tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62797577958799902552024-02-07T21:32:40.992-05:00Good Morning SunshineHollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.comBlogger782125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-56155337857602125152017-02-23T13:12:00.001-05:002017-02-23T13:12:38.669-05:00Surprise! Part 1I undressed to get in the shower and looked at myself in the mirror and was like, "what the heck is going on with my body?"<br />
<br />
I ran four times a week, but jeans I wore two weeks ago were all of a sudden too small. Shirts that I considered my "big clothes" were now tight. I had gained weight since I fell down the stairs and hurt my shoulder in November and then broke my hand in December. I had gained at least 14 pounds, but I had started running again and it should have been making me smaller, but I just kept getting bigger.<br />
<br />
I googled thyroid problems. I googled per-menopausal. Something was definitely up with my body.<br />
I was going to bed in the nine o'clock hour if I could, and I was depressed about it. "So, this is what it's like to get old?" I thought to myself. I'd walk past John on the couch at night and he'd ask where I was going. "To bed," I'd reply "I told you I was exhausted." Falling asleep within moments of my head hitting my pillow. I was struggling to stay awake to and from my job during my 45 minute drives, actually falling asleep once and steering off into another lane. Scary. Heart stopping. Luckily, cars were traveling at a safe distance and changed lanes. Here's the thing. I consider myself a long haul truck driver, I'll take the night shift on road trips and drive through the night. However, not anymore. I was always exhausted. I brushed it off to being on a new schedule with my new job. <br />
<br />
I had to buy deodorant. My face broke out. Maybe, I was finally hitting puberty at age 36? Maybe that's what a body does when you go through menopause? Your hormones change, right? Because, I never really had acne, and I never needed to wear deodorant except when I was pregnant. And, I knew I wasn't pregnant. I mean, I had so many x-rays, and they ask if there is a possibility you are pregnant, and I was always like, "nope!" I was having my periods. I mean, kind of. They were super light and short and different. Yep, I must be going through menopause. <br />
<br />
Overall, I just felt... bad. I told my friend about it as we ran (and I couldn't even run normal anymore, I was having to stop and walk a little bit, and running slower) that something was up with my body and we decided I should have some blood work done or something. She encouraged me to schedule an appointment. <br />
<br />
A few days later while we were running again, I was lamenting that I didn't know what the heck was up with my body?! I joked, "maybe I'm pregnant or something." They looked at me with their eyes opened wide in surprise, and I was like, "I'm totally not, just kidding."<br />
<br />
Then as I ran, I was thinking about it and was like, "Am I?" Then my friend ran back to me and said, "I think you're pregnant."<br />
<br />
"What?!!?!?!?!" I couldn't be pregnant. I know my body, and John and I are really careful, and I just couldn't be pregnant. But, in my mind I was thinking if I'm pregnant that would explain a lot of things... She said she had a test at home and I could pick it up.<br />
<br />
I picked it up and I was planning to take it the next morning when I woke up, but forgot and took it around lunch time when I got home from work.<br />
<br />
Not even kidding, I took it thinking I wasn't going to be pregnant, I mean I had my periods! I put the stick on the edge of the counter, walked away to do some things, came back to check it and it said, 'Pregnant.'<br />
<br />
I could not even believe it. I had been too busy to realize I was pregnant! When did this even happen? How far along was I? I was in total shock and I had so much work to get done, but couldn't even think straight. I texted John a picture of the pregnancy test saying Happy Birthday! It was his 40th birthday. He said, 'ha ha that's funny,' but I told him this was not a joke. Maybe God's joke. We went out to dinner with friends that night to celebrate John's birthday and it was so hard to be normal when on the inside I was totally, kinda, freaking out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />the present pantryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01246949544383862352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-50770815465629400772017-02-23T13:03:00.001-05:002017-02-23T13:03:46.764-05:00Does somebody need a hug?Oh my word I haven't been on here in so long and there are so many unpublished, half finished journal entries! (Enter eyes wide open emoji here)<br />
<br />
Last night, I was downstairs listening to a yelling match between Jonah and John upstairs (mostly Jonah yelling, John's voice was just frustrated/elevated). I was trying to stay sane in my brain while listening <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Cue 2017 Motto: #staysaneseventeen) </span>and a thought literally breezed through my brain quietly and slowly "he just needs a hug." I thought about ignoring it because I was pretty annoyed about the whole thing, but I put down my phone. Climbed the stairs. Sat on Jonah's floor and told him to climb down the ladder (he sleeps on the top bunk). I mean he was hysterically yelling, crying very hard, red face, out of control. He looked at me, climbed down the ladder, I opened my arms and he fell into them. Immediately, I mean, Immediately! he was fine. I just sat there and hugged him, no one saying a word. In that silence, I remembered, this boy just needs hugs. If he's freaking out about something, he just needs a hug. It's his miracle drug. Eventually, I pulled him away so I could look into his eyes and I reminded him of the original problem, and how he got to the point he was in, and he was calm and he agreed, we hugged a few moments more and then I told him to go to bed and he climbed up in bed without a further peep. <br />
<br />
Oh my goodness, as parents John and I get so frustrated and the frustration leads to exasperation which leads to yelling, and we are so tired sometimes we forget what actually works with each individual kid. Because heavens knows it isn't the same with every one. I remember when I was in Hawaii John called me to report the days happenings and he was telling me something about Jonah freaking out and I remember I was so mad at John over the phone because I knew that all Jonah needed was a hug and that situation would have been totally different. One of the few times I felt guilty (maybe just felt bad...) while traveling away from my kids.<br />
<br />
I know someone that when one of her kids is acting moody and upset, she licks her kid on the face and all is fine again!<br />
<br />
Sometimes in the middle of a tantrum they just need a hug... or a lick on the face! the present pantryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01246949544383862352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-4046324827805657532014-09-24T08:19:00.002-04:002014-09-24T08:19:50.083-04:00One up<i><span style="font-size: large;">written February 15, 2013</span></i><br />
<br />
Last night, while I sat on the couch feeding Everett, John was working on some kind of Valentine surprise upstairs in our bedroom. I woke up still sitting on the couch holding Everett almost three hours later. <br />
<br />
"John?" I quietly yell from the couch <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I know that's an oxy moron, but if you have/had babies you know what I mean)</span>. I thought he had fallen asleep or something. <br />
<br />
"I thought we were going to watch that movie? Now you will just fall asleep because it's so late!" <br />
<br />
He came down about five minutes later.<br />
<br />
I honestly thought he went upstairs to finish writing his Valentine card to me or something, but when I woke up and realized he'd been up there so long I thought he must have been cleaning our bedroom, or changing the sheets (which have a ton of baby spit up on them) or something.<br />
<br />
He had taken the day off of work and that is what I had hoped would happen, my Valentine dream gift; I would be able to finally get my room clean. So, I was very excited at the prospect of having a clean room! <br />
<br />
However, when I entered my room at 2:30 in the morning, I was greeted by the same pile of clothes on the bed, the same sheets, and the same pile of books to step over. To say I wasn't disappointed would be a big fat lie. <br />
<br />
I stood in the doorway of our room kind of shocked, "What in the world was he doing up here all that time?" I thought to myself. I turn to go in the bathroom and I see this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFMYHHxQlWFpbkC5-48HgUEGMcrpvgmnDxqoLGSVNQm4BewiA_IYDUoJNYiYue-45vQyA1gPEGNmqjpb0OYZZy2k95yUx6UZ8CNSz9xvGd97-p0hVi-scphtEmn5f-nY31cXDxpsR4EI/s1600/DSC_0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFMYHHxQlWFpbkC5-48HgUEGMcrpvgmnDxqoLGSVNQm4BewiA_IYDUoJNYiYue-45vQyA1gPEGNmqjpb0OYZZy2k95yUx6UZ8CNSz9xvGd97-p0hVi-scphtEmn5f-nY31cXDxpsR4EI/s640/DSC_0545.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twelve years ago we first met, Little did I know my life was set, My shirt had some holes, You thought you had too many moles, I've put on some weight and money is thin, But you still have a cute butt chin, Ups and downs, Laughter and some frowns, I guess what I am saying in this letter, Is I love you, You make my life better.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Don't shoot me, but honestly, I was a little disappointed. I was so looking forward to my clean room, or partially cleaned room, or at least my changed sheets, when none of those things happened I was disappointed. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I'm telling you great expectations are our biggest downfall in life.)</span><br />
<br />
I got in bed to nurse Everett and sarcastically told John, "Happy Valentine's Day, I'm so glad we were able to spend the evening together..." I could not believe he had "wasted" at least three hours doing that! "I didn't know it would take me that long..." he replied. I guess those little foam sticky letters were harder to use than he thought.<br />
<br />
This morning when I got out of bed, I re-read his little note on the door. It actually really was sweet, and I felt a little bit bad for giving him a hard time, and all of a sudden a thought popped in my head I had heard years ago, "Spend your marriage trying to one up each other."<br />
<br />
That thought stuck with me while I got Trevan ready for school, packed his lunch, and waited outside for the bus with him. I looked at John's car frosted over and I got my idea! <br />
<br />
While John showered, I did this:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vJMx3Jzr6zZmvOr-GfxnwnqU_l6KnCjEoyY_ehktHit5he2LEN78XZrLCKpe3jwKRi00YWpSJ8vzoxWUDQGO1w81EqShzJKQDoX6R-l5Ku1i0b8UEcrYoszV_c5vyw9MPsMkzyZ28N0/s1600/DSC_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vJMx3Jzr6zZmvOr-GfxnwnqU_l6KnCjEoyY_ehktHit5he2LEN78XZrLCKpe3jwKRi00YWpSJ8vzoxWUDQGO1w81EqShzJKQDoX6R-l5Ku1i0b8UEcrYoszV_c5vyw9MPsMkzyZ28N0/s640/DSC_0361.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxVzJiXTO232Areritb3K8zaY8O5ri6Bwr-1FF8hiWqPLhbBB8xpOYx4BK6rVaT3ImfRiZs96nK0bI107woMxVoSV86JL_joKUwfttQ5eGoXf9GDudQ1Jf2diXd4r5oNZP2Ahk6D8vuw/s1600/DSC_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxVzJiXTO232Areritb3K8zaY8O5ri6Bwr-1FF8hiWqPLhbBB8xpOYx4BK6rVaT3ImfRiZs96nK0bI107woMxVoSV86JL_joKUwfttQ5eGoXf9GDudQ1Jf2diXd4r5oNZP2Ahk6D8vuw/s640/DSC_0362.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see where I had just started to scrape the windows regularly, then got the heart idea... Ha!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKH2ENgVanEBYWvL0YaHuCj88b3F0ImDp01HUYOOSMZzxi3Rgy6BqW8Plg81Pblfgs4C-xaYUvkMTvDpk3V3Tf5T1KNFn8Bbrd40Ntgbrb3KFZZiCGaeXsL6MCcWVZMiaweHAnCDdD58/s1600/DSC_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKH2ENgVanEBYWvL0YaHuCj88b3F0ImDp01HUYOOSMZzxi3Rgy6BqW8Plg81Pblfgs4C-xaYUvkMTvDpk3V3Tf5T1KNFn8Bbrd40Ntgbrb3KFZZiCGaeXsL6MCcWVZMiaweHAnCDdD58/s640/DSC_0363.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When he left for work, I ran upstairs and watched with anticipation out of the window so I could see his expression. At first, I don't think he noticed it, then he started the car, came out and started scraping the windows. "What!? He's embarrassed to drive to work with the hearts on the car!" I thought... Not the reaction I had hoped for. I watched him scrape away all the hearts except the one in the rear window. Right before he got back in the car to leave, he happened to look up and saw me. He got that squinty smile on his face and blew me a kiss.<br />
<br />
I know why someone said to try and one up each other, because obviously, if you spend your time thinking about the other person and how you can make them happy of course a marriage is going to turn out all right.<br />
<br />
For me, it's the little things that matter. I don't need a man to bring me flowers, I need a man that will clean up my work spread across the living room floor when I take a "five minute break" and fall asleep on the couch at midnight. <br />
<br />
Just like when we were dating, I woke my roommate up early to walk across the street with me to put fruit snacks and a little note on John's car so he would get a surprise on his way to work that morning. It's always nice to know someone thought about you and took a little time out to do something nice for you. <br />
<br />
Sometimes I'm not the happiest with John, I mean two people that live together can't get along ALL THE TIME or agree on everything right? There may have been a "few" times in the evenings where I have been upset with John, but not upset enough to not put my legs in his lap for him to rub my feet. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I know, right? He's a good man to still rub my feet and legs when he knows I'm upset at him...)</span> Maybe that's his way of one-upping me... So, it's likely he'll always be ahead in this little game. <br />
<br />
But, it's true. How insightful that couple was who gave that talk on marriage and how they spend their marriage trying to one up the other? You should challenge your spouse to this little game...the present pantryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01246949544383862352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-71443278692894918282014-09-22T18:12:00.003-04:002014-09-22T18:17:48.441-04:00Dear Mallary,<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Someday when you’re older you’ll ask me what you were like
as a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of telling you, I’ll
come for a visit and show you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First thing upon arrival, I’ll probably go around to all
your dressers, cabinets, end tables, and shelves and twist off all of the pulls
and put them in random places for you to find later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll love it when you go to pull open a
drawer and there’s no knob to do it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trust me, it is so awesome!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, when I’m done with that project I’ll move to the
next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll go through your closet and
find any fabric belts or ribbons and after I try to jump rope with all of them,
I’ll start tying them on all the door knobs and any drawer pulls that I decided
to leave in their original places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
only will I tie them around the door knobs, but I’ll put knots all down the
ribbons just for the fun of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will
be fun when you go to put on a dress, like I did yesterday, and had to untie
five hundred knots out of the belt. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I’ve successfully rid your closet of any such belts,
I’ll find some crayons and get to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I may even pack crayons to bring to your house just to make sure I have
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll make sure I pack the right
crayons to coordinate with your wall colors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You know, to make sure the crayons are a dark enough color to show up on
your walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Red crayons look really good
on yellow walls. (Oh, right, you already know that…)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After making big circles, I’ll make sure to
sign my name so that you’ll remember that I’m the one to make such pretty
pictures on your walls. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll also make sure to never flush the toilet while I’m there
and to fill it full of toilet paper. Because, you know how it totally takes a
whole roll to wipe your bum when you go to the bathroom? While I’m in the
bathroom, I’ll make sure to blow my nose five times on five different wadded up
pieces of toilet paper and make sure to scatter them around your house after
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I’ll make sure to leave my
dirty underwear in the floor of your bathroom to step over when you go to get
in the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> While I'm in the bathroom, I'll dump out all of your shampoo and conditioner too. I hope it's a super expensive kind too! Like, a kind you saved your money to buy, or like the one thing you splurged on yourself from your tax return.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next morning, after waking you up super early because
I’ll probably be really loud, (and if you have children, I’ll make sure to wake
them up too), I’ll head to your kitchen and pour myself a big bowl of cereal
with milk to the top of the bowl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
I’ll only eat a fourth of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because,
I’ll probably be full...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll also pour
myself a tall glass of milk and drink a sip out of it for good measure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After that, I’ll have you help me pick out an outfit to wear
so we can go shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty picky,
so it will take us a while to pick out something cute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I will come downstairs wearing
something completely different than what you picked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like, I’m thinking leggings, furry boots, and
a mismatched top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the middle of the
summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you better believe that I
won’t be brushing my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No way! Don’t
be embarrassed though.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While we are at the store, I’m going to only walk on the
green, blue, white, or black tiles (depending on what the color of the floor is
in the store), so you’ll probably have to apologize to every shopper we walk by
because I almost run into them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll
probably tell me to come walk behind or in front of you, but I won’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, when we get home, I’ll take a break while you make
dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you talk to me, I’ll probably
just ignore you or even roll my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’ll get used to it though, don’t worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you have kids, because while you make
dinner I can entertain them by chasing them around the island in your
kitchen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The squealing and shrieking
will be a big help while you make dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trust me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can even help your kids do their homework!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just kidding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m going to tell them not to do it, to refuse to do it, or even throw a
tantrum when you ask them to do it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
includes reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty sure that
will earn me the title of Grandma of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, sometime during the day I will also try on all of your
shoes and walk around in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I
will hide them in random places so that when you go to wear them they won’t be
there, and you have to choose another pair to wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really is one of my favoritest things, and
I know it will be yours too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I’m
in your room I’ll also go through your make up and try on all of your lipstick
and lip gloss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll wipe off each one on
one of your shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t worry though;
they come off if you scrub them with Dawn dish detergent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be sure to pack your favorites in my
purse and take them home with me too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll also be sure to hide out in your pantry and eat all the
treats you have and leave the wrappers on the floor for you to pick up
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe I’ll throw some in the
corner of the bathroom for good measure as well – just to mix it up a bit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I mean, I could even dump my cereal bowl on the floor, or
sit under your kitchen table and unscrew all the bolts, or drink milk from my
cup and spit it out on all of your floors like you did when you were a little
younger, but I’ll try to refrain, because that would just be mean.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow, that sounds like it will be an exhausting visit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For you, not me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’ll probably never be so excited for a house guest to
leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do feel sorry for your husband
if you’re married though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, I
think I’ll send him on an all-expenses paid vacation while I’m at your house,
and when he gets back and you tell him about all the things I did – he won’t
believe you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh my goodness, this will be so fun!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mom</div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-69962807950450544252014-07-08T08:39:00.001-04:002014-07-08T08:39:06.602-04:00Another Unpublished Post5/30/13 <br />
<br />
1. The Big E rolled over on Saturday for the first time. He kept doing it over and over. It seems too early. I would have preferred him not do that for a few more months... He also discovered his toes a few weeks ago which he loves. He has also decided that sleeping is overrated! What?!?!?!? He's like, "Who has time to sleep when I can roll over, put my thumb in my mouth, talk a lot, or nurse from mom?!? I don't have time for sleep!" John laughs and says, "I wonder where he gets that from?" Guilty, I guess. Let's just hope E reverts back to his old ways soon... Homeboy has gone from nursing for 5-8 minutes to me cutting him off when it's been close to a half hour! That is not how I roll. He just wants to snuggle and not snuggle with a paci in his mouth, no thank you. I'm not sure when he turned over this new leaf, but he just needs to turn it right back over. <br />
<br />
2. Last night I asked John what was something that bothers him about me. He thought for a moment, and said, "that you have to try a new recipe for dinner every night." I mean, don't get me wrong I know I'm pretty spoiled to eat a different country every night, but I think you should just stick to a rotation of some sorts where we have baked ziti one night, chicken another night, etc. He's so weird.<br />
<br />
3. John came home from scouts the other night with a can of Spam. "This is Trevan's," he said. He tried it tonight and liked it. "WHAT????" Shouldn't parents have to sign some kind of waiver or consent forms for their children to eat that stuff? Trevan came home from school the next day and had more of the Spam for his after school snack. I almost threw up. It smells like pet food. Also, a reason we have no pets. I had cooked Spam in Hawaii and swallowed it down, but in my own house? Trevan then informed me that he also tried potted meat and liked that too! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Vomit) </span> Says the boy who won't eat ketchup... Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-46149341299729909952014-07-07T08:53:00.001-04:002014-07-07T08:53:57.489-04:00You're Doing a Good Job, Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
So, I've been going through some old unpublished posts and came across this hodge podge... <br />
<br />
12/3/13<br />
<br />
Last night, I figured it out -<br />
<br />
I was meant to be a mother...<br />
<br />
a mother to babies only!<br />
<br />
As I held my sleeping Everett early last night, I was trying to figure out if I could just have babies and raise them until they are almost two and then give them to someone else to raise?<br />
<br />
I love babies, and I think I'm good at being a mom to babies. I like to think that I rock the baby stage, kick butt, take names, the whole bit. I figured out I just have a sixth sense when it comes to babies, and I did even as a younger girl.<br />
<br />
For nine years I have heard 'what easy babies I have, does he/she ever cry, your babies are just so content, with everyone commenting that the newest baby seemed easier than the previous!'<br />
<br />
John and I were easy babies (so, we've been told) and I just figured we got some good baby genes that passed on to our babies. But, you know what? I've finally decided I'm going to take some credit. I'm good with babies, I know what they need, their needs are met, so why would they cry or be fussy? I'm just going to pat myself on the back for a mere second <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and thank my lucky stars that I didn't get a colicky baby) </span>before I beat myself up in the next sentence. <br />
<br />
However, I am a horrible mother to 3 year olds and on. Or maybe just having multiple children older than three? Who knows? Either way, I stink at it. You guys, I just really don't think I can do it. I constantly feel like I'm failing. I can't figure out how to motivate my kids or anything. I feel like I'm in a constant battle ALL DAY LONG. And, I don't even have teenagers! A friend posted this quote on Facebook today:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/1461018_594777347260310_1685919850_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo" border="0" class="scaledImageFitWidth img" height="504" src="https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/1461018_594777347260310_1685919850_n.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
<br />
I wanted to put in the comments, Yes, and it's true, but lately it's more like,<br />
<br />
"Have you ever looked at your kids and had your heart filled with so much anger and frustration that it brought tears to your eyes???"<br />
<br />
I have and it is horrible.<br />
<br />
AND I DON'T EVEN HAVE TEENAGERS!!!! Sometimes the future seems very bleak...<br />
<br />
If someone puts count your blessings in the comments, we can't be friends anymore. (Even if it's something that someone should do, you shouldn't say it because you are not acknowledging a person's struggle)<br />
<br />
<i>Today, 12/20/13</i><br />
<br />
I was shopping the other day with a very tired Jonah. He was seriously at his borderline crazy/cranky need to be asleep point. I was dealing with it, trying to get what I went for and make him last the five more minutes I needed when a lady behind me said, "You're doing a good job, mom."<br />
<br />
It kinda snapped me out of my own little world for a minute, but I realized some of these shoppers had been listening to us go up and down the aisles for the last ten minutes... (Poor people) But, I replayed the last ten minutes in my head, and I was like, "Yeah, you're right I am doing a good job. For right now... Maybe not this morning or yesterday afternoon, but right now I'm totally rocking it."<br />
<br />
There are five hundred times a day I feel like a bad mom. <i> It was nice for once to think, you're right I am doing an okay job.</i><br />
<br />
<i>7/7/2014</i><br />
<br />
And, maybe that's what we just need to celebrate - those moments when we are totally rocking it. <i> </i>Lately, it seems far and few between. But, I've never been a parent to four kids before. I've never had an almost 10 year old before that is hard to figure out. I've never had a lying six year old before, or a four year old that loses his mind when he's exhausted, or an 18 month old that wants to stay hooked to my arms (or legs) at every second possible. We're all doing the best we can. And, sometimes we aren't doing our best; sometimes we're tired and just can't think of something to say to our child driving us bananas, so we sigh a huge sigh, throw our hands in the air, or hit the wall or something. Our tendency, (my tendency?) is to beat myself up for not being or doing better. Agh! I just need to get over it, and pat myself on the back the next time I rock it. <i> </i><br />
<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-19470421875839308772014-07-06T23:52:00.002-04:002014-07-06T23:52:52.074-04:00Midnight Musings<br />
1. Painstakingly, finding red, white, and blue outfits for the fourth of July, and everyone changing into their swimsuits before you can even take a picture to document the happy patriotic family.<br />
<br />
2. Doing your daughter's hair totally cute (which is a big deal, because she rarely lets you), and you don't get a picture to capture it. Instead, you have fifty pictures of a child who looks homeless a lot.<br />
<br />
3. My 18 month old baby goes to church barefoot. Barefoot... He can walk. He has shoes. For some reason, they don't make it to his feet?<br />
<br />
4. Speaking of shoes... Why is there only one mate to all of my children's shoes in the right place? We have some order here. Definitely for shoes. There are two places the shoes go. Legitimate places. Some even LABELED! With their names! Why aren't they there??? I find shoes in the most random places. Mallary, should your shoes be in your basket that has all of your doll toys in them? No. No, they should not. <br />
<br />
5. Why is it that people only come to your house when it's messy? How come never when I actually get it spotless? (5% of the time, so I get it that the odds are not in my favor...)<br />
<br />
6. Did you know that the average family has three or four strollers? It's true. I have five. I almost bought a jogging stroller, then I would have had six. You just need different strollers for different occasions. You do. But, it does seem a bit excessive. One of my strollers was so dirty and beat up. I was telling someone it was kind of embarrassing taking it into nice places. Someone overheard and said, "You should look at the scuffs and dirt on your stroller and be proud! It shows you go places, you do things, that your babies haven't just sat at home their whole lives!" She made me feel so good about that turning it around to look at that way! It's true, that stroller had been across the country multiple times, it had been to lakes and beaches and mountains. It had been strawberry picking, and blueberry picking, and blackberry picking, and peach picking. It had been to parks and malls and fairs. It was well used! I did get a new one anyway, but the well loved one is now used exclusively for dirty jobs like strawberry picking and camping and such! <br />
<br />
7. Speaking of dirty jobs, I need to clean my kitchen. Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-67987072333464878072014-05-15T19:46:00.000-04:002014-05-15T19:47:11.745-04:0022 Questions<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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My friend, <a href="http://jenfromtheblock.com/">Jen</a>, tagged me to answer 11 questions from her blog. Well, I'm an overachiever and decided to answer the ones she answered plus the ones she gave me. Also, I'm a procrastinator procrastinating the work that is waiting for me on the other screen... But, these are fun because I think our kids will love reading these someday! <br />
<br />
1. What is your favorite type of cheese?<br />
Fondue!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cheeseballs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Macaroni and Cheese!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would this world be like without
cheese??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heaven forbid!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gourmet:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fontina, Everyday: Pepperjack, On a burger: Pimento Cheese<br />
<br />
2. What are you excited about?<br />
Summer is almost here!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
everything about it!<br />
<br />
3. How did you celebrate your last birthday?<br />
Did I???<br />
<br />
4. What is on your bedside table?<br />
What isn’t on my bedside table?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately… you’ll find clothes that need
to be packed away, clothes that need to be repaired, new pillows waiting to
have their tags taken off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, the lamp
you say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s on the ground…<br />
<br />
5. What do you order from the movie theater concession stand?<br />
I’m a sucker for popcorn with LOTS of butter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, now that I’m an old person, it makes me sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
6. Do you have a garden? What’s growing?<br />
I have two raised beds at my house and two raised beds at a community
garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goods:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Butternut squash, zuchinni, yellow squash,
sweet potatoes, medium tomatoes, red potatoes (they look fabulous by the way! I
am so excited!), onions, kale, broccoli, cantaloupe, green peppers, red
peppers, jalapenos, brandywine tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, basil, flat
leaf parsley, and there are a few spots for a few more things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m also going to plant some stuff at my dads house; pumpkins and
other assorted squash from seeds I sat aside from <a href="http://cook-create-consume.blogspot.com/2013/11/homemade-pumpkin-puree.html">THESE</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Hoping for a successful crop!!</span><br />
<br />
7. Any summer plans?<br />
Always!!<br />
<br />
8. Which TV couple(s) are you rooting for?<br />
Jack and Emily (Revenge) Not a couple yet…<br />
<br />
9. What’s the last thing you bought?<br />
Lawn building soil<br />
<br />
10. What’s one thing you are passionate about?<br />
Good food!<br />
<br />
11. What are you grateful for this week?<br />
Snuggle time with the babies<br />
<br />
12. A is for aggravation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My kids sometimes…<br />
<br />
13. What did you eat for breakfast? What do you wish you had eaten for
breakfast?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I even eat breakfast
today???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any protein or a smoothie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
14. How do you take your coffee?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Down my shirt is the only way apparently. My grandpa tried to get me to drink some and then in the process of kidding around he dumped his mug full all over my brand new white shirt.<br />
<br />
15. What’s the last book you read? The Pout Pout Fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t remember the last book I read for
myself, but I’m going to download 12 years a slave tonight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks for the reminder!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
16. How would you characterize your decorating style?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmm… A little bit modern, a little bit
traditional, sometimes too matchy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I love bright colors and I love white. </span>It’s a bit tricky, because
my house is full of things I don’t love, but they were things we could
afford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bummer summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
17. What’s one blog or website that you never miss reading?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, there are barely a handful anymore,
and Jen’s is one of them!<br />
<br />
18. What’s your go-to meal to prepare when you’re having people over for
dinner? I can’t think of a go to meal when we have people over because I’m
probably attempting something new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
my go to meal to take someone who had a baby, sick, funeral, etc. is Shepherds
Pie.<br />
<br />
19. You are granted three wishes. What are they?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Enough money to achieve our dreams sooner than later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That my children and family will always be happy and healthy and
positive contributors in society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.
That no one had to deal with allergies.<br />
<br />
20. If you had to give up salt or sugar for the rest of your life, which could
you live without?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Salt – easily. Is this
a trick question? <br />
<br />
21. What is the weirdest thing you believed as a kid? Kids believe all kinds of crazy things! Looking back, I think a weird thing is that I thought my parents knew everything. Now what I think is a weird thing is when grown adults can't form their own opinions but have to refer to their parents. "Well, my (mom or dad) said it, so it must be so!" Ugh. <br />
<br />
22. End of the world scenario – which do you prefer: vampires or zombies? Why?
Hmm…Neither… but if I had to choose – Vampires seem more peaceful and attractive?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zombies are just too gross.<br />
<br />
I would tag someone else, but Sarah already did it, and I think most people that read my blog don't blog anymore!! (Come on you guys! Blog again! I need more ways to procrastinate!!!) <br />
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<![endif]-->Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-84631072110426324872013-12-17T04:55:00.000-05:002013-12-17T05:06:47.493-05:00Are you tired? Are you a mother? It's a family joke. We'd walk into the living room with the sun's rays streaming into it and see a familiar scene. Our mother would be sitting there - head slightly bowed, her chin trying to reach her chest, holding her scriptures in her hands on her lap. Her eyes would most definitely be closed. Sometimes she would wake up upon our arrival in the room. She would grin and tell us she was reading her scriptures. Even as an adult when I would call home and I'd ask what she was doing, if she responded that she was reading her scriptures I would say, "You mean, taking a nap?"<br />
<br />
I get it now. Motherhood is exhausting. <i>Exxxhauuuustiiiing</i>...<br />
<br />
I'm not even talking about the staying up at night with babies exhausting - you guys, it gets more exhausting than that. For real.<br />
<br />
<i>"What??!!"</i> I know you are thinking that in your head, but it's true. <br />
<br />
The emotional and and mental exhaustion is worse I think. Then, add that to the physical exhaustion of just doing the regular things like working, running a house hold, making dinner, laundry, running non-stop from sport practice, swimming, scouts, trying to have some kind of relationship with your husband and your friends, church responsibilities, or whatever.<br />
<br />
Then, add to that, battling your daughter to brush her hair, or to do her homework, or for your kids to clean up their rooms, or to stop bothering each other, or to pick up their messes, or to remind your son for the five hundredth time to do something, or trying to understand why your son doesn't want to try his best, or figuring out what the heck a teacher is talking about, or trying to find that library book that is overdue, or trying to keep your kids from getting hit by a car in a parking lot, or signing the loads of papers that come home from school, or trying to keep your kids from looking like wild animals in the grocery store, or why you keep getting notes home that a child has lunch charges when they pack their lunch, or telling your child to put all the cushions back on the couch, or OH MY GOODNESS, WILL YOU PLEASE STOP PICKING ON YOUR BROTHER!!!!!!<br />
<br />
Then my head explodes, and it's no wonder that by nine o'clock in the evening I am asleep on the couch. You guys nine in the evening is my new one o'clock in the morning! I'm supposed to be working at nine in the evening... I guess four kids is my magic number where I feel like I can't accomplish anything else but staying alive and keeping my family alive. Not always with their hair combed or brushed, but alive.<br />
<br />
I hear it doesn't get any easier with teenagers either, just a different set of issues. Then, last week a "mature" lady in the store was sitting while her daughter shopped and started asking me about my kids, then she told me that a mother's job is the hardest job in the world and one that you can never retire from. (I was already pretty tired that day and that thought just made me more tired.) She said, you hurt when they hurt, you're happy when their happy, it's the hardest job, but the best job. <br />
<br />
I remember my first assignment at my first internship for my college degree. I was given an assignment, a folder, and a desk. You guys, I sat at that desk, opened the folder, put my head in my hands and wanted to cry. It was so overwhelming! I had no idea where to start or what exactly to do. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(It was planning a dinner cruise for the seniors in the community - I laugh now because I could rock that planning in no time!)</span> I felt like my mind was blank and I couldn't even wrap it around how to even begin, I felt so under qualified. <br />
<br />
Oh, hi. That's what motherhood feels like sometimes. Most of the time? 99% of the time? I feel like John and I are always trying to figure out a new way, a better way, a different way to approach one thousand different things. Try figuring out what makes your kids tick - oh, you think you have it figured out - then it changes or doesn't work anymore. Think of something that really annoys you about your husband... I've found that it gets to a point that you have these things about your kids that really annoy you. You have more than one kid? You have more things annoying you! Just like I can't change my husband and force him to be on time, I can't change that one (or more!) thing(s) about my child either! Oh, the emotional exhaustion!!! Oh the patience I have to try and muster!<br />
<br />
I've started to pray to ask for a huge dose of patience and a huge dose of kindness. It's sad to admit but sometimes those things that annoy me make me become not very kind. When I act or speak unkind to my children it makes me feel like a horrible person - bring on more emotional exhaustion. <br />
<br />
My kids will eventually pick up that when I get into that super nice, quiet voice, "Will you please go get your shoes and socks on?" that I'm about to lose my mind and I'm trying to keep it together, so they'll listen because I'm being nice, right? Wrong. I just realized this morning that I think when Mallary hears that voice she's thinking, "Oh, mom's getting ready to lose it, let's see if she can keep it together while I continue not listening to her for the next ten minutes!" <br />
<br />
Sometimes, I think back to my child honeymoon. What's that you ask? The days where it was just Trevan and I and we'd spend our days shopping, or taking naps on the couch, or watching Ellen, or how he would get to play in the bathtub almost every night. It seems like such a different world, I wish I have really appreciated and enjoyed it more. I did, but compared to now, I can really look back and appreciate how wonderful it really was! Hindsight is always clearer I guess... <br />
<br />
One evening a few weeks ago, I realized I had been on my feet all day, non stop, except to stop and nurse Everett. I was exhausted, but still had some errands I wanted to run. First stop was the library, to return a book I had had found in our yard sale box that had been in our house for eight months. It was supposed to be like an eight dollar fee. ($21 if I never returned the book) I'm standing at the book counter trying to wrangle all four of my children (though Jonah should count for three extra children in public), I couldn't find my library card (oh yeah, it was on my key chain, duh!), I had kids complaining that they wanted to hold their movie or their book, I felt pretty frazzled. I had cash in my hands ready to pay my fine, and the library clerk said, "Oh, don't worry about it, I took care of it for you." I looked at her, we shared this eye contact for a moment as if she was saying to me, "I've been there. You'll make it. Let me do something nice for you." I thanked her multiple times and I really wanted to cry. <br />
<br />
Then, I headed to the grocery store. (I know, I was a glutton for punishment that day I guess...) Oh my goodness the kids were pretty crazy. Sometimes, while shopping with my kids there are moments that you feel that people are just staring at you, judging how you parent, etc, and oh well, but it adds to my impatience in the grocery store. So, I checkout and get to the van, the kids climb in and a lady came up to me who I had passed in the store a few times and asked if she could help me load the groceries and take the cart. I thanked her and told her not to worry about it, and she said, "Are you sure? I'd love to help. I've been there, I know how it is." <br />
<br />
Sometimes people are sooo kind! I was so tired that evening but just having those experiences with those two kind women lightened my load. I don't know if it's the fact that they validated how I felt about being a mother that day, or what. But, it made me feel better! <br />
<br />
You guys, I'm beat. If parenthood is a game, I'm losing 500 to 3 or some kind of odds like that. Mallary is totally kicking my rear. I think I fall asleep at night mostly out of defeat! Ha!<br />
<br />
But, seriously. I used to tell people it was never too late to call my house. Well, things have changed. I have a new schedule. If you call after 8:30, I'm probably asleep on the couch, most likely with a sleeping Everett in my arms. Nursing him to sleep puts me out too. Last night, I believe John bought me the phone multiple times after I had already fallen asleep. I only remember one of the conversations. (He has a hard time telling people, that I'm asleep for some reason...) So, if you called me last night, you might want to call me again!<br />
<br />
However, if you'd like, you can reach me at four AM. That's my new schedule. I fall asleep early, get up and work early (like 3 AM early), and I'm starting to like it. Call me crazy. It's quiet, I'm awake and alert, I like starting the day feeling like I already was productive! I think it makes me a happier mom in the mornings. However, I miss late night TV <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I know there is Hulu, but ain't nobody got time for that!)</span> and hanging out with my husband. So, we'll see how long it lasts. It's been a big deal for me to finally let go of the fact that I'm not in college anymore and I can't stay up late and watch TV! Though, this motherhood gig lately has kind of forced me to do so.<br />
<br />
Being a mom is tough...<br />
<br />
So, high five to you moms out there! I'm not going to tell you to 'count your blessings,' or say 'they are only little once' like those comments you usually get in the grocery store (though good, not helpful to a mom having a bad day). I'm going to say keep on keepin' on, I feel your pain. We can do it!<br />
<br />
We can... <br />
<br />
Right? Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-64344013582222680202013-11-12T15:10:00.002-05:002013-11-12T15:10:27.683-05:00Thrill Seeker<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">I’m not your run of the mill adrenaline junkie or thrill seeker. I don’t need sky diving or bungee
jumping. As a mother, I try to defy a
different kind of gravity. Umm… there’s only one kind of gravity you say? No... Try showering in the middle of the day
leaving four children unsupervised.
Shocking! Daring! Crazy?!
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">I don’t need to jump out of an airplane; I just jump in the shower! With the door shut even! If I’m really feeling brave I’ll even shave
my legs. If I really want to push the
limits? I linger in the shower enjoying
the hot water and quiet surroundings. (Honestly I’m not often that brave…) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">But, still, take that crazy people in flying squirrel suits! I shower with four children in the house and
no other adult supervising them. Talk
about taking chances… I mean, really, at
the end of my shower I could open the bathroom door to a multitude of
problems… </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">Thankfully, I haven't. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">Only once Trevan knocked on the bathroom door to say my friend, Rachel, was at the front door. I turn off the water grab my towel and dash across the hallway just holding the towel in front of me. Out of the corner of my eye I saw my friend standing inside my house by the front door! Friends, my naked rear was not covered. I apologized for flashing her if I had and she said she didn't see anything, thank goodness. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Side Story: I use the guest bathroom as my shower because in the master bath we have a tub and a separate stand up shower that I was too large to be in when we moved in (I was pregnant) and be able to have the water fall on my head! I just don't like stand up shower stall thingys, so I use the guest room bathroom.)</i></span> </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">Anyhoo... They got in trouble for opening the door! They aren't supposed to even if it's someone they know. </span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: small;">So, I don't need to hike Kilimanjaro to get a major sense of accomplishment, I just have to climb my stairs, take a shower and hopefully find that all is well when I get out. That makes me feel like I did something amazing all by itself!</span></div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-63390941126448986532013-11-11T13:30:00.003-05:002013-11-11T13:30:56.761-05:00Pats on the back never last long...2/21/13<br />
<br />
Hosting/Teaching preschool <br />
Made dinner<br />
Went to THREE stores with FOUR kids<br />
Kept the two youngest of those four asleep through two of the stores (Jonah was woken up after I got him in the van after the second store by a whistle one of the other kids blew!)<br />
12 Loads of laundry done and put away<br />
Made a billion hair bows<br />
Grocery Store<br />
Supply Run to Warehouse <br />
Fed the kids by myself<br />
Put them to bed early by myself<br />
Had the house cleaned when John got home<br />
<br />
Feeling: Nothing more satisfying, I can't be replaced. <br />
<br />
Then to humble me... the next day...<br />
<br />
I fed my kids french fries and cheese grits for lunch. <br />
<br />
And I want to give Jonah back to the Indians...<br />
<br />
<i>(It's days like that first one posted that makes me wonder why I can't get that much done every day?!?!?!?!?!) </i>Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-65573646665913537612013-10-02T11:37:00.002-04:002013-10-02T11:37:54.283-04:00When all else fails...go shopping?I think I'll be taking deep breaths a lot today...<br />
<br />
- Since drop down sided cribs were outlawed what's a mom to do to put down her sleeping baby???? Drop them in the crib, you say? That's right, DROP them in the crib. Then they wake up and rarely go back to sleep! (Who's child is this anyway?!?!) It's ridiculous, and I can't stand it. What are all you shorter people doing???!??!? I keep saying I'm going to get a stool, but I haven't yet... <br />
<br />
- Jonah is hungry ALL DAY LONG. It's getting on my nerves. <br />
<br />
"I'm hungry... I'm hungry... I'm hungry... I'm hungry." <br />
<br />
He had a banana about thirty minutes ago. He told me ten minutes ago he was hungry and wanted another banana....<br />
<br />
AHHHHHH!!!!! <br />
<br />
Not even kidding, he just said it again and my head almost exploded. <br />
<br />
More protein for breakfast you say? Doesn't work. The boy has like five breakfasts. I feel like I am feeding him all day long or telling him, "No, you just ate!" <br />
<br />
- Try letting a baby cry it out in their crib only to have your three year old go open the door constantly, because "He's crying. Mom, he wants you!" Or putting your baby down for a nap only to have your three year old start banging buses together as loud as he possibly can. I tried doing puzzles to keep him quiet, tried to turn on a movie he would like to watch. You're guessing those must not have worked because I'm here venting on my blog.<br />
<br />
- All my kitchen utensils are in the living room... I confiscated the rolling pin when Jonah was swinging it too close to Everett's head. I also confiscated the cheese slicer... for obvious reasons... I choose my battles and all the other battles today seem much greater. However, I hate that I have to wash (or John or Trevan has to) wash all those extra things on days like this. <br />
<br />
- Also, Jonah seems to need to flush the toilet 500 times after he uses the bathroom. And, I'm not talking about the double flush that my husband preaches about to help keep the stink out of the bathroom... My water bill has got to go up for all of these flushes. So, now after every flush I hear my spare change swirling down the toilet. <br />
<br />
- Have I finally gotten the child that my mother said I was??? She said I never (or rarely) took naps. Everett is my first child to wake up at the slightest noises, not transfer well, doesn't sleep in church, take cat naps. I mean, he's still pleasant and not whiny (unless I put him in his crib when he doesn't want to take a nap), but oh my word go to sleep little stinker - mama's got stuff she wants to get done! <br />
<br />
- Bonus! I just pulled a Lego out of Everett's mouth... <br />
<br />
My friends, I believe today is going to be a long day... <br />
<br />
Actually, I think I'm going to go shopping... Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-47720940887573853862013-09-27T09:08:00.000-04:002013-09-27T09:14:48.395-04:00Random...<b>Parenting....</b><br />
<br />
I get those email updates from Graco... Today's was:<br />
<br />
"Welcome to your 9th month of parenthood!"<br />
<br />
Ha!!<br />
<br />
I am actually in my 108th month of parenthood...<br />
<br />
I mean, let's be honest, any parent of a lot of kids could be writing those updates Graco is sending out.<br />
<br />
It's like the piece of paper with what my baby should be doing at nine months that I got at the Doctors office on Tuesday for Everett's 9 month check up. It has all the information on it that was on at least one exam in my child development class in college! (and all the other classes where I had to learn child development too for my first major) It was useful though, I made it into a paper airplane to entertain Jonah while we waited for the Doctor to come in. Then Jonah flew it to its final landing in the trash can.<br />
<br />
What I need is a page of updates on how to get my almost six year old to stop using a whiny voice when she wants something and how to get her to do her homework more willingly!! That is a handout I would read in its entirety! (Oh, wait... I kept a text book from college specifically for that... Time to dust off that sucker!)<br />
<br />
<b>Blogging....</b><br />
<br />
So, only a <b>very few </b>of my friends blog regularly anymore... I don't really read very many bloggers of people I don't know (like 2 or 3). So I have no bloggers to read anymore. Not so sad about that, but I am sad that most of my friends no longer blog!!! <br />
<br />
<b>Listening...</b><br />
<br />
This is what I have been listening to the last few days while cleaning or cooking in the kitchen. This is my friend Becky's friend, who was on The Voice last year.<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5BPmlhcpaSk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<b>Pat on the back....</b><br />
<br />
I just made dinner for tonight! I love having something out of the way that I know needs done later!!<br />
<br />
<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-3661866623081718542013-09-26T08:38:00.003-04:002013-09-26T08:38:57.301-04:002013 To Do List - ReportSo... it turns out 2013 is also the year of car repairs as well - maybe I jinxed myself in my <a href="http://goodmorningholly.blogspot.com/2013/03/2013-to-do-list.html">2013 To Do List Post</a>???? In fact today, the van is getting new brakes... Then our other car needs a new axle and an oil leak repaired... Things that happen when your vehicles reach 140,000 + miles? This year both of our vehicles have gotten new tires. The van got new tie rods, a lock on the sliding door needed fixed ($$$!!), and then something else on both vehicles, but I can't remember what they were!! AAAGHHH!! I could have used that money to do some of the other things on this list...<br />
<br />
Anyway here's my report of where I stand on my to do list... <br />
<br />
1. The beach (AT LEAST TWICE!!)<br />
<i>FOUR TIMES!!! Four different beaches. At least I can say we did something on this list... Two day trips, One weekend Trip, and one full week trip. I honestly just want to move to the beach. A beach that doesn't have hurricanes.... </i><br />
2. The lake<br />
<i>We did go to a lake, just not the lake I was planning to go to... but technically that still counts! Done! </i><br />
3. Resort Campground<br />
<i>Nope, Hopefully next year! </i><br />
4. Charleston, SC in the fall<br />
<i>I wish... This makes me so sad... NEXT YEAR!!!! </i><br />
5. The fair<br />
<i>Yep! 3 days! Jonah actually just asked me this morning when we were going to the fair again! </i> <br />
5. Pay off debt<br />
<i>We did pay off some debt with our tax return, so I guess check? Wah!! </i><br />
6. Make something to enter in the fair<br />
<i>Fail. Next year... </i><br />
7. Make at least one quilt (not counting the ones I sell...)<br />
<i>Not yet... </i><br />
8. Make Mallary some clothes (I have all these clothes to refurbish for her...)<br />
<i>I have started some things... but nothing done yet... </i><br />
9. Finish some of my for fun sewing projects I have taking up space in my workroom.<br />
<i>Nope. </i><br />
10. Finish some house projects (the list for that is way too long to put here...)<br />
<i>Definitely done some house projects... We killed the clover in our yard... I cleaned my workroom (it now needs to be cleaned again...) </i><br />
11.
Use up some fabric (I have 7 - 18 gallon totes of fabric, plus cabinets
in my workroom full of fabric. I feel like a hoarder. My goal is to
get it down to TWO - 18 gallon totes by the end of the year!!)<br />
<i>I am now down to SIX totes... I really don't think I'll get down to 2 before the end of the year... but maybe?????? </i><br />
12. Monthly temple attendance<br />
<i>Check!! Go us! </i><br />
13. Repair my body<br />
<i>I have <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diastasis_recti">diastasis recti</a> - a three finger separation. So, I have no core to support me, so I could really hurt myself... I have actually done some jogging. My main exercise is to suck in my core, hold it, release, repeat... Those big babies... </i><br />
14. Pick strawberries.<br />
<i><a href="http://cook-create-consume.blogspot.com/2013/07/freezing-strawberries-strawberry-jam.html">Check!</a></i><br />
15. Can strawberry lemonade concentrate.<br />
<i><a href="http://cook-create-consume.blogspot.com/2013/07/freezing-strawberries-strawberry-jam.html">Check!</a></i><br />
16. Can strawberry jam - not just freezer jam<br />
<i><a href="http://cook-create-consume.blogspot.com/2013/07/freezing-strawberries-strawberry-jam.html">Check!</a></i><br />
17. Pick and make and can grape juice.<br />
<i><a href="http://cook-create-consume.blogspot.com/2013/09/make-and-bottle-your-own-grape-juice.html">Check! </a></i><br />
18. Grow more basil to make pesto to freeze.<br />
<i>I TOTALLY grew more basil, but unfortunately didn't make as much pesto as I would have liked. But, I guess technically I can still say Check! </i><br />
19. Pick Blackberries - FREEZE MORE!<br />
<i>We picked blackberries. (Technically John did.) But, we didn't pick more than last year. However, I found them on sale already frozen for the same price I pick them for and totally stocked up AND made and canned blackberry jam! Yum!! AND I made raspberry freezer jam too - and that wasn't even on my list!</i><br />
20. Find more cherries to pick... Freeze? Can?<br />
<i>So, I found cherry orchards, but I found them too late in the season... So, I'm looking forward to next year! </i><br />
21. Make and can apple butter<br />
<i>We just did this two weekends ago with my family!! We did it old school style in a big copper kettle over an open fire outdoors. So fun!</i> <br />
22. Host two nice dinner parties like we used to<br />
<i>I was going to do one for my birthday, but I didn't... I did host a house party dinner, but I don't count that as one of our nice dinner parties... Maybe we'll get to this? </i><br />
23. Do better at remembering birthdays and sending notes in the mail<br />
<i>I stink at this. It's so sad. I did remember to get a card to my grandma and to my niece. So that's improvement I guess...</i><br />
24. Catch up on my blogging<br />
<i>Nope! </i>Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-82739862357869479302013-09-23T13:12:00.002-04:002013-09-23T13:12:53.970-04:00Recently...<b>Trevan</b> - I love this kid and he boggles my mind at the same time. I love (or am I embarrassed?) that I never check his homework. Someone asked me how much homework he has a night, and I couldn't tell them. I was like, "Well, he reads for at least 20 minutes every night..." I guess I know he will ask for help if he has a question, because he did that for the first time last Thursday. I have glanced over his shoulder a few times and told him he would have to rewrite whatever it was he was writing because his handwriting was too sloppy. I was getting tired of having to remind him to put away his shoes/lunchbox/backpack every day after school, so I made a chart for him to check after he does it and I haven't had to remind him once since them. Realizing what helps make him tick is one less weight on my shoulder. I'm a chart person too, so I get it. He has been helping me do the dishwasher almost everyday without complaining and without payment. I love him for that!!!!<br />
<br />
<b>Mallary</b> - This girl is going to give us a run for our money... At back to school night you would have thought she was running for student body president running from kid to kid, not wanting to sit with us because she was too busy talking to everyone or saying hi to everyone. She was the queen of the carpet while I sat in her class and I overheard her telling kids what to do and where to go. Hmmm.... I wonder where she got that from?? Her teacher stopped me when I ate lunch with her last week and raved about how much she loved Mallary, what a good listener, helper and wonderful she was, and how she could go on forever talking about her. Not even ten minutes later, the TA in Mallary's class stopped by and said, "I just want you to know I have to refrain from taking your daughter home with me everyday, she is so adorable." She went on and on about her, while I listened dumbfounded. Apparently, she could see it on my face, and said "Well, just be thankful that is how she is at school!" <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Jonah</b> - I love having him home without the two oldest during the day. He loves to tell me not to feed Everett when I'm feeding him. He loves his reading time with Mom everyday. He is potty trained and was a super fast about it. At the beginning of August one day, I literally had no diapers left for him and decided I wouldn't buy anymore either. He had one accident everyday for four days in a row. He pooped in his pants two times. He hasn't peed in his bed once, I thought he had, but he made it out of bed just in time to pee in his pants!! So we had him potty trained with a total of about 8 accidents (to date...), and that included a lot of long drives! Go Jonah!! I never even bought a single pull-up! He was 3 yrs. 4 months! I'm a firm believer in waiting until your kid is ready then you don't have to worry about cleaning up messes. For real, I'm just really lazy and don't want to clean up any messes! We didn't use a little potty or do the let him go naked thing all day. I gave him chocolate chips for peeing (and cheered really REALLY loud - to the point that he started doing it as soon as he got on the potty for a few days) and told him he could play on the DS when he pooped in the potty - and it worked!! But, that first day I had to listen to him whining for me to let him wear a diaper because he just wanted to poop in his diaper. He finally couldn't hold it anymore and the DS was calling his name I guess!! Yay Jonah!!! and thank you for making something in my life easy.<br />
<br />
<b>Everett</b> - Homeboy is 9 months now and about 23 lbs. He has only gained three pounds since he was four months!! He is definitely thinning out. He now has his first tooth (the earliest of any of my kids), and just started cruising (a few side steps holding on to the edge of something) this weekend. We just can't keep that baby down. Unfortunately, all of our traveling and him being sick has now made him think that it is always okay to sleep with mama. So, now we have to work on training him back to sleeping in his crib all night again. He started feeding himself Cheerios (broken in half) last week (AND they were FROSTED!) That just goes to show how much you change as a parent. I would have NEVER given Trevan frosted Cheerios. He probably had them for the first time as a five year old or something (IF THAT!) HA! He also recently started not liking baby food that he has always eaten and then we started giving him a banana in tiny pieces instead and he was down with that. So, our baby is growing up! Fast! Stop it! He is so super smiley and during the day loves to follow Jonah around. He gives you hugs and likes to scratch your arms and his face with his sharp nails!! <br />
<br />
<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-59551499566918412302013-09-10T12:26:00.000-04:002013-09-10T12:26:13.411-04:00Pink is the color of the dayPink - The color of body wash I used at four this morning to wash off the contents of Everett's stomach that ended up soaking me and my clothes. He gagged on his mucous - and let me tell you how nice it was to be covered in snot and milk...<br />
<br />
Pink - The color of the Amoxicillan that I knocked over and spilled in my kitchen. With four kids this is the first time I have had to call to request a refill of a perscription that was filled less than 24 hours ago. Everett has an ear infection...<br />
<br />
Pink - The color of the day in Mallary's class. Her shoes are Converse style covered in pink glitter!<br />
<br />
Pink - The color of the marshmallow pop corn balls I made this morning for Mallary's snack today. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Someday, Mallary, you will do something a little special for your daughter, she will look not excited and unimpressed and you will think to yourself, "Why do I even bother?!?" Then, you will know how I felt this morning. </i></span><br />
<br />
Pink - The color of Ibuprofen Everett gets to enjoy every now and then these past few days. I usually get the dye free stuff, but this was on sale. Everett loves it! He sucks down some and then opens his mouth like a little bird waiting for the next drops! I love it because he is close to being back to his normal happy self 45 minutes after sucking it down! <br />
<br />
Pink - The color of my sister's 40th birthday party I'm planning. Pink is her happy color. I'd say a good 80% of her wardrobe is a shade of bright pink. <span style="font-size: x-small;"> (I'd really say 90%, but I'm being generous) </span>Who said pink parties were just for one year old girls?!?! But, I will say the majority of stuff out there is geared towards those one year old girls. Do you think my sister would wear a pink tutu to her 40th birthday party????<br />
<br />
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-36992261010555312302013-08-29T11:16:00.003-04:002013-08-29T11:16:42.938-04:00Lately....1. Everett is crawling! 8 months. He is also aware that barricades are being built around him to keep him from things like train tracks, and other toys. He is not happy about it.<br />
<br />
2. My mother in law during her recent visit gave Jonah an appropriate nickname, "Blast." Hmmm... It should be written like this I think, "BLAST!!" Fitting for his one speed (full speed ahead) and his loud volume! <br />
<br />
3. Mallary has started school. Apparently, she won't sit next to Trevan on the bus. She's too cool for that I guess. I told her if she doesn't sit next to him she won't be riding the bus. Guess where I saw her sit this morning??? Maybe I should compromise and say across the aisle from him... She is such a stinker and she's only in Kindergarten! <br />
<br />
4. I've decided I need to put some locks on Mallary's dresser. I have organized her drawers SOOOO many times - only to find that her drawers threw up a few hours later all over her room! What is with that?!?!?!?! <br />
<br />
5. I have yet to figure out what motivates my oldest. He is a real piece of work. Obviously, I count my blessings because he is the sweetest of boys. He loves his little Everett and his teacher even gave me an A++++++ as a mom <span style="font-size: x-small;">(after I gave myself an F because I didn't know his bus number)</span> because he was such a good helper and nice kid and student on the first day of school. I wish I could take the credit, but he is an A+ all of his own making. I just can't figure out how to make him want to do his best in all he does. AGH! He is payback I guess for John and I not always doing our best growing up... Why put forth effort when you can get by and do well with barely any?!?!? Curses to the payback karma! <br />
<br />
6. Four kids is... that's right, it leaves me speechless. Some people say three drove them over the edge, but four is mine. I can't even explain... The lady in the check out line the other day was like, "I have four kids too...." I responded, "Do ever feel crazy?" She immediately smiled and seemed to look more relaxed knowing she was in the presence of a mother that understood a feeling she probably never could have imagined she'd ever feel! We bonded in those few seconds. <br />
<br />
7. Summer is gone. It always makes me sad. <br />
<br />
8. I cleaned my work room earlier this summer, it needs to be cleaned again...<br />
<br />
9. The past few weeks have been sprinkled with sleepless nights and nights going to bed at 2, 3, and 4 in the morning... They are catching up to me.... Yawn!!!<br />
<br />
10. I'm hoping to get caught up on blogging and get some of my blog books printed off!!!! One can dream, right????Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-22337145276628351202013-08-20T17:07:00.001-04:002013-08-20T17:07:20.541-04:00Don't look at me!I'm pretty sure my three year old understands that ignorance is bliss....<br />
<br />
Thankfully, Jonah gives me a heads up sometimes when he is doing something he knows is wrong...<br />
<br />
He'll come to me and tell me to stay where I am or he yells from the other room, <br />
<br />
"Mom, don't look at me!" "Don't look at me, Mom!" <br />
<br />
Those words, of course make me look at him and I find him breaking a rule, or about to break a rule. <br />
<br />
Hopefully, he'll do the same thing when he's a teenager! <br />
<br />
"Mom, don't look but I'm taking the car keys and I'm going to sneak out of the house..."<br />
<br />
"Don't look mom, my girlfriend and I are going to be making out down here." <br />
<br />
"Mom, don't look outside, but really, I mowed the lawn!" <br />
<br />
<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-72221125860858805162013-07-16T21:34:00.001-04:002013-07-16T21:34:32.040-04:00Motherhood is...Motherhood is forgiving your children over and over again...<br />
<br />
Forgiving them for picking ALL of your unripe apricots, peaches, and plums off of the tree <br />
the first year they actually produce... Every.... Single... One... <br />
<br />
Forgiving them for picking a pile of BLACKberries from your small blackberry patch while <br />
the berries are still RED... <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I honestly wanted to cry and trust me they had already been </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> educated on what color the berries are supposed to be before you pick them!)</span><br />
<br />
Forgiving them for digging up the flowers in your flower beds... <br />
<br />
Forgive them for picking the blooms off of my Vincas...<br />
<br />
Between the rabbits, squirrels, and my children it's amazing we have anything growing in <br />
our garden and flower beds at all! Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-90567174163009119432013-07-08T08:49:00.001-04:002013-07-08T15:32:31.310-04:00started 6/2/13 finished 7/8/13<br />
Dear Mom, <br />
<br />
There are still lots of times I want to call and talk. I'd tell you about the crazy shenanigans of your grandchildren and how I'm losing my mind. I'd ask you how the heck you raised us without killing us. There are many times I think back now and wonder why you didn't literally wring my neck. For instance, when I pulled down the chandelier from the ceiling in the living room, or when I'd scream at you at the top of my lungs. How you kept from slapping my face I will never know. Jeremy and Jeryl playing sock basketball using the curtain rod as the basket must have been annoying sometimes too. Now, when I think of the few times I saw tears fall down your face because of us being mean or rude or maybe because you didn't know what else to do with us makes me tear up a little bit, because now I can relate to that feeling. I'm sorry. Man, I wish you were here to commiserate with. Like, did you ever think to yourself, "If I have to clean up one more mess today... I might.... lose it? crawl in a hole? lock myself in my room? lock my kids in their room?" <br />
<br />
Mallary would just eat you up if you were here. She would love you! She asks about you sometimes, and I hear her ask Trevan about you. I think Trevan kind of brags to her that he remembers you and she doesn't. Her love language is touch, and she would just love that you would hug her to pieces. She would also do your hair. She has taught herself to braid! Five years old and braiding... maybe she could have even taught you. She is a determined little girl. She's in gymnastics and has taught herself how to do handstands and headstands. She starts in the same swimming class as Trevan tonight too! She is so teachable. It really makes me sad sometimes that she is missing out on that relationship she could have had with you, and having such a great grandma like you.<br />
<br />
Trevan would still crack you up. I just can't figure him out. He still runs around the house like crazy, but doesn't put that same energy into running on the soccer field. One game this year, I was cheering, and all of a sudden I realized I sounded like you cheering for us at all of our games and such. I laughed out loud and told my friend next to me that I was my mother! I wish you could be here so my kids could hear your cheers from the sidelines. "YAY!!" You would still marvel at this kids memory. It kills me. I wonder if you were here if you'd make him practice his handwriting like your mom did to me when I was young?<br />
<br />
Jonah... Mom, he has one speed and one volume; fast and LOUD. Oh my word. Thank goodness he is so cute... If you could just be here to help this kid be potty trained, that would be great! But, he has no interest whatsoever. <br />
<br />
And, Everett... He's delightful. John's son for sure being so chatty and friendly. I've yet to see him make a crusty face - except when I tried to feed him cold applesauce. That would have made you laugh. Mallary still talks about it and how funny it was. <br />
<br />
I wish they could have you in their lives...<br />
<br />
Mom, I have four kids... I feel like I can't get anything done. I guess the fourth does that? You had five... I now understand why it seemed like you were in the kitchen all day! Oh, I have tried so many soup recipes you would love!!!!! <br />
<br />
On another note, I'd also give you props for starting a new trend... how did you know gray was going to be the color to paint your walls? You could tell Jeremy he doesn't know anything when he talks about gray walls being so ugly. I bet he wouldn't say that now. Though the gray has been painted over now. <br />
<br />
Anyway.... <br />
<br />
Wish you were here. <br />
<br />
XOthe present pantryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01246949544383862352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-23502411864390333572013-06-14T20:13:00.001-04:002013-06-14T20:13:56.137-04:00Motherhood is...<br />
Motherhood is being creative...
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFiDGtJTX4bvhCxR1HIFIyWXhUAoKEi9ACDZHbIT2zU4W1wVX535-WpHHJW5vEiJF-25HnlDyDawlmmc22_ysxHG_Jl73ypAH0ZzN-GPfv3mOwSBqdF78i0K6rJctt-ZM-OJaeh8PXog/s1600/DSC_0996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFiDGtJTX4bvhCxR1HIFIyWXhUAoKEi9ACDZHbIT2zU4W1wVX535-WpHHJW5vEiJF-25HnlDyDawlmmc22_ysxHG_Jl73ypAH0ZzN-GPfv3mOwSBqdF78i0K6rJctt-ZM-OJaeh8PXog/s640/DSC_0996.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
Maybe they should just include rope (or ribbon...), duct tape, and packing tape with the purchase of a baby gate, because you'll end up needing all those things once your children destroy it trying to get through it. the present pantryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01246949544383862352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-1603324798006736242013-06-02T21:15:00.000-04:002013-06-03T09:19:09.775-04:00Who said being an adult was fun?We just got four new tires on our van on Friday... Yippee!! (said no person ever)<br />
<br />
We also need...<br />
<br />
A new vacuum<br />
A new axel<br />
A new yard<br />
<br />
Oh my!<br />
<br />the present pantryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01246949544383862352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-30294106786992866852013-06-01T11:07:00.002-04:002013-06-01T11:07:58.831-04:00Motherhood is... Motherhood is cleaning your kitchen floor 5 times in one day...<br />
<br />
I thought I would be productive and sweep the kitchen floor yesterday.<br />
<br />
An hour later while I had my back turned while talking on the phone for five minutes, Jonah <br />
chewed and spit out watermelon all over the floor?! <br />
<br />
I cleaned it up.<br />
<br />
About an hour later, he thought it would be (funny?) to pour his milk in the floor... <br />
<br />
I cleaned it up.<br />
<br />
That afternoon, I brought three boys the age of 4 and under home from the playground. They got <br />
inside before I did and took off their shoes in the kitchen (at least not in the living room) and <br />
when I walked through the door I was greeted by PILES of sand on my floor. The sand box at the <br />
park is about one pound short of sand now.<br />
<br />
I asked Trevan to clean it up. He was doing a horrible job (ie: spreading it everywhere), so...<br />
<br />
I cleaned it up. <br />
<br />
Just when I thought my shift was almost over (aka: bedtime) Jonah thought he should <br />
(experiment?) again by pouring milk all over the kitchen floor.<br />
<br />
I had to chase him to get the milk away from him, but before I could get it from him he sprayed <br />
and shook it all over the living room floor as well. ON PURPOSE.<br />
<br />
I lost my temper.<br />
<br />
Then, <br />
<br />
I cleaned it up. <br />
<br />
Then,<br />
<br />
I turned off the movie they were watching and put them to bed. the present pantryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01246949544383862352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-49383660380637674042013-05-31T09:15:00.000-04:002013-05-31T09:21:23.337-04:00Friday Flashback<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakOXRVtePnVcvFkfpj5JIQkzurciNhtbnlAD7_S5jZx9S2n0LS8wdRpfa1qoW7YKjxzMJl8kFsXGh7XcAIcaIUHr75ACBDvZcFx6FC3zZot8nSMYxg02DGqaPCCO_2clPePwKCHEum_0/s1600/DSC_0939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakOXRVtePnVcvFkfpj5JIQkzurciNhtbnlAD7_S5jZx9S2n0LS8wdRpfa1qoW7YKjxzMJl8kFsXGh7XcAIcaIUHr75ACBDvZcFx6FC3zZot8nSMYxg02DGqaPCCO_2clPePwKCHEum_0/s640/DSC_0939.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I now think that my mom secretly got back at me for being a smarty pants by giving me these horrible haircuts. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The other day I was driving and thinking about Trevan's mop of hair. His hair is so fluffy, thick, and coarse. I tried a new hair cut on him and I'm not loving it for all of the above reasons listed. For a very quick second, I thought to myself, "Why is his hair so crazy?" Before that brief second was even over, I was like, "Oh yeah, because he has my hair...." <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(For the record, Mallary looked at this picture and said, "That's not you." After me telling her that it really was me, she says, "You look like Trevan.")</span><br />
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hated my hair as a kid. HATED! I think you can see why... </div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I guess my hair got so tangly when it was long and I was a toddler, and I wouldn't let my mom brush it, or threw a fit when she did, that she just chopped it off. When I was young, my grandmother would pay me money to sit still and let my mom cut my hair. Around third grade, I started growing it out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My mom finally started taking me to the salon to get my hair cut. My hair was super thick and very coarse. I hated it. I was very familiar with thinning scissors starting from a very young age. I would always have enough hair on the ground after a hair cut to make enough wigs for several people. </div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I had my hair short, people would call me things like, mushroom head, my hair was so poofy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I've gotten older, my hair has thinned out almost completely, and even the texture is different. </div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If only I could get that thick hair back today.... I think I wished it away so much growing up that I finally got my wish! </div>
<br />the present pantryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01246949544383862352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6279757795879990255.post-61493112371454264932013-05-30T14:56:00.001-04:002013-05-31T08:01:18.050-04:00Probably my longest post ever<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear Mallary,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m not sure when you decided that you weren’t going to have
any children, but when you tell me that you aren’t going to, I tell you that it’s
okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though, I’m hoping you’ll change
your mind of course, because I want me some grand babies!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, you are really great with Everett
already as a five year old!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We call you
the baby whisperer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since I’ve had Everett, I’ve been thinking a lot about the
whole pregnancy and labor and recovery process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I recovered in the hospital, I thought about some of the things or
questions I would have liked to ask my mom, but she isn’t around to ask… There
are questions I asked her when I was pregnant with you and Trevan, but she
couldn’t remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, just in case I’m
not around when you are having your babies, and while it’s still fresh in my
memory, I’m going to try and answer any questions that I would have asked my
mother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having a baby is very glamorous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, just kidding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about the least glamorous thing you’ll
ever do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Trust me, after about 20 people have seen your netherlands in a delivery room, or your bum hanging out the back of a delivery gown, or your Dr. and nurse watching you push in a weird position with your bum in the air... oh my word, I've never felt less sexy than in that very moment. but you really could care less in that moment as well...)</span> </span>I know it looks so fun when you
see the cute new mom with her fun new stroller with her cute newborn in it, and
a cute diaper bag hanging over her shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything seems so cute and perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is cute, but don’t be fooled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A few months ago, within arm’s reach from her toilet you would find a
variety of things like, Witch Hazel pads, Dermaplast, Ice pack pads the size of
California, Squeeze Water bottle rinser thingy, maxi pads for the weeks (please
note the plurality of that last word) of bleeding, and hemorrhoid wipes and
cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to mention the pain killers and
stool softeners that she would be taking regularly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I’m not sure about a C-section, so that
would be a different story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, you
may not need all of those things I mentioned above…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but you may…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trust me; using any of the above mentioned products will not make you
feel very glamorous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The leaking, the
hormones, the night sweats (which I didn’t have but I’ve heard of women
having), and hair loss afterwards will not help you feel glamorous either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or having your sister watch you walk like an
injured penguin to and from the bathroom in your hospital room while you are
recovering and laugh while you do it reminds you of how glamorous you look… It’s
okay, I was laughing with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few things...</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Weight Gain:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
started at all different weights with all four of you, gained a different
amount of weight with all four of you and still all my babies were about the
same size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, obviously only gaining 20
pounds with Everett did not guarantee me a smaller baby compared to the almost
60 pounds I gained with Jonah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, it is in your genes, because you were a big baby the
chances of you having larger birth weight babies is high…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good luck with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I did not have gestational diabetes with any of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get that question a lot, so just in case
you were thinking it… I ended up about the same weight at the end of all of my
pregnancies despite the differences in my weight gain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The less you gain the less you have to lose
after the baby…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just keep that in
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You really aren’t eating for
two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean you are, but the extra
calories you need to make up for that could be a handful of M&M’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morning Sickness:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Didn’t have it with Trevan, but had it with every other baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the way, it was ALL THE TIME
sickness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish it had only been in the
mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really is miserable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the beginning of my pregnancies I just
felt wiped out and tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was
sick on top of that, I just felt like I wanted to throw up ALL THE TIME.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never did, but just felt like I would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It went away at about 16 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The things that helped me with it sometimes were
jello, gum, suckers, pudding, and yogurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With one pregnancy, milk made me feel better, with you, the thought of
drinking milk made me want to vomit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stretch Marks:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
grandma didn’t have them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I however,
have a road atlas of the United States on my midsection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fourth time around I got less than 10 new
ones to add to my collection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought
after so many babies you just don’t get any new stretch marks…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t think lotions work, but if you want to try them – stick to the
ones that are 100% shea butter or 100% cocoa butter, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How are lotions or creams that are watered
down with WATER going to prevent stretch marks?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seriously, that stuff is such a racket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cravings:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t
say I had cravings necessarily…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With my
pregnancy with Trevan I was easily persuaded by commercials or billboards for
restaurants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your dad LOVED it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing I would say I craved with him
were peaches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would eat like 3 or 4
peaches for breakfast every morning… and then some again for diner or a snack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe that’s why Trevan wouldn’t eat peaches
for YEARS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t drink milk at the
beginning of my pregnancy with you, it just seemed gross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember anything with Jonah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Everett, at the beginning of my
pregnancy I wanted hot dogs, and meaty spaghetti; all the time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, with Everett I wanted French fries, and
I had stopped eating French fries before that, so that was kind of a big deal. Now,
I’m back to not liking French fries again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, when I was pregnant was the
only time I would eat cold cereal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Exercising:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped
after I knew I was pregnant with Trevan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I couldn’t when I was pregnant with you because I had placenta
previa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Jonah, I exercised a long
time (that’s why I couldn’t believe I gained 60 pounds! ).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Everett I exercised until about 6 months
or until I couldn’t spin anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
tried water aerobics and swimming after that for a while, but because you feel
so much lighter under water I was working my body harder than I could
tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no core to be doing some of
the things I was doing and it took its toll on my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Weird Body Things:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Acid reflux – had it towards the end with most of my pregnancies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never had to use Tums with Everett though, his
wasn’t as bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Potty talk - I had to pee
at the beginning of my pregnancy with Trevan ALL THE TIME.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just at the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read that it was hormones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that I really didn’t have to pee that
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just at the end I would get up
once a night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I’m a camel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve read to lean over when you use the
bathroom to make sure you are really emptying your bladder to make you not go
as often?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> My chest - Oh my word, did my boobs hurt. I think, that's how I knew I was pregnant with him and you. By the time Jonah and Everett came around I guess they were already so stretched out they didn't have any original tissue left to hurt... They sure were tender and got pretty big... </span>Swelling – I didn’t swell;
only when I traveled, specifically on plane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It went away after a day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acne –
I think with my pregnancy with Jonah I got acne, which I did not appreciate at
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SI pain – so bad with Mallary and
Jonah, and just a little bit with Everett.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Leg cramps – These are just crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You just have to learn not to stretch your legs like you normally do
when you are sleeping in bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You learn
in a semi-sleep state when a leg cramp is coming and you flex your leg to keep
it from full on cramping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Contractions:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walk
around the last few months of my pregnancies with contractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like, stop walking in the middle of the store
kind of contractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People were like,
oh yeah, Braxton Hicks… Sure, if those are supposed to come every 5 -10 minutes
on a regular basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ummm, no. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basically, if my body could dilate on it’s
own my babies would come early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sleeping:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
sleeping on my belly, and then when you are pregnant you get to a point where
you can’t do it anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to sleep
with pillows all around me, or half lean on your dad while I slept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Towards the very end, it gets a little harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Trevan, I remember going to work and
mentioning to my boss, that I just cried at the thought of even going to bed,
like, what’s the point when I won’t sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She said that once you get to that point you only have a week left of
being pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It ended up being
true!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is pretty funny how I
literally had to roll out of bed in the mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even though I talk of this stuff like it’s not glamorous, I
loved being pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even loved
shopping for and wearing maternity clothes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I loved feeling you all move inside me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We loved how you all would interact with us even inside the womb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even with how ginormous I was with all of you,
being pregnant makes you feel really beautiful sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, I like my hair, but when I’m pregnant
it is even better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really did enjoy
being pregnant for the most part. It really is amazing, and I’m extremely grateful
to have had experienced it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Labor:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know what
you will be thinking, because most women wonder this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will I know when I’m in labor?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How will I know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does it feel like?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It for real feels like your really, really bad
menstrual cramps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trevan’s labor was text book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like, exactly what you read about, and it all
happened in that order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just remember
thinking as his labor was progressing, “Oh, yeah, I read about that too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow, it really is just like what I read.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, his delivery was another story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I’m glad I was able to experience labor
that one time so I know what it’s like since I was induced all the other times.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Water breaking:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
Trevan, it broke all on it’s own shortly after arriving at the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With you, they broke my water in the hospital
and IT HURT LIKE CRAZY!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they broke
my water with Jonah it was totally pain free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With Everett, it was just uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I always heard about people getting their water broken, but no one had
mentioned it was painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then after
talking to them afterwards they said it wasn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, I’ve figured it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only
hurt when I wasn’t already dilated or had softened any.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh my word… when they did that when I was in
labor with you…. Yikes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Home Births:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
it’s awesome that people can do this and everyone is fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really is beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, there are gagillions of horrible stories
out there when these don’t go so well…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can do whatever you want, but just remember all of my babies could
have died had I given birth at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you are going to do this… maybe wait until your second baby to try please?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See how that first delivery goes first, that
would make me feel better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, if you
are going to do it – educate yourself thoroughly about both sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk to some labor and delivery nurses about
women they’ve seen that have started out at home giving birth and then have to
be rushed to the hospital and what has happened in those cases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Educate yourself and everything to make you
more prepared if you are going to do a home birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
make sure you are educated about whatever your decision is anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Giving birth at home doesn’t make you a
mightier woman/better mother than another woman who chooses to give birth at a
hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Giving birth at a hospital or
having a C-section doesn’t make your birth experience any less meaningful or
your bond any less with your baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
care what those people say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do what you
want and don’t feel pressured to follow whatever the current trends are, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Inductions:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You come
from a family of women whose bodies need to be induced and/or handle inductions
very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, you might not be
like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have called many a women’s
c-sections ahead of time when I heard they were going to be induced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get induced just because it’s
uncomfortable and you want that baby out of there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let your body show some signs of being ready.
Your C-section risk goes way up when you don’t have any signs of labor when you
are induced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like I said, I’ve called it
on many, many occasions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though my
water broke with Trevan a week early on its own, they still had to give me
Pitocin in the hospital because my body needed help dilating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that if my body could dilate by itself
all of you would have come super early all on your own!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I need that extra something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Jonah, I didn’t need Pitocin, but they
checked me in the hospital the night before my scheduled induction and stuck a
pill thing up in me to help me dilate, and by morning I was ready to go without
any Pitocin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body just needs a little
help, and your body may be like that too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your Auntie Candi was induced I think with all of hers, and your Grandma
was induced too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Labor:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few things….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IV – that was one of the worst parts for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they don’t get a good one in, you
are going to be miserable the whole time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Make them redo it if it doesn’t feel very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suffered all through Trevan’s labor with a
bad IV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom would keep getting a cold
washcloth and holding it on there for me trying to help it feel better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have asked them to redo it, but it
was my first baby and I just thought they knew what they were talking
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get it in your arm, not on your
hand, or right on your wrist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, do
they even teach this stuff in nursing school???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s how I felt sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
have to hold your legs while you are pushing, but they give you an IV in the
most ridiculous places to be able to do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Catheter – Baby girl, I’m going to guess that by how you are a camel now,
you are like me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I’m a camel
anyway, and then I didn’t feel like I needed to go hours after having a baby,
they gave me a catheter a few hours after my labor with Trevan, AND IT WAS SO
PAINFUL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They got a ridiculous amount of
fluid out of me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They kept having to go
get more bags then, then they just grabbed one of those bucket things they have
at the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When that happened, my
mom said she had to have that done after her babies too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, when I had you, I told them that might
have to happen again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, it did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course my epidural had worn off by the
time they were like, oh maybe we should give her a catheter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IT WAS SO PAINFUL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They tried, and tried, and got more people to
try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in tears!!!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, I learned my lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next two times, I asked them to give me
one after labor while I still had a little of the epidural left in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SO MUCH BETTER!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, you may need one too….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nauseous:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think only twice in all four of my labors did I feel nauseous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never actually threw up though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I know lots of people that did throw up
while in labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pooping:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just going to say it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naturally, when you go into labor your body
cleans itself out at the start of labor when you are having contractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like I said, with Trevan it was text book,
and my system was all cleaned out before I even got to the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, with you… I pooped on the table during
labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was kind of embarrassed, but
then I just didn’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John said it
was just a little bit, and the nurse just took care of it and said it happens
all the time and not to worry about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like
I didn’t even know I had done it and she had switched out the pad under me
before I even knew it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is while you
are pushing, and with an epidural and I couldn’t really feel it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of all four of my labors yours was the
only one it happened with. Once again, so glamorous, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Epidural:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend
put it this way; most women take Tylenol for the slightest headaches or cramps,
but think they can handle the pain of delivering a baby naturally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really is a good point that I never even
thought of before. With Trevan, I was going to try to go all natural, no
drugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I planned to deliver in a
tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever I have cramps I lay in the
bathtub with the shower running over me and it relaxes me, so it just made
sense to try it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love being in the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, they filled up the tub in the
hospital and I wanted nothing to do with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the first part of labor with Trevan I spent a LONG TIME in the
shower before going to the hospital and that felt good, but once the
contractions were just so crazy I needed to be up and moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the tub wasn’t appealing to me anymore
when I was in the throes of labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
also wanted and planned to do Hypnobirthing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I read the book, I listened to the tapes, and practiced with John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did help me make it through a long time of
contractions, but then it just got so painful I couldn’t focus, I didn’t want
to wear headphones, and I was just sooo tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I asked for an epidural.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
never had any problems with all of my epidurals, and honestly I don’t think
they are painful, because they gave them to me when I was in so much pain
already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, they give them where you can
still basically move your legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, who
knows what they’ll have by the time you start having babies!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s better when you can feel a little bit
anyway, it helps to be able to feel where you can push.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not feel too much, but just a tad…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want to try it all natural – go for
it!!! Seriously!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, don’t go for it
because you feel pressured from other women to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have nothing to prove to anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again, having an epidural does not
lessen your birth experiences or make you less of a woman. I have also read about
how it affects your baby, but my babies have been super alert and everything. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kudos
to women who don’t have epidurals, I don’t know how they do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to die before I got it, and still
felt pain even after with some of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will always be pro-pain relief and sing its praises!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember after I had Trevan, my doctor just
kept saying, “I’m so glad you ended up getting an epidural.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Literally, when she was sewing me up, she
kept saying that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, when I went in
for my post partum, she said it again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That moment you imagine:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You hear about that moment when the baby comes out and you are just so
in love, and it’s magical and spiritual, and you hear the chorus of angels
singing and, etc. etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really think I
was expecting that, and it wasn’t really like that with Trevan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The feelings/experiences after each of my deliveries
have been so different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Trevan it
seemed so weird, like, “This is our baby!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is OUR baby?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called him
an “it” for at least a full month!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think I was hard on myself for not feeling that magical moment after I had him,
but I was EXHAUSTED and worried and scared that he was even going to be okay, I
was so silly to expect some magical feeling or something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know some people that don’t even feel like
holding their babies after they are born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just be aware that it’s different every time and for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However it is, will be fine and won’t mean
that you love your baby any less, or make you a better or worse mom than
another one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recovering:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
this is the hardest part of having a baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some women have super easy deliveries and recovery isn’t a big
deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you are lucky enough to be
one of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I am not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Giving birth to you huge babies takes its
toll...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not going to lie, it’s not
fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first time it didn’t seem like
a huge deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, it was hard to sit
for a long while, but I don’t feel like I was counting down the days until I
felt normal again like I did with Everett.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The lack of abs is very apparent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After I had you and Jonah I had bad back pain for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t have it as much with Everett, and
not at all with Trevan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The after labor
contractions are a beast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t have
them after your first, or you really shouldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your uterus just jumps right back in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, after I had you, I was like, “what
the heck is going on????”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So painful,
worse than labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to call my
doctor and get better drugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each birth
is worse as your uterus has to work harder to get back to it’s normal
size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s more painful when you are
nursing, oh my goodness, and drugs will be your best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than once I cried waiting in the
hospital bed for them to bring me my next round of medicine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After labor pains are intense!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, you don’t have them with your first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With your first I think recovery goes faster,
but with each one it has seemed harder and you bleed longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least that is how it has been in my
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just with Everett, it seemed
like it took a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s
just because I’m older?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Post Partum:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling
crazy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling sad?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling crazy sad?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could have baby blues or post partum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing wrong with getting help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I realized looking back I had major baby blues with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When John would be ready to go to work, I
would ask him to stay home and just cry after he walked out the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re the only one I had that with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it was a combination of living in a
new area, not having a lot of support from other people, my mom was really sick
and they couldn’t be here, I just felt pretty alone and like a horrible mother
trying to balance having two children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(a big adjustment for me…)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
after having Everett, I could tell when the crazy hormones wanted to make an
appearance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was completely aware of
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day after I came home, I got
depressed for about an hour because I thought I should change Everett’s name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was aware of the craziness, but it still
gets you! Hopefully I’ll be around to come and help you!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I’m not around, your dad will have strict
instructions to come and help you!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If he’s not around either, then your aunts will have instructions to
help you!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jelly Belly:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
belly after you have your baby is not the sexiest thing in the world…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I had Trevan, I was able to fit back
into my normal jeans in two weeks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
shrinks up a lot faster after your first and a whole lot longer after your
third and fourth…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It goes away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know it’s not fun while you have it and now I have to work hard to make
it go away, but after your first one if you are healthy before your pregnancy
it will shrink right up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nursing:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
nursing, but sometimes when you are dealing with leaking and engorgement and
nursing pads you don’t feel very glamorous either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no expectations, but a lot of women do
and are really let down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Pardon the
pun…)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard for some women and it’s
hard for some babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never had any
trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t hurt – only if your
baby is latched on wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, remember
if it’s hurting, something is wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
feel pressured to do it or not do it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You breastfeeding your baby does not make you
a better mother than those that don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are women out there that think that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ignore them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The bottle or breast debate kills me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do what’s best for you and your baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love how they say, “oh your babies won’t have ear infections, etc.” as
one of the pros.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You all have had an
insane amount of ear infections, so obviously that pro didn’t work for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Myself, your aunts and uncles all had
formula, and we are very healthy people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I chose to breastfeed you all, and you can do whatever you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nursing is relaxing to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I LOVE nursing lying down!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s probably one of my very favorite-ist
things, and a tip you should try out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is so wonderful, it allows you to take a little break or nap…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably some of the best advice I received
as a new mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is seriously so
wonderful, especially when you are healing after labor and it hurts to
sit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I breastfed you guys for about a
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shorter for you because you bit me
one too many times – I was done after a scab came off of me when I undressed
that night from where you bit me earlier in the day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want your baby to take a bottle you
have to introduce it to them early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
pumped a lot with Trevan, a little for you, not any for Jonah, and I don’t
foresee me doing it unless I have to with Everett.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Formula is just super convenient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I’m out shopping, traveling, at a party,
sporting events…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I use formula probably
about the time you guys could figure out to hold your own bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only use it in instances like I mentioned
or if there was a babysitter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, right
now I give about 2 ounces of formula to Everett every couple of weeks to make
sure he’ll take a bottle or drink it if he ever needed to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(and months after I started typing this
letter to you, he has only had about 20 oz. of formula in his five months of
life so far, but I like having the option, and I like that he’s flexible so
that if anything happens, he’ll take it.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your aunt Candi is so proud of the fact that none of her kids ever used
bottles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I am proud of the fact
that all my babies would! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just makes
life easier and makes things a little more flexible and convenient sometimes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also just nursed you guys on one side during a feeding. I
rarely nursed on both sides during a feeding, and I think it turned out pretty
well considering you were all in the 100<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> percentile for most of
your first years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I didn’t nurse
you like I was “supposed” to nurse a newborn, in the right hold or whatever,
and you all nursed just fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feel free
to ignore what the “specialists” are telling you to do if it doesn’t feel
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved that the lactation
specialist was trying to tell me what to do with Everett, and she took his head
and slammed it into my breast and he screamed bloody murder. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suggested to her that since it was my fourth
child I was pretty sure I knew what I was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she left the room I changed to the
position I liked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never had any
problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you happen to feel a tender spot on your breast – it
could be a plugged duct, or if you are feeling really horrible and you feel a
tender spot it could be mastitis, or the start of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what I’ve done in those instances…
massage it as well as you can since it’s painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feed the baby from that side on every feeding,
at least part of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warm
compresses, and make sure to try and sleep more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s worked for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Swaddle that baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like a little mummy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like a
little burrito.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Swaddle, swaddle, swaddle,
swaddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I hear people talk about
how their baby doesn’t sleep well or is fussy, I ask if they are swaddling
their baby when they sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People will
talk about how their babies don’t like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who wants to have their arms trapped?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, if they stick it out
for a few minutes longer, their baby would be asleep!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Babies tend to sleep longer swaddled because
they have a natural reflex if they hear any noise to throw their hands over
their heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve watched Everett many
times napping on my bed, not swaddled and sound asleep, but he’ll hear a noise
down in the kitchen it will startle him and he’ll throw his hands over his head
and wake him up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he was swaddled, he
wouldn’t be able to do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just trust
me on this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked to a good
friend from high school after she had a baby and her baby wasn’t sleeping very
long and I asked her if she was swaddling and she said she had tried, but he
didn’t like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I convinced her to try
again, and then her baby started sleeping longer!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just makes sense, really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Babies like to be snuggled and held tight,
and that’s what swaddling does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sleeping:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never
woke any of you up to feed you unless I was seriously in need of some relief
from being engorged or something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, if a baby isn’t gaining weight they do tell you to wake them up
to feed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worried about it with
Trevan, I even had my mom try to help me keep him awake when I was nursing by
tickling his feet, unwrapping him, etc. when he would fall asleep while
nursing, because that’s what they told me to do in the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was 9lbs. 15 oz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and didn’t even lose weight in the hospital before
he went home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just so funny the
things they tell you to do sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t worry about it with any of my others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unless they are having problems or they are preemies or something, they
will wake up to eat when they are hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Feed them when they wake up, let them have awake time, then let them
fall asleep on their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then do it all
again when they wake up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was pretty
lucky and you were all easy, fantastic babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, I never really struggled with that part of babies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My theory is to be flexible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of you as babies took naps all over the
house and in different places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You slept
with me, in your cribs, car seats, cradles, on the beds, on the couch, on the floor,
etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, you were used to sleeping in
different places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also, went out
during nap times too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried not to
have to feel restricted to my house just because it was your nap time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I think I’ve created very flexible
sleepers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, a few days ago
Jonah fell asleep in the van on the way to the store because we missed nap time
earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I carried him in and out of two
stores and he stayed asleep, and carried him into the house when we were done
and he slept another hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, he was
transferred in and out of the car five times while asleep!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were all like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also makes it easier to travel with them
as well, if they have only ever taken a nap or slept in their bed every day
since they were born, well of course it will be hard for them to go to sleep in
a new place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s just my theory
anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s seemed to worked for
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pacifiers:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who knows
what they’ll be saying about pacis when you start having kids. Right now they
say it helps prevent SIDS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You all had them introduced right
after coming home from the hospital, or for Everett, at the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of you had nipple confusion and all of
you nursed fine and took a paci just fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, I hear about other babies having problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe make sure your baby is nursing fine
before introducing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We never had any
problems and I sure love having a pacifier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We took the pacifier away cold turkey for all of you, and you all did
just fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I feel like I need to add a thought on the topic of infertility. Though,
your father and I have been lucky to conceive you all naturally without other
issues, out of your dad’s four best friends, only one of them didn’t have to
deal with infertility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, including
your dad, that’s two out of three men that didn’t have to deal with infertility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of them conceived via in vitro and other
infertility treatments, and the other adopted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have too many friends to count that have dealt with or are dealing with
infertility, and/or adopted children as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This could be a road you find yourself on as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It won’t be easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know from experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I had my miscarriage, I was given just a
glimpse of how it felt to want and long for something and then to lose it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To feel like that over an extended period of
time I can’t really imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
watched people I love go through this, and have felt guilty for being able to
have children the way I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll never
forget shopping for your Auntie Becky’s twins that were coming and an enormous
flood of emotions washing over me all of a sudden; a mixture of excitement, relief, gratefulness,
and me letting go of some guilt which I didn’t know I had been carrying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like I wanted so badly for Becky to
experience motherhood, I want you to have that experience too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just know the road to parenthood isn’t always
an easy one, but I’ll do my best to be of the best support to you if you have that struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After composing this letter for five months, I can’t think
of anything else to write…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I hope I
covered most anything you would have a question on if I won’t be there to
answer it. Though, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I truly hope I am!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think I’ll close with the advice I give anyone about
marriage or pregnancy or having children – don’t have any expectations!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or expect the worst and you’ll always be
pleasantly surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, seriously,
don’t assume anything will be easy, or it will just work naturally, or that you’ll
be able to do it better than so and so down the street. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that saved me with having kids,
because I think I truly did expect the worst, so I was very pleasantly
surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no idea if I would be
able to nurse, thought I was going to be up all night with fussy babies,
because you often hear about all the struggles of new parents, but I didn’t
have that experience. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I was
pleasantly surprised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though you may
have a baby that has reflux 24/7… You just never know!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s the thing, women can share the experience of being
pregnant and having babies, but that’s it - we share the common functionality of
it, but our experiences are all so different from start to end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I enjoy being pregnant mostly, there
are some that really dislike most of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re all different and we’ll have different experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m so grateful for it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To have those memories of quiet moments lying in bed or on the couch
with my hand on my belly feeling you all move inside of me and have silent
conversations with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thoughts for
nine months of what you all would be like, what you would look like and what
kind of mother I would be to you all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those are very beautiful moments of my life – the looking forward to
loving you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I was pregnant with Trevan, I had ideas of what motherhood
would be like, but really I had no idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No idea…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Candi would always tell
me, “Just you wait…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get it now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though she still tells me that, I think
I have a pretty good idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had no idea you could love someone so much (and at the same
time want to wring their necks.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But, seriously, I had no idea the joy that could envelop
your entire being at seeing or hearing the simplest of things from your child. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s why I hope you have children. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just you wait… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07371198146195752046noreply@blogger.com2