding we decided on more family-friendly activities.
There was a BBQ. This gal chowed on an entire smoked chicken. I knew she liked food, but this chicken was as big as her belly. No doubt she could have eaten it all had it not been for the fact that she had to share with sisters.
At the BBQ were several kid-friendly activities such as this obstacle course that ended with a giant slide. I was proud of my Peach for climbing it all, all by herself. She did love that slide!
And of course they had pig races. That was fun to watch. I'm sure those pigs felt awfully welcome at a BBQ!
This Bug talked a gentleman into giving her a strawberry covered in chocolate. Yes, I did indulge in one too.
We really did several activities the same way we do them at home. We napped, changed diapers, did dishes, washed laundry and even visited parks. These two were quite pleased with this particular teeter-totter.
To me, the whole dang town was like a giant park. It was quite a beauty! We had to watch out for wildlife---bears, not my kids. This bear proved to be quite friendly, though!
We did do a little hiking in the mountains. Yeah, even I'm jealous looking at this picture.
We went trout fishing one day. I do not have squeamish girls to my amazement. This one was ready, net in hand. Daddy would catch the fish, and his girls would help bring them in.
These two loved to participate as well. I just happened to ask them to "freeze and pose" while Daddy was working on catching one.
In fact, here's Bug touching the fish. Every time Daddy caught one, this little girl asked to touch it. Each and every one of them. I don't even touch fish. I can hardly stand to touch it when I marinate salmon for our dinner (which is why Matt usually does it).
And here's the end prize. I believe there were 7 in all. Maybe 6, I really can't remember. We went on to cook these bad boys, but I had already vowed not to eat any. I discovered a problem I have that involves seeing my dinner alive a few hours before I plan to eat it. Not to mention I'm not much of a trout fan--usually tastes too fishy to me. But Matt said these wouldn't, still I could not muster the courage. So I got some Chipotle while the hooligans and Matt dined on fish. I have to admit, I tried it and it wasn't horrible. Matt was right--not terribly fishy.
The whole family visited an old mining town and rode an old train. It's a great trip around the mountains and the girls really enjoyed it. Here we are in front of something old. I think it was an old train car.
And of course we snapped some photos while the train was in motion. I was in charge of the two "big" girls.
And Matt was in charge of the two "little" girls.
And, yeay, another family picture. Merry Christmas, this just may show up on your card this year!
Or should it be this one? Do you think that giant fossil looks anything like Matt?
I didn't think so. This was at the Natural History Museum. The older girls are way into dinosaurs right now, so this was a great find after the planned zoo trip was rained out.
But I'm much more of a natural history museum gal than a zoo girl. I still avoid the zoo--yeah, not a good mom, I know. I take them, just not often. How many times can you see the same animals in the awful humid heat of Kansas? Not my idea of a blast!
But dead animals that look real, behind glass, in an air-conditioned building.... okay by me! The youngest speaker of our family, Bug, swore up and down these were Jesse dogs. Yes, our dog is part huskie and could easily be confused for a wolf by a two-year-old.
There were several different rooms in that wonderful museum, but I think the kids' favorite was the discovery area. It was KIDZONE! These are two of my future musicians.
And since I managed to sneak in a museum stop, you can rest assured I sneaked in a history tour as well. This is a very old house, and it was certainly cute and quaint. Of course it was staged with historically accurate details and furniture, but I found it quite charming. I was ready to have Matt build a duplicate for us to move into. It was simple, functional, and brought on a sense of nostalgia. Yes, I yearn for simpler times-- often fantasizing about decades before I was even born--- and this house fit the bill for this particular fantasy.
Just look at this little attic bedroom/play room. Excuse the blurriness, not the best lighting, photographer or camera!
And here's part of the gathering room with a family picture--not my family of course, but of the pretend people who live here. Actually, I think these may have been the real people who once lived there.
And just look at this old kitchen stuff. We were actually on city property that had a ton of old buildings open for tours. In all the ones that had "food" in them, there was always a White King container. Is it just me, or would anybody else like to have an old kitchen, with old kitchen stuff in it? This would be adjacent to my modern looking/functioning kitchen, of course.
And check out this big daddy. Not sure I'd like to trade in my modern stove for this one, but in that adjacent old-fashioned kitchen I've imagined, I would certainly have one of these things. Can you imagine using this everyday?
So, as you see, we did do quite a bit. We also swam a few times and shopped quite a bit. And we did a good amount of eating out. Breakfast was everybody's favorite. There were two places that I wish I had gotten pictures of. They both had delicious pastries, fresh coffee, organic produce, and friendly service. Specials included trout and eggs with home-fries, and an eggs benedict with a pesto hollandase twist. Yes, delicious indeed.
And so was this little diner we stopped at on our way home. It was odd because Matt and I were just talking about how we wish our part of the country had diners, and then BAM! we come across this place. Thank goodness it was lunch time because I insisted we stop. It too, was quite yummy.
And after we finished our lunch, we headed back to the car to finish our trip home. It took us 12 hours to complete an 8 hour trip; I'll let your imagination wonder what happened in those extra four hours. Overall, though, we really did have a great time. Now Matt and I would like to take a couple's vacation. HA!
We'd never had a family vacation. The last time any of the six of us vacationed, Peach (who is nearly 5) was 9 months old, I was 5 months pregnant with Brownie, and Matt was still teaching. 'Nuff said!
So we packed up the car and headed to the land where it looks like you can jump among the clouds. We had a nice time on the ride there--we left at 2 am--- but the ride home was a different story. More on that in a moment.
We did several fun activities, but we did not do any activities I set out to do. Instead of kayaking, hiking, white water rafting, or horseback riding we decided on more family-friendly activities.
There was a BBQ. This gal chowed on an entire smoked chicken. I knew she liked food, but this chicken was as big as her belly. No doubt she could have eaten it all had it not been for the fact that she had to share with sisters.
At the BBQ were several kid-friendly activities such as this obstacle course that ended with a giant slide. I was proud of my Peach for climbing it all, all by herself. She did love that slide!
And of course they had pig races. That was fun to watch. I'm sure those pigs felt awfully welcome at a BBQ!
This Bug talked a gentleman into giving her a strawberry covered in chocolate. Yes, I did indulge in one too.
We really did several activities the same way we do them at home. We napped, changed diapers, did dishes, washed laundry and even visited parks. These two were quite pleased with this particular teeter-totter.
To me, the whole dang town was like a giant park. It was quite a beauty! We had to watch out for wildlife---bears, not my kids. This bear proved to be quite friendly, though!
We did do a little hiking in the mountains. Yeah, even I'm jealous looking at this picture.
We went trout fishing one day. I do not have squeamish girls to my amazement. This one was ready, net in hand. Daddy would catch the fish, and his girls would help bring them in.
These two loved to participate as well. I just happened to ask them to "freeze and pose" while Daddy was working on catching one.
In fact, here's Bug touching the fish. Every time Daddy caught one, this little girl asked to touch it. Each and every one of them. I don't even touch fish. I can hardly stand to touch it when I marinate salmon for our dinner (which is why Matt usually does it).
And here's the end prize. I believe there were 7 in all. Maybe 6, I really can't remember. We went on to cook these bad boys, but I had already vowed not to eat any. I discovered a problem I have that involves seeing my dinner alive a few hours before I plan to eat it. Not to mention I'm not much of a trout fan--usually tastes too fishy to me. But Matt said these wouldn't, still I could not muster the courage. So I got some Chipotle while the hooligans and Matt dined on fish. I have to admit, I tried it and it wasn't horrible. Matt was right--not terribly fishy.
The whole family visited an old mining town and rode an old train. It's a great trip around the mountains and the girls really enjoyed it. Here we are in front of something old. I think it was an old train car.
And of course we snapped some photos while the train was in motion. I was in charge of the two "big" girls.
And Matt was in charge of the two "little" girls.
And, yeay, another family picture. Merry Christmas, this just may show up on your card this year!
Or should it be this one? Do you think that giant fossil looks anything like Matt?
I didn't think so. This was at the Natural History Museum. The older girls are way into dinosaurs right now, so this was a great find after the planned zoo trip was rained out.
But I'm much more of a natural history museum gal than a zoo girl. I still avoid the zoo--yeah, not a good mom, I know. I take them, just not often. How many times can you see the same animals in the awful humid heat of Kansas? Not my idea of a blast!
But dead animals that look real, behind glass, in an air-conditioned building.... okay by me! The youngest speaker of our family, Bug, swore up and down these were Jesse dogs. Yes, our dog is part huskie and could easily be confused for a wolf by a two-year-old.
There were several different rooms in that wonderful museum, but I think the kids' favorite was the discovery area. It was KIDZONE! These are two of my future musicians.
And since I managed to sneak in a museum stop, you can rest assured I sneaked in a history tour as well. This is a very old house, and it was certainly cute and quaint. Of course it was staged with historically accurate details and furniture, but I found it quite charming. I was ready to have Matt build a duplicate for us to move into. It was simple, functional, and brought on a sense of nostalgia. Yes, I yearn for simpler times-- often fantasizing about decades before I was even born--- and this house fit the bill for this particular fantasy.
Just look at this little attic bedroom/play room. Excuse the blurriness, not the best lighting, photographer or camera!
And here's part of the gathering room with a family picture--not my family of course, but of the pretend people who live here. Actually, I think these may have been the real people who once lived there.
And just look at this old kitchen stuff. We were actually on city property that had a ton of old buildings open for tours. In all the ones that had "food" in them, there was always a White King container. Is it just me, or would anybody else like to have an old kitchen, with old kitchen stuff in it? This would be adjacent to my modern looking/functioning kitchen, of course.
And check out this big daddy. Not sure I'd like to trade in my modern stove for this one, but in that adjacent old-fashioned kitchen I've imagined, I would certainly have one of these things. Can you imagine using this everyday?
So, as you see, we did do quite a bit. We also swam a few times and shopped quite a bit. And we did a good amount of eating out. Breakfast was everybody's favorite. There were two places that I wish I had gotten pictures of. They both had delicious pastries, fresh coffee, organic produce, and friendly service. Specials included trout and eggs with home-fries, and an eggs benedict with a pesto hollandase twist. Yes, delicious indeed.
And so was this little diner we stopped at on our way home. It was odd because Matt and I were just talking about how we wish our part of the country had diners, and then BAM! we come across this place. Thank goodness it was lunch time because I insisted we stop. It too, was quite yummy.
And after we finished our lunch, we headed back to the car to finish our trip home. It took us 12 hours to complete an 8 hour trip; I'll let your imagination wonder what happened in those extra four hours. Overall, though, we really did have a great time. Now Matt and I would like to take a couple's vacation. HA!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
A Little Bit of This...
Good news-
My sister made it safely to her destination yesterday. I just pray she remains safe for the next year-- no matter where she is!
Yesterday was a holiday for my husband--since he also took off Friday, we had a nice 4 day weekend with him. I gotta say, it was a rather busy weekend.
We had two dinners with my family in these four days-- one for Allie's goodbye and one for the 4th!
We got a new sleeper sofa. We recently sold our futon and needed some new sitting furniture. Since I have claimed all rights to the bedroom in our basement (for crafting and office stuff), we also needed some place for guests to sleep; hence the sleeper sofa. It serves both of our needs. It's chocolate brown leather and matches our few other grown up furnishings in the room (our basement rec area is made up mostly of toys and kid furniture).
Since the store where we bought our furniture was doing a buy 1 get 1 1/2 off deal, we decided to go ahead and get the big girls (who share a room) bunk beds, too. They were little more than just excited. It will be a few weeks before this is all delivered, but I am excited to get this stuff in our house and use it!
Jumping around a bit...
As you already know, we celebrated my sis and our freedom on Saturday and then said goodbye to her on Sunday. The rest of those days were spent catching up on house work--pathetic, I know. And then yesterday hit.
It was quite a sluggish day for me. No matter what I did, thought, tried, ate, drank..., I just couldn't keep from falling asleep. I really didn't even feel that tired until I sat down. Then, I would just pass out. So much of yesterday was spent with me falling asleep for 20 mins, then waking to find that my husband had somehow managed to do more in that time frame than I sometimes do during a day. Of course we all have our own ways of doing things--I guess his are just more efficient. Anyway, it was quite wonderful. One time I fell asleep knowing that I should be doing laundry--well, I must have sent an ESP message to Matt because when I woke up (on the couch) I was surrounded by folded/organized, clean laundry.
Thinking I was dreaming, I wandered into the kitchen and discovered that the dishes had been cleaned up and loaded, everything wiped down--- including the highchair. I was in complete shock and very much in awe! But I was so thankful that when I need to be less that his better half, he picks up my slack and is way more than my better half! Thanks again, honey. By the way, this pretty much lets you off the hook for an anniversary gift. But since you never really check the family blog, I'm crossing my fingers you read this after July 9th (if ever at all), and you still surprise me with at least a card--- complete with a meaningful message, of course!
Today was much better as far as energy goes, and the whole house was back into our normal summer routine. After Matt left for work, the girls and I joined other moms and kids from our mom's group for a tour of an ice cream shop in town. This ended with the girls all making their own ice cream mixes and eating them... at 9:30 in the morning. Proof that I can be a cool parent!
We then headed out to the store. Of course I chose this particular store because they have the best selection of organic produce around; they didn't today. I needed a couple yellow and/or red bell peppers---they only had green. And usually I wouldn't be too picky, but I'm trying out a a recipe for the first time-- In which case I make the dish as close to what the recipe calls for as I can. It's only after I've made it at least once that I tweak it to my liking. Anyway, the recipe is the one off the cover of the Food Network magazine. We'll be trying it later this week and I'll let you know how it goes over!
We then headed to another store and found that they in fact had organic red peppers, but no yellow. We'll survive. I was just happy to find one or the other!
We came home for lunch, playtime outside, and naps (I use this term loosely). It turns out Boushka needed some cuddles after sleeping only 20 mins. Since I couldn't remember the last time I got to stare at her while she slept, I jumped at the chance to cradle her in my arm and stare at her between my little cat naps. I'm soaking up that time because before I know it, she'll be telling me "No" and running away from me.
After naps, the hooligans (I call my kids this regularly, but it is a term of endearment) and I took a very HOT walk for about 40 minutes. By the time we got back, I looked like I had just showered. GROSS!
And my poor hairdresser. I had a hair trim appointment at 5:15, just a few minutes after my shower walk. Needless to say, I apologized-- but she was going to wash my hair no matter what anyway, right? But still, I didn't plan on going in there having just sweat it out. Since I'm trying to grow it out, she just shaped me up a bit. Here I am after the trim--excuse the bare, no make up look. That's what I wear during most of the summer.
Wow, other than dinner and some family time outside, that's my day in a nutshell. Pretty exciting. Okay, so it is exciting to me. But that's how it is for anybody who is doing what they love, and I love being a mom. All the fun we get to have trumps the downs of being a parent. We have plans keeping us busy the rest of the week. We'll be touring the fun summer stuff around town since this is about our only week where we aren't involved in some kind of class. Can we say library, play groups, and swimming?
My sister made it safely to her destination yesterday. I just pray she remains safe for the next year-- no matter where she is!
Yesterday was a holiday for my husband--since he also took off Friday, we had a nice 4 day weekend with him. I gotta say, it was a rather busy weekend.
We had two dinners with my family in these four days-- one for Allie's goodbye and one for the 4th!
We got a new sleeper sofa. We recently sold our futon and needed some new sitting furniture. Since I have claimed all rights to the bedroom in our basement (for crafting and office stuff), we also needed some place for guests to sleep; hence the sleeper sofa. It serves both of our needs. It's chocolate brown leather and matches our few other grown up furnishings in the room (our basement rec area is made up mostly of toys and kid furniture).
Since the store where we bought our furniture was doing a buy 1 get 1 1/2 off deal, we decided to go ahead and get the big girls (who share a room) bunk beds, too. They were little more than just excited. It will be a few weeks before this is all delivered, but I am excited to get this stuff in our house and use it!
Jumping around a bit...
As you already know, we celebrated my sis and our freedom on Saturday and then said goodbye to her on Sunday. The rest of those days were spent catching up on house work--pathetic, I know. And then yesterday hit.
It was quite a sluggish day for me. No matter what I did, thought, tried, ate, drank..., I just couldn't keep from falling asleep. I really didn't even feel that tired until I sat down. Then, I would just pass out. So much of yesterday was spent with me falling asleep for 20 mins, then waking to find that my husband had somehow managed to do more in that time frame than I sometimes do during a day. Of course we all have our own ways of doing things--I guess his are just more efficient. Anyway, it was quite wonderful. One time I fell asleep knowing that I should be doing laundry--well, I must have sent an ESP message to Matt because when I woke up (on the couch) I was surrounded by folded/organized, clean laundry.
Thinking I was dreaming, I wandered into the kitchen and discovered that the dishes had been cleaned up and loaded, everything wiped down--- including the highchair. I was in complete shock and very much in awe! But I was so thankful that when I need to be less that his better half, he picks up my slack and is way more than my better half! Thanks again, honey. By the way, this pretty much lets you off the hook for an anniversary gift. But since you never really check the family blog, I'm crossing my fingers you read this after July 9th (if ever at all), and you still surprise me with at least a card--- complete with a meaningful message, of course!
Today was much better as far as energy goes, and the whole house was back into our normal summer routine. After Matt left for work, the girls and I joined other moms and kids from our mom's group for a tour of an ice cream shop in town. This ended with the girls all making their own ice cream mixes and eating them... at 9:30 in the morning. Proof that I can be a cool parent!
We then headed out to the store. Of course I chose this particular store because they have the best selection of organic produce around; they didn't today. I needed a couple yellow and/or red bell peppers---they only had green. And usually I wouldn't be too picky, but I'm trying out a a recipe for the first time-- In which case I make the dish as close to what the recipe calls for as I can. It's only after I've made it at least once that I tweak it to my liking. Anyway, the recipe is the one off the cover of the Food Network magazine. We'll be trying it later this week and I'll let you know how it goes over!
We then headed to another store and found that they in fact had organic red peppers, but no yellow. We'll survive. I was just happy to find one or the other!
We came home for lunch, playtime outside, and naps (I use this term loosely). It turns out Boushka needed some cuddles after sleeping only 20 mins. Since I couldn't remember the last time I got to stare at her while she slept, I jumped at the chance to cradle her in my arm and stare at her between my little cat naps. I'm soaking up that time because before I know it, she'll be telling me "No" and running away from me.
After naps, the hooligans (I call my kids this regularly, but it is a term of endearment) and I took a very HOT walk for about 40 minutes. By the time we got back, I looked like I had just showered. GROSS!
And my poor hairdresser. I had a hair trim appointment at 5:15, just a few minutes after my shower walk. Needless to say, I apologized-- but she was going to wash my hair no matter what anyway, right? But still, I didn't plan on going in there having just sweat it out. Since I'm trying to grow it out, she just shaped me up a bit. Here I am after the trim--excuse the bare, no make up look. That's what I wear during most of the summer.
Wow, other than dinner and some family time outside, that's my day in a nutshell. Pretty exciting. Okay, so it is exciting to me. But that's how it is for anybody who is doing what they love, and I love being a mom. All the fun we get to have trumps the downs of being a parent. We have plans keeping us busy the rest of the week. We'll be touring the fun summer stuff around town since this is about our only week where we aren't involved in some kind of class. Can we say library, play groups, and swimming?
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Our Fourth, etc., etc.
There are many things to celebrate today.
The fact that I practice religion freely.
The fact that you have a right to "plead the 5th."
The fact that I, as a woman, can practice free-speech on my blog.
And by all means:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Of course this is one of the most famous lines in American history, and it is certainly a favorite of mine.
Our family celebrated the holiday with my little sis yesterday. Good thing too, because it has been raining today. We partied with music, burgers, beans, potato salad, chocolate and lemon cake (two cakes, not one) and plenty of fireworks. We were soaking up our time with my sis, a.k.a. Auntie, because today is the day she left for her mission trip.
She'll be gone for nearly a year.
While I am so very proud of my little sis, I can't help but be a little sad. Okay, A LOT sad. For now, all my sadness is sitting inside me somewhere, but come Christmas my tears will be everywhere.
Actually, I'll be sad when my girls celebrate their birthdays this fall without their Auntie. I'll cry at Thanksgiving, who knows, maybe I'll even cry at Halloween. But Christmas will be the super-awful ball fest.
I'm used to not seeing her on birthdays, smaller holidays, and even a Thanksgiving or two (I really hate not seeing her for Turkey Day). But NEVER can I EVER remember a Christmas without her. If there is one person that I have always been with on Christmas, that is my sweet sister.
I'm going to miss the way we open presents. Our shopping trips. Splitting "Santa's" list for mom's stocking. Seeing who gets the wishbone. Watching Christmas Story. EATING TONS OF FOOD! And just chatting. But I'll miss the chatting everyday of the next year.
There are a few other dates that I will miss her, but I don't think they compare to Christmas. Well, maybe one. But that's another story, another time.
So for now, I'll leave you with some pictures I snapped of us today. Please excuse any puffiness, redness, or tear-streaks.
Ah, just seeing these pictures makes me want to cry. It's one thing for me to feel sad about my sister leaving. But as a mom to those little girls in the above pictures, it adds an entirely new level to the sadness. Not only do I see the sadness in the faces of my babies, but I see it on Auntie's face when she is leaving my daughters. I hurt for them all. Maybe I'm just sensitive, but this is all new for me. So tears can be expected, right?
Well, despite my pity party I am very excited for my sister. She is embarking on what I can only imagine will not only change her life, but quite possibly define it. I don't know how she can travel all of the countries she'll be traveling to and not be a changed woman.
She'll learn more about herself and others than I probably ever will. She'll gain wisdom that some of us never have the opportunity to gain. I know she is nervous, excited, scared, sad, and happy all at once. I am too. But most of all I am proud.
Allie-
I'll think of Sista Boom Boom, Beady Beady Loopy, and WHAT (the way you say it) when I'm missing you. That way I'll be laughing instead of crying.
One last thing Allie, I just have one mission for you (of course, this is aside from the mission you are truly there for), find a strapping young chap, charm him, bring him home for approval and give me some nieces or nephews.
Ooops, I also meant to say marry him between bringing him home and giving me some nieces/nephews. I know that is more in tune with your plans.
Love ya Boom!
-Lara
The fact that I practice religion freely.
The fact that you have a right to "plead the 5th."
The fact that I, as a woman, can practice free-speech on my blog.
And by all means:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Of course this is one of the most famous lines in American history, and it is certainly a favorite of mine.
Our family celebrated the holiday with my little sis yesterday. Good thing too, because it has been raining today. We partied with music, burgers, beans, potato salad, chocolate and lemon cake (two cakes, not one) and plenty of fireworks. We were soaking up our time with my sis, a.k.a. Auntie, because today is the day she left for her mission trip.
She'll be gone for nearly a year.
While I am so very proud of my little sis, I can't help but be a little sad. Okay, A LOT sad. For now, all my sadness is sitting inside me somewhere, but come Christmas my tears will be everywhere.
Actually, I'll be sad when my girls celebrate their birthdays this fall without their Auntie. I'll cry at Thanksgiving, who knows, maybe I'll even cry at Halloween. But Christmas will be the super-awful ball fest.
I'm used to not seeing her on birthdays, smaller holidays, and even a Thanksgiving or two (I really hate not seeing her for Turkey Day). But NEVER can I EVER remember a Christmas without her. If there is one person that I have always been with on Christmas, that is my sweet sister.
I'm going to miss the way we open presents. Our shopping trips. Splitting "Santa's" list for mom's stocking. Seeing who gets the wishbone. Watching Christmas Story. EATING TONS OF FOOD! And just chatting. But I'll miss the chatting everyday of the next year.
There are a few other dates that I will miss her, but I don't think they compare to Christmas. Well, maybe one. But that's another story, another time.
So for now, I'll leave you with some pictures I snapped of us today. Please excuse any puffiness, redness, or tear-streaks.
Ah, just seeing these pictures makes me want to cry. It's one thing for me to feel sad about my sister leaving. But as a mom to those little girls in the above pictures, it adds an entirely new level to the sadness. Not only do I see the sadness in the faces of my babies, but I see it on Auntie's face when she is leaving my daughters. I hurt for them all. Maybe I'm just sensitive, but this is all new for me. So tears can be expected, right?
Well, despite my pity party I am very excited for my sister. She is embarking on what I can only imagine will not only change her life, but quite possibly define it. I don't know how she can travel all of the countries she'll be traveling to and not be a changed woman.
She'll learn more about herself and others than I probably ever will. She'll gain wisdom that some of us never have the opportunity to gain. I know she is nervous, excited, scared, sad, and happy all at once. I am too. But most of all I am proud.
Allie-
I'll think of Sista Boom Boom, Beady Beady Loopy, and WHAT (the way you say it) when I'm missing you. That way I'll be laughing instead of crying.
One last thing Allie, I just have one mission for you (of course, this is aside from the mission you are truly there for), find a strapping young chap, charm him, bring him home for approval and give me some nieces or nephews.
Ooops, I also meant to say marry him between bringing him home and giving me some nieces/nephews. I know that is more in tune with your plans.
Love ya Boom!
-Lara
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Zoiks!
Yes, I actually use this expression in real life. Sad, I know!
But I say this because it was been over a month since I sat down to write... anything! And that just makes me sad. And not that I plan to do much actual writing, here's my lame attempt to show you that I have not been hibernating under a rock the last month.
I do have tons of pictures to share, but those will have to wait. They are in the process of being edited, and not to mention--- I have about 1200 to go through.
In the meantime, I can catch you up on all things Cuspy and Copelandy.
- School ended.
- Boushka crawls everywhere... finally!
-Boushka is weaned.
-Boushka had 4th ear infection in less than three months (so much for nursing for 13 months)
- Bug had several ear infections as well
- Completed teaching my class
- Painted our kitchen (we've hated the coloring for 2+years now.
- Made dinner and cake for mom's birthday
- Scheduled and canceled my foot surgery
- Peach completed soccer camp
- Loaded the whole fam damily into the van and headed on vacation for a week
- Came home with very tired and cranky kids
- Sis is home for two weeks before a year-long absence
- Brownie and Peach started swimming lessons (in the middle of it right now)
- Got the all-clear on Bug's eyes-- we don't have to go back for an entire year
And now we get ready to start our busy season. But really, I'm beginning to see that we'll have to forgo the season aspect of it; who am I trying to kid, we are always living in busy season!
Soon, July will begin. And with that comes several birthdays (including Mama's and Dada's), our anniversary, school supply shopping, ballet and tumbling classes (for the kids), art classes (for the kids). And I refuse to go much beyond July because that just means school is nearing. And I'm just not ready to let go of my kiddos yet. I'll have three in preschool this year! CRAZY! I know!
Inevitably, September will roll around and bring us into birthday mode. It seems we no more than get passed July 29th (mine and hubby's birthday) and suddenly Peach turns 5 (9/2), Brownie tuns 4 (10/2), and Bug turns 3 (10/22). And by the time I do some early Christmas shopping, I find myself sitting down to turkey dinner! And we all know how fast the time between the big holidays goes. Too fast! ZOIKS!
See, told ya' I used it for real.
But I say this because it was been over a month since I sat down to write... anything! And that just makes me sad. And not that I plan to do much actual writing, here's my lame attempt to show you that I have not been hibernating under a rock the last month.
I do have tons of pictures to share, but those will have to wait. They are in the process of being edited, and not to mention--- I have about 1200 to go through.
In the meantime, I can catch you up on all things Cuspy and Copelandy.
- School ended.
- Boushka crawls everywhere... finally!
-Boushka is weaned.
-Boushka had 4th ear infection in less than three months (so much for nursing for 13 months)
- Bug had several ear infections as well
- Completed teaching my class
- Painted our kitchen (we've hated the coloring for 2+years now.
- Made dinner and cake for mom's birthday
- Scheduled and canceled my foot surgery
- Peach completed soccer camp
- Loaded the whole fam damily into the van and headed on vacation for a week
- Came home with very tired and cranky kids
- Sis is home for two weeks before a year-long absence
- Brownie and Peach started swimming lessons (in the middle of it right now)
- Got the all-clear on Bug's eyes-- we don't have to go back for an entire year
And now we get ready to start our busy season. But really, I'm beginning to see that we'll have to forgo the season aspect of it; who am I trying to kid, we are always living in busy season!
Soon, July will begin. And with that comes several birthdays (including Mama's and Dada's), our anniversary, school supply shopping, ballet and tumbling classes (for the kids), art classes (for the kids). And I refuse to go much beyond July because that just means school is nearing. And I'm just not ready to let go of my kiddos yet. I'll have three in preschool this year! CRAZY! I know!
Inevitably, September will roll around and bring us into birthday mode. It seems we no more than get passed July 29th (mine and hubby's birthday) and suddenly Peach turns 5 (9/2), Brownie tuns 4 (10/2), and Bug turns 3 (10/22). And by the time I do some early Christmas shopping, I find myself sitting down to turkey dinner! And we all know how fast the time between the big holidays goes. Too fast! ZOIKS!
See, told ya' I used it for real.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Boushka's to-do list
I came across my youngest daughter's to-do list the other day. Really, I'm not surprised at the things she included. Okay, that's because I am the one who included them. Yes, I made this up. But really, it's quite an accurate description of my girl's day.
- wake up earlier than mom; nurse/cuddle/etc... whatever she'll let me get away with
- refuse most diaper changes
- NEVER let mommy set me down
- laugh at sisters
- beg for snack while sitting in grocery cart
- fuss while mom "cooks" lunch
- complain a little about napping, but give in anyway
- perfect my crawling & holding on to furniture
- get excited when daddy comes home
-point and say that
- stick out my tounge
- give mommy kisses
- eat my avocado
- rub my eyes and shake my head no
- lay my head down on mommy's houlder and pat her back
- nurse
- sleep
Gotta love her!
- wake up earlier than mom; nurse/cuddle/etc... whatever she'll let me get away with
- refuse most diaper changes
- NEVER let mommy set me down
- laugh at sisters
- beg for snack while sitting in grocery cart
- fuss while mom "cooks" lunch
- complain a little about napping, but give in anyway
- perfect my crawling & holding on to furniture
- get excited when daddy comes home
-point and say that
- stick out my tounge
- give mommy kisses
- eat my avocado
- rub my eyes and shake my head no
- lay my head down on mommy's houlder and pat her back
- nurse
- sleep
Gotta love her!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Happy Birthday, Boushka!
My sweet Boushka had a birthday today. She is now a one-year-old. She is still my baby, but now she is going to be my big girl. Could you say that I'm a little torn about this, um... yeah! I'm thrilled that she's growing, and thriving, and living a happy life; but, in the same breath, I must also say that I am sad to see her first year gone.
Those days shortly after she was born, the two of us were getting to know each other. I looked her over. She opened her eyes to stare at me. I loved touching her hair and her soft skin. She just loved snuggling close. She liked to be held. I liked holding her. What can I say, we are both quick learners!
I learned that she was certainly a fourth child. She loved having the her sisters' attention. She captivated us all, and she loved every minute of it.
I learned that diligence pays. We worked hard to nurse those first days, and then our time together was interrupted for three days in her first weeks of life. When we were allowed to resume normal nursing activity, we gave it another shot. Here we are today still sticking with it (even if one of us is ready to claim her body back).
I learned that I have enough room in my torso to actually have four hearts. Never in my wildest dreams did I realize that each new baby would give me a new heart, but it's true--metaphorically speaking, at least.
This little gal has rocked our world in several ways, all of which I am thankful for today. She has brightened our home. She added another (sweet) dimension to our ever-expanding family. I'll even dare to say that there is strength in numbers. The 6 of us fight the same fight, and we strive each day to make the most of our time together. And I can't help but be reminded as the anniversary of my baby's birth comes to an end that time goes by fast. Too fast.
Boushka-
I love you with all of my 4th heart! You are such a doll and a pure joy to have in our family. God has such an amazing plan, and I know that is why HE gave you to us. It feels as if you have always been a part of this family, and it is hard to imagine life before you were born. I treasure each moment with you, and I will always love you more than I know how to put into words. Someday, I pray that you will feel this undying, unconditional, pure, unadulterated Mother's Love. It truly is the best gift in all the world. Thank you for being you, sweet doll baby!
Happy Birthday. May you never want as long as you live, and live as long as you want!
-Love , Mama
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