I should be sleeping, but instead my mind is buzzing with thoughts that I want to post, so here I am... remind me tomorrow morning why this seemed like a good idea!!!
About 10 days ago, I had an interesting conversation with a 6-year-old in Trev's Kindergarten class. I go each week and each child comes out in the hallway to read to me. When J came out, he sat down, looked me right in the eye and said, "Trevor says you don't work. What's that about?". What I can't convey online is the tone he used. There was contempt and shock and rudeness just emenating from this kid. I think the very idea of a mother not having a job outside the home SHOCKED him.
I was similarly shocked to have this question asked of me, by this person, in this tone. Don't get me wrong, I've been asked this question before, by adults (some rude some not), but not by a 6-year-old. I looked at him and said something about Trev having a younger brother and baby sister, and that my job was to take care of them. And we moved on. (or so I thought!!)
But now, this conversation has come back to me. In part this is due to a conversation friends of mine were having today about resumes and what to put on them now we've been "out of the workforce" for 3-5 years raising our kids. Along the same lines, a blog that I read had an interesting post today about the term "housewife" and what that job encompasses. And because of a book I've been reading, "The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands" by Dr Laura Schlessinger. (Which I have to say, was not a book I EVER thought I would read, as I didn't think I was a big fan of her's, but I will admit to being wrong on occasion!).
Many times I will refer to myself as a "stay at home mom (SAHM)". But after reading the previously mentioned blog post, I'm not sure that title does myself justice. People who hear that seem to stop listening as soon as they hear "stay at home". Those that don't do the job might envision watching soap operas, eating bonbons, or sleeping in! Not things that I get to do very often!!!
My previously mentioned friends suggested terms such as "domestic engineer" which I've heard before and contemplated using. But I wonder if people really respect that term, or just think it's a bunch of "housewives" over-dramatacizing their daily responsibilities. It's a term that feels a little too politically-correct to me and like many PC terms, doesn't get the respect that it deserves.
So I might have to go with the idea of being co-owner of our "family" business. The actual FAMILY being the business. This is pretty much the idea from the aforementioned blog and it rang very true for me today. My job is to keep this family running in an efficient, effective manner. Which includes (but is not limited to): keeping the employees (all 5 of us, including my hubby) happy; helping the employees enjoy their jobs (for the kids that's both school and PLAY-an important job for kids); keeping the office sanitary, functional, updated, and useable; helping keep the business in the black, rather than the red (i.e. making sound financial decisions-with the other 'owner' of the company-hubby!); and on and on it goes.
Of course, there is that fact that my 'job' doesn't go from 9-5 from Monday to Friday. I don't often get to get away from my job and go home. I usually work my job from 6:30am-11pm, with my employees awake and demanding immediate supervison (and entertainment!) for almost all of those hours. And I am on call ALL the other hours of the day, pretty much every day of the week. On the up side, my co-owner is more than willing to give me time off when schedules allow it, so it's not as if I never get any time off!
Then of course there is the pay rate for this job. Many people will be quick to point out that SAHM's don't make any money. While that may be true, I can only imagine the amount of money that I HAVEN'T spent on daycare for 3 children for the last 5 years! (I'm gonna have to calculate that amount tomorrow!). But as co-owner of my "family business" there are the non-monetary ways in which I am paid. I can say that my son knows how to read (talk, walk, paint, etc.) because I helped him learn how. I can say that being there to witness every first for all 3 of my children is more valueable than any material item I could buy. And I should point out again that I am lucky to have a co-owner and not be running this business on my own! I'm glad to have found him!! There are invaluable ways that I have been paid doing this job.
And I think it's fair to say, that in a "real job" (lots of sarcasm there....) you get frustrated with company policies, with fellow employees, with job duties, etc. etc. I can say that with confidence since I had a "real job" for a number of years before "leaving my job to live this life of luxury as a SAHM" (more sarcasm!!). So yes, there are times when I get frustrated with parts of my job as "co-owner of the family business" and I am not so polite to the other members of the business, or that I don't enjoy my job duties (doing the dishes is my least favorite).
OH, in case you were wondering hat product does my "family business" produce?? We are proud to produce productive members of society. And it's my job to try and help all 5 of us be just that!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Isabelle the 10th Month
It's been a fun month, with lots of stuff going on, hence the lack of blog posts. Oopsies!
She's 10 months old! She still isn't walking, but she's getting very close on that one! She'll take single steps regularly, and stand without holding on for 5+ minutes. I'd say I'm expecting true walking and multiple steps very soon, but I've been thinking that for a while now. I'm starting to wonder if this little girl has her own agenda and will walk "when she's darn good and ready!" Who knows when, but I'm not really in a rush for my baby to walk!!
And while she still has ZERO teeth, that doesn't seem to be slowing her down on trying new foods. Thanks to a friend, she tried and liked steamed whole peas. So then we tried steamed carrots, a variety of beans (black & red are her favorites) and just this weekend, she tried little pieces of turkey. She loves them all, really likes feeding herself, and seems to have an endless appetite!!! She's still getting spoon-fed lots of pureed food to make sure she's actually getting enough to eat, and she's still nursing, but it's nice for her to get to do more of the work too!
The other big news on the eating front is YOGURT!! She's been eating yogurt successfully (i.e. with no rash or other reactions) for about a month now. We started out with one serving every three or four days, and when there was no reaction, we moved it up. Now she's eating it every night for dinner, and she LOVES it!!! She bangs on the high chair for "more, more". I'm hoping this means that the transition to milk in a few months will be seamless, and that her dairy issues are behind her!
She's consistently sleeping thru the night now!!! She'll go to bed about 7:30 or 8, and wake up at about 7!!! I am really appreciating this! But now that I don't have "interrupted sleep" as an excuse, I should really be getting up early in the mornings to exercise!!!
She's also learned to crawl up stairs! She was motivated one night, when she could hear the boys but not see them. She went to the stairs, heard them up in their room, and up she went. And she was good at it! Of course, the going down part is not so easy!
Finally, it seems we have conquered the bath issue. Thanks to a toy from Mam-gu (my mother). She's enjoyed the last few baths she's gotten, because of the wonderful octopus toy. I think I should buy a few more of them now, just in case!!!
The reason one of her nicknames is Flipper:
She's 10 months old! She still isn't walking, but she's getting very close on that one! She'll take single steps regularly, and stand without holding on for 5+ minutes. I'd say I'm expecting true walking and multiple steps very soon, but I've been thinking that for a while now. I'm starting to wonder if this little girl has her own agenda and will walk "when she's darn good and ready!" Who knows when, but I'm not really in a rush for my baby to walk!!
And while she still has ZERO teeth, that doesn't seem to be slowing her down on trying new foods. Thanks to a friend, she tried and liked steamed whole peas. So then we tried steamed carrots, a variety of beans (black & red are her favorites) and just this weekend, she tried little pieces of turkey. She loves them all, really likes feeding herself, and seems to have an endless appetite!!! She's still getting spoon-fed lots of pureed food to make sure she's actually getting enough to eat, and she's still nursing, but it's nice for her to get to do more of the work too!
The other big news on the eating front is YOGURT!! She's been eating yogurt successfully (i.e. with no rash or other reactions) for about a month now. We started out with one serving every three or four days, and when there was no reaction, we moved it up. Now she's eating it every night for dinner, and she LOVES it!!! She bangs on the high chair for "more, more". I'm hoping this means that the transition to milk in a few months will be seamless, and that her dairy issues are behind her!
She's consistently sleeping thru the night now!!! She'll go to bed about 7:30 or 8, and wake up at about 7!!! I am really appreciating this! But now that I don't have "interrupted sleep" as an excuse, I should really be getting up early in the mornings to exercise!!!
She's also learned to crawl up stairs! She was motivated one night, when she could hear the boys but not see them. She went to the stairs, heard them up in their room, and up she went. And she was good at it! Of course, the going down part is not so easy!
Finally, it seems we have conquered the bath issue. Thanks to a toy from Mam-gu (my mother). She's enjoyed the last few baths she's gotten, because of the wonderful octopus toy. I think I should buy a few more of them now, just in case!!!
The reason one of her nicknames is Flipper:
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The B-Man
Yesterday, the Blake-ster was lucky enough to get to visit the pediatrician for his 4-year well child check-up. I am THRILLED to say, it was the easiest doctor visit I can remember in 5+ years of parenting!!!
The day before our appointment, I gave him a briefing on what was going to happen at the visit: hearing check, eye/ear/nose/mouth check, eye test (playing pirate), standing on scale, playing follow the leader with the Dr, and answering questions. He did it all, without a whine, whimper or hesitation, which is SO unlike him (or at least how he can be at times!). And he did it all, without promise of any gift or treat either!!! Made my day!!
From a numbers perspective, he's 39.7 pounds and 42 inches. He's 75th percentile in both, and quickly catching up to and overtaking Trevor, who STILL doesn't weigh that much!!
To top it off, he's really proving to me just what a 'big boy' he has become. School has been no issue for him, right from the start. I'm not sure why I worried so much (guess it's cause I'm a mom!). There was part of me that was also worried that he wasn't going to a Montessori style preschool, and how that would affect his learning. I really feel there's a huge advantage to that style of learning, especially for a kid like Blake who I think is a tactile learner.
He came home Tuesday with a great activity that they had done at school and that he got to bring home and keep doing. It's such a simple activity, that any of us can do at home with our kids. ANd it's an activity that I've never thought to do before. They didn't do it at the Montessori school that T went to for 2 years, and I don't think I saw it in my 10 years of teaching.
The activity?? Using playdoh to form the letters of his name. Yup, that's it. But for Blake, it's an AWESOME activity. He LOVES playdoh. He doubts his ability to use a pencil and to make straight lines, and he seems to make that a self-fullfilling prophecy (every time he tries to write if he makes a tiny mistake, he's SO upset, and then he 'accidentally' draws a crazy squiggly line ALL over the paper!).
The teacher in me, also realized that for kids who aren't sure what the letters look like, you can write their name and then they can make the playdoh match those shapes.
After watching B do this a few times, and show-off to Daddy and Grandma, I realized how proud of himself he is. In fact, I think it's given him new confidence; he wrote his name, unassisted, twice this morning and took it to school to show off!
So here's a video of it, just cause!
The day before our appointment, I gave him a briefing on what was going to happen at the visit: hearing check, eye/ear/nose/mouth check, eye test (playing pirate), standing on scale, playing follow the leader with the Dr, and answering questions. He did it all, without a whine, whimper or hesitation, which is SO unlike him (or at least how he can be at times!). And he did it all, without promise of any gift or treat either!!! Made my day!!
From a numbers perspective, he's 39.7 pounds and 42 inches. He's 75th percentile in both, and quickly catching up to and overtaking Trevor, who STILL doesn't weigh that much!!
To top it off, he's really proving to me just what a 'big boy' he has become. School has been no issue for him, right from the start. I'm not sure why I worried so much (guess it's cause I'm a mom!). There was part of me that was also worried that he wasn't going to a Montessori style preschool, and how that would affect his learning. I really feel there's a huge advantage to that style of learning, especially for a kid like Blake who I think is a tactile learner.
He came home Tuesday with a great activity that they had done at school and that he got to bring home and keep doing. It's such a simple activity, that any of us can do at home with our kids. ANd it's an activity that I've never thought to do before. They didn't do it at the Montessori school that T went to for 2 years, and I don't think I saw it in my 10 years of teaching.
The activity?? Using playdoh to form the letters of his name. Yup, that's it. But for Blake, it's an AWESOME activity. He LOVES playdoh. He doubts his ability to use a pencil and to make straight lines, and he seems to make that a self-fullfilling prophecy (every time he tries to write if he makes a tiny mistake, he's SO upset, and then he 'accidentally' draws a crazy squiggly line ALL over the paper!).
The teacher in me, also realized that for kids who aren't sure what the letters look like, you can write their name and then they can make the playdoh match those shapes.
After watching B do this a few times, and show-off to Daddy and Grandma, I realized how proud of himself he is. In fact, I think it's given him new confidence; he wrote his name, unassisted, twice this morning and took it to school to show off!
So here's a video of it, just cause!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The 9th Month
She's 9 months old. She's now been out in the world, as long as she was in me. But enough of the sappy stuff....let's get to the stats.
She's an expert crawler, who turns on a dime to get to something (or someone) she wants. She'll crawl right up to something, and to make sure she's close enough, she crawls until her head bangs into it, no matter what it is!
However, she crawls only when she can't cruise the furniture. She'd much prefer to be vertical and 'walking' while she holds on to anything and everything she can find. In fact today, she decided one of the bar stools in the kitchen was a perfect walker for her to push around the kitchen so she could get to new things.
While cruising and standing, she can balance briefly (5 seconds or less) without holding on.
While she's balancing on 2 feet, she likes to practice her clapping. She'll amuse herself for hours sitting and clapping. And if Trevor is in the room, she'll amuse him with her clapping, and he'll sit and clap with her.
Interestingly, she likes to clap just after she's been told "No". You see, when we first had to start telling her no, it was for pulling up on the entertainment center and trying to push buttons on the DVD player and Tivo box. So we would say "no" and move her away. When we told her "no" and she sat down on her own and moved away we clapped for her and said "good girl". And did that over and over again, when she would move away on her own. So now, if you say "no" to her, she'll sit down and clap!!! Smart girl!
She's still toothless. We thought she might get them soon, as the boys both got their first one around 9 months, but there seems to be no sign of any pearly whites yet.
Food has become a new battle ground. While she formerly enjoyed pretty much anything (at least of the few things she'd tried!), she's now got some STRONG desires. Specifically, fruit. If her meal contains fruit, no problem. She'll eat it, lickety-split. If no fruit, no eat. And good luck tricking her into it. So most days, she gets "something" and apples. Something includes: sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, chicken, turkey, grean beans, pears, or blueberries.
She also enjoys eating her toes. She eats them at meal times if the food isn't what she wants, or if I'm taking to long making the boys lunch. But she'll also snack on them during play time and diaper changes, or whenever the mood strikes her.
Apparently, Izzy made a new year's resolution. I may have offended her when I called her the quiet child in the Christmas letter, or maybe she was worried that I really would forget her somewhere since she can be so quiet. So since New Year's Day, she's taken to screeching in a loud and high tone all the time! She quite enjoys the reaction she gets from her brothers; they either laugh, screech back, or cover their ears. Regardless, she's found her voice and she's using it. I've not caught it on video yet, but I'm trying and I'll add a video once I get it!
Her one other dislike...the bath. I don't recall exactly when it happened, but she definitely has hated the bath for the last 2 or 3 months. Before she could sit, she wasn't thrilled when I'd put her in the tub, but she'd play and relax, and tolerate it. Ever since she's been able to sit, she can't stand the tub. We've tried lots of different things, but nothing seems to make her happier. She doesn't mind standing in an inch or two of water, or even sitting in that much, but once I try to wash her off, she wants no part of it. And by the time we get to washing her hair....she's screaming and howling.
This is a short video of Iz clapping, and also 'running' away from the camera!
And this is a priceless video of Lunch. The first two bites (red spoon) are apricots and apples. The third bite (blue spoon) is green beans and squash. This is the pattern I have to use to get any vegetables in her (unless the are mixed with apples-see above) and even then, by the end of the meal it seems she's starting to catch on to the pattern (or the spoon color?) and doesn't want to take the 3rd bite anymore!
She's earned a few new nicknames recently. Flipper-because if you pick her up under the arms (facing outwards) and she can see the boys or is really excited about something, she kinda wiggles her whole body back and forth like she's trying to get her feet to touch her head! I've gotta catch that on video. Her other nickname: Hoover....because any TINY piece of anything on the floor she will pick up and eat! She's better than my vacuum!
Finally, I just have to say what a great sleeper she is. When she's tired, she'll let you know, by fussing and wanting to be picked up, which she rarely does otherwise (fussing especially). You can take her to her crib, give her her pacifier and blanket and she'll roll over on her side and that's it. She'll be asleep in 5 minutes. In fact, when Grandma babysat the other day and tried to rock her to sleep, Izzy didn't know what she was doing and just wanted to be put in her crib!! She also sleeps great at night, from 7:30pm to 7:30 am, only waking at 4 am for a 5 minute feeding!!
Next week we'll visit the pediatrician, and see just how much she's grown. But as I look at her, she's already changed so much, I can't quite believe it.
She's an expert crawler, who turns on a dime to get to something (or someone) she wants. She'll crawl right up to something, and to make sure she's close enough, she crawls until her head bangs into it, no matter what it is!
However, she crawls only when she can't cruise the furniture. She'd much prefer to be vertical and 'walking' while she holds on to anything and everything she can find. In fact today, she decided one of the bar stools in the kitchen was a perfect walker for her to push around the kitchen so she could get to new things.
While cruising and standing, she can balance briefly (5 seconds or less) without holding on.
While she's balancing on 2 feet, she likes to practice her clapping. She'll amuse herself for hours sitting and clapping. And if Trevor is in the room, she'll amuse him with her clapping, and he'll sit and clap with her.
Interestingly, she likes to clap just after she's been told "No". You see, when we first had to start telling her no, it was for pulling up on the entertainment center and trying to push buttons on the DVD player and Tivo box. So we would say "no" and move her away. When we told her "no" and she sat down on her own and moved away we clapped for her and said "good girl". And did that over and over again, when she would move away on her own. So now, if you say "no" to her, she'll sit down and clap!!! Smart girl!
She's still toothless. We thought she might get them soon, as the boys both got their first one around 9 months, but there seems to be no sign of any pearly whites yet.
Food has become a new battle ground. While she formerly enjoyed pretty much anything (at least of the few things she'd tried!), she's now got some STRONG desires. Specifically, fruit. If her meal contains fruit, no problem. She'll eat it, lickety-split. If no fruit, no eat. And good luck tricking her into it. So most days, she gets "something" and apples. Something includes: sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, chicken, turkey, grean beans, pears, or blueberries.
She also enjoys eating her toes. She eats them at meal times if the food isn't what she wants, or if I'm taking to long making the boys lunch. But she'll also snack on them during play time and diaper changes, or whenever the mood strikes her.
Apparently, Izzy made a new year's resolution. I may have offended her when I called her the quiet child in the Christmas letter, or maybe she was worried that I really would forget her somewhere since she can be so quiet. So since New Year's Day, she's taken to screeching in a loud and high tone all the time! She quite enjoys the reaction she gets from her brothers; they either laugh, screech back, or cover their ears. Regardless, she's found her voice and she's using it. I've not caught it on video yet, but I'm trying and I'll add a video once I get it!
Her one other dislike...the bath. I don't recall exactly when it happened, but she definitely has hated the bath for the last 2 or 3 months. Before she could sit, she wasn't thrilled when I'd put her in the tub, but she'd play and relax, and tolerate it. Ever since she's been able to sit, she can't stand the tub. We've tried lots of different things, but nothing seems to make her happier. She doesn't mind standing in an inch or two of water, or even sitting in that much, but once I try to wash her off, she wants no part of it. And by the time we get to washing her hair....she's screaming and howling.
This is a short video of Iz clapping, and also 'running' away from the camera!
And this is a priceless video of Lunch. The first two bites (red spoon) are apricots and apples. The third bite (blue spoon) is green beans and squash. This is the pattern I have to use to get any vegetables in her (unless the are mixed with apples-see above) and even then, by the end of the meal it seems she's starting to catch on to the pattern (or the spoon color?) and doesn't want to take the 3rd bite anymore!
She's earned a few new nicknames recently. Flipper-because if you pick her up under the arms (facing outwards) and she can see the boys or is really excited about something, she kinda wiggles her whole body back and forth like she's trying to get her feet to touch her head! I've gotta catch that on video. Her other nickname: Hoover....because any TINY piece of anything on the floor she will pick up and eat! She's better than my vacuum!
Finally, I just have to say what a great sleeper she is. When she's tired, she'll let you know, by fussing and wanting to be picked up, which she rarely does otherwise (fussing especially). You can take her to her crib, give her her pacifier and blanket and she'll roll over on her side and that's it. She'll be asleep in 5 minutes. In fact, when Grandma babysat the other day and tried to rock her to sleep, Izzy didn't know what she was doing and just wanted to be put in her crib!! She also sleeps great at night, from 7:30pm to 7:30 am, only waking at 4 am for a 5 minute feeding!!
Next week we'll visit the pediatrician, and see just how much she's grown. But as I look at her, she's already changed so much, I can't quite believe it.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
He's definetly my child!
I am a person who notices 'strange' relationships between things. My brain picks up on certain odd little facts about things and puts them together.
For example, my cousins initials could have been BMW. Wouldn't that be cool? In fact for the LONGEST time, I was obsessed with the initials my (then) future children would have and wanted them to spell a word (for example, INK, OAK, SIK, etc). Eventually I put that idea to rest, but I still kinda wish I had done it!
Another odd relationship I noticed, in my group of 6 mommy friends that regularly hang out, 3 of us are about to turn 35, and the other 3 about to turn 30. The 3 that are turning 35 all have 3 children. The 3 about to turn 30, all have 2. Odd huh??? And these random thoughts just hit me, when I'm driving, or trying to fall asleep, or trying to listen to the traffic on the radio.
Today, Trevor, Izzy and I, were driving to pick Blake up from preschool. Trevor was commenting about something he saw out the window, and commented to me about it being "out there, that way". I reminded him that "that way" doesn't tell me which side I should look out, and I asked if it was on his side or Blake's side. He responded, "my side, the right".
A few moments pass, maybe 5 seconds, and suddenly he says to me, "Mommy, I'm on the right and my name has an R second, and Blake is on the left and his name has an L second."
I about drove off the road, because that fact had NEVER occurred to me, and yet it was a TOTAL me type thought! It was bizarre that he made the connection, and just completely made me think of how like me he really can be at times! What a proud mommy moment....my kids an oddball just like his mama!
For example, my cousins initials could have been BMW. Wouldn't that be cool? In fact for the LONGEST time, I was obsessed with the initials my (then) future children would have and wanted them to spell a word (for example, INK, OAK, SIK, etc). Eventually I put that idea to rest, but I still kinda wish I had done it!
Another odd relationship I noticed, in my group of 6 mommy friends that regularly hang out, 3 of us are about to turn 35, and the other 3 about to turn 30. The 3 that are turning 35 all have 3 children. The 3 about to turn 30, all have 2. Odd huh??? And these random thoughts just hit me, when I'm driving, or trying to fall asleep, or trying to listen to the traffic on the radio.
Today, Trevor, Izzy and I, were driving to pick Blake up from preschool. Trevor was commenting about something he saw out the window, and commented to me about it being "out there, that way". I reminded him that "that way" doesn't tell me which side I should look out, and I asked if it was on his side or Blake's side. He responded, "my side, the right".
A few moments pass, maybe 5 seconds, and suddenly he says to me, "Mommy, I'm on the right and my name has an R second, and Blake is on the left and his name has an L second."
I about drove off the road, because that fact had NEVER occurred to me, and yet it was a TOTAL me type thought! It was bizarre that he made the connection, and just completely made me think of how like me he really can be at times! What a proud mommy moment....my kids an oddball just like his mama!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Last Photos of 2009
As previously established, I've been behind in my blogging. I just finished downloading pictures off the old camera (we got a new one for Christmas!) and WOW am I way behind. So here's a send off to 2009 in photos:
Trev showing off his 'muscles'
A balanced dinner around here: noodles, spaghetti, and mac & cheese!!
My favorite sign that we saw at the Field Musem:
It reads: "A snail laid these eggs here -- and then she moved on. That is typical for a lot of animals. Instead of putting their energy into taking care of a few babies, they just make LOTS of babies. This increases the odds that at least a few will survive." HAHA!!! Maybe this should be some people approach to parenting!
Izzy and her walker....she's getting good at this!
The kids with Santa at Bass Pro Shops. A really nice Santa, and all FREE!
My BENCH!!! Hubby has been working on this for about a year and a half, and finished it just in time for Christmas!!! Yay for me and for him!
And so that's it....for 2009! I'm hoping this new year will be healthy, fun, productive, and enjoyable! (No pressure, right!)
Trev showing off his 'muscles'
A balanced dinner around here: noodles, spaghetti, and mac & cheese!!
My favorite sign that we saw at the Field Musem:
It reads: "A snail laid these eggs here -- and then she moved on. That is typical for a lot of animals. Instead of putting their energy into taking care of a few babies, they just make LOTS of babies. This increases the odds that at least a few will survive." HAHA!!! Maybe this should be some people approach to parenting!Izzy and her walker....she's getting good at this!
The kids with Santa at Bass Pro Shops. A really nice Santa, and all FREE!
My BENCH!!! Hubby has been working on this for about a year and a half, and finished it just in time for Christmas!!! Yay for me and for him!
And so that's it....for 2009! I'm hoping this new year will be healthy, fun, productive, and enjoyable! (No pressure, right!)
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Happy Belated Birthday Blake!
Monday we celebrated Blake's 4th Birthday! With the hubbub that is the holiday season, I'm of course posting this late!
4 years ago....
It was a Tuesday night, hubby was off work for the holiday's, and I was hoping to have this baby before the New Year arrived. At about 11 pm, I went to bed. But being 9 months pregnant, I couldn't sleep in our water bed, so I was sleeping on the couch in the living room. So I went to sleep, and hubby was upstairs playing computer games (since he couldn't watch TV).
I woke up at about 1 am to go to the bathroom, and recall seeing the light on upstairs still. But I wasn't surprised, hubby is usually up late playing games. I lay back down on the couch, but couldn't get to sleep. I was uncomfortable in EVERY position. After about 30 or 45 minutes, I went upstairs to see if I could get comfy in bed. By now, hubby had gone to bed, but wasn't asleep yet. I tried not to disturb him as I continued to change positions and try to get to sleep. Here and there, I was having some light contractions, but in my mind they weren't very strong and they weren't very regular. So I kept thinking that both hubby and I should get more sleep while we still could.
By 2:30 am, I still hadn't gotten to sleep, and I'm not sure hubby did either. At that point, he realized that I was in labor, even though I hadn't admitted it to myself yet! He had me call the doctor, and when I talked with her, she knew I was in labor, and suggested we get to the hospital ASAP. We called grandma, and she was here by 3 am. At this point, I was definitely feeling like I was in labor, but I still figured we had plenty of time!!
We left for the hospital got there by 3:30 am. Hubby was smart enough to bring along a plastic bag for me to puke in, and boy was I glad he did!! We went in through the ER entrance and they got me upstairs pretty fast, and I was in my room with a gown etc before 4 am. The next 30 minutes are a total blur to me. The nurse must have checked to see how far I was dilated (but I don't really remember that). Apparently, it was pretty far because they prepped the room, called the doctor, and somehow got an IV line in my arm. The doctor suddenly appeared, and with 1 push Blake Huntington was born at 4:17 am. WHEW!! He was 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and 19 3/4 inches long.
Blake lives day to day life just like his delivery....he's a whirlwind, always on the go, and can switch from happy to sad (or sad to happy) in a heartbeat, without any warning!!! He's my little whirlwind, who arrived in a flash, but I wouldn't have him any other way!!! I love you my BIG little man...Happy Birthday!!
4 years ago....
It was a Tuesday night, hubby was off work for the holiday's, and I was hoping to have this baby before the New Year arrived. At about 11 pm, I went to bed. But being 9 months pregnant, I couldn't sleep in our water bed, so I was sleeping on the couch in the living room. So I went to sleep, and hubby was upstairs playing computer games (since he couldn't watch TV).
I woke up at about 1 am to go to the bathroom, and recall seeing the light on upstairs still. But I wasn't surprised, hubby is usually up late playing games. I lay back down on the couch, but couldn't get to sleep. I was uncomfortable in EVERY position. After about 30 or 45 minutes, I went upstairs to see if I could get comfy in bed. By now, hubby had gone to bed, but wasn't asleep yet. I tried not to disturb him as I continued to change positions and try to get to sleep. Here and there, I was having some light contractions, but in my mind they weren't very strong and they weren't very regular. So I kept thinking that both hubby and I should get more sleep while we still could.
By 2:30 am, I still hadn't gotten to sleep, and I'm not sure hubby did either. At that point, he realized that I was in labor, even though I hadn't admitted it to myself yet! He had me call the doctor, and when I talked with her, she knew I was in labor, and suggested we get to the hospital ASAP. We called grandma, and she was here by 3 am. At this point, I was definitely feeling like I was in labor, but I still figured we had plenty of time!!
We left for the hospital got there by 3:30 am. Hubby was smart enough to bring along a plastic bag for me to puke in, and boy was I glad he did!! We went in through the ER entrance and they got me upstairs pretty fast, and I was in my room with a gown etc before 4 am. The next 30 minutes are a total blur to me. The nurse must have checked to see how far I was dilated (but I don't really remember that). Apparently, it was pretty far because they prepped the room, called the doctor, and somehow got an IV line in my arm. The doctor suddenly appeared, and with 1 push Blake Huntington was born at 4:17 am. WHEW!! He was 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and 19 3/4 inches long.
Blake lives day to day life just like his delivery....he's a whirlwind, always on the go, and can switch from happy to sad (or sad to happy) in a heartbeat, without any warning!!! He's my little whirlwind, who arrived in a flash, but I wouldn't have him any other way!!! I love you my BIG little man...Happy Birthday!!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Busy Busy Busy
So I've been a slacker in the blog-world. On the plus side, it's because I've been anything but a slacker in the real world!
In mid-November, Izzy and I took a plane ride to Delaware to visit family and friends. I got to catch up with an old friend from high school who I grew up with but who I haven't seen in years, and that was awesome! Then, I got together with a great group of friends who I've known for years but only known most of them via email conversations. We had a great night hanging out together and catching up. Finally, I got to spend a day at my brother's house, for his annual Pre-Thanksgiving dinner. Yummy and a great chance to see a few old acquaintances and meet some of his friends.
I came home just in time to host Thanksgiving dinner for us and hubby's family. 12 of us gathered for turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and all the other yummies. It was good to see all the cousins who are spread far apart these days.
Since then, I've been busy Christmas shopping (including Black Friday-a first for me!), decorating, and sending Christmas letters.
I've also been busy working on a new business venture....T-shirt Blankets. A few years ago, I took all of my college fraternity shirts that I rarely wore anymore and turned them into a blanket. At the time, I figured it was pretty simple and nothing special. But 3 or 4 years of using the blanket at the park for picnics has made me think otherwise. So many people stop to comment on it, and think it's a great idea, and something they'd love to have but never could do themselves. So....I figured I'd give it a try making blankets for other people. Heck, I've even put together a website for it. Wanna see??? Here's the page!
One last thing has been occupying my mind this last month. And unfortunately, I'm going to end this post on a sad note. I've been forced to realize just how lucky I am recently, because of some terrible things that have happened. First, a friend of a friend's family was driving to Disney World when their car was rear-ended. Sadly, their 4-year-old daughter, was critically injured and passed away. Shortly thereafter, we learned that DH's cousin's newborn daughter may be diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Details and a definite diagnosis are still pending, so right now we are playing a waiting game. Then, I learned of a friend's 5-year-old son diagnosis with stage four neuroblastoma. So far, he's doing well through stages of chemo and fighting hard. Finally, hubby's aunt passed away suddenly a week ago.
It's truly been a heart-breaking and emotionally exhausting few weeks. I am trying so hard to be thankful for everything I have, and to do all that I can to support those who are dealing with such terrible loss and pain at what should be the most wonderful time of the year. So send your positive thoughts, your prayers, or do whatever it is that you do, and make sure you say "Thank you" for all the good things in your own life.
In mid-November, Izzy and I took a plane ride to Delaware to visit family and friends. I got to catch up with an old friend from high school who I grew up with but who I haven't seen in years, and that was awesome! Then, I got together with a great group of friends who I've known for years but only known most of them via email conversations. We had a great night hanging out together and catching up. Finally, I got to spend a day at my brother's house, for his annual Pre-Thanksgiving dinner. Yummy and a great chance to see a few old acquaintances and meet some of his friends.
I came home just in time to host Thanksgiving dinner for us and hubby's family. 12 of us gathered for turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and all the other yummies. It was good to see all the cousins who are spread far apart these days.
Since then, I've been busy Christmas shopping (including Black Friday-a first for me!), decorating, and sending Christmas letters.
I've also been busy working on a new business venture....T-shirt Blankets. A few years ago, I took all of my college fraternity shirts that I rarely wore anymore and turned them into a blanket. At the time, I figured it was pretty simple and nothing special. But 3 or 4 years of using the blanket at the park for picnics has made me think otherwise. So many people stop to comment on it, and think it's a great idea, and something they'd love to have but never could do themselves. So....I figured I'd give it a try making blankets for other people. Heck, I've even put together a website for it. Wanna see??? Here's the page!
One last thing has been occupying my mind this last month. And unfortunately, I'm going to end this post on a sad note. I've been forced to realize just how lucky I am recently, because of some terrible things that have happened. First, a friend of a friend's family was driving to Disney World when their car was rear-ended. Sadly, their 4-year-old daughter, was critically injured and passed away. Shortly thereafter, we learned that DH's cousin's newborn daughter may be diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Details and a definite diagnosis are still pending, so right now we are playing a waiting game. Then, I learned of a friend's 5-year-old son diagnosis with stage four neuroblastoma. So far, he's doing well through stages of chemo and fighting hard. Finally, hubby's aunt passed away suddenly a week ago.
It's truly been a heart-breaking and emotionally exhausting few weeks. I am trying so hard to be thankful for everything I have, and to do all that I can to support those who are dealing with such terrible loss and pain at what should be the most wonderful time of the year. So send your positive thoughts, your prayers, or do whatever it is that you do, and make sure you say "Thank you" for all the good things in your own life.
Isabelle 8 Months
She's 8 months old, and I've barely blogged twice since she was 7 months old! Oopsies!!
Well, she's been busy (and so have I!). She went from barely being able to army crawl to a full crawl the weekend before Thanksgiving, to pulling herself up on furniture the week after Thanksgiving, and now she's pulling up all the time and cruising all around the furniture!
At this rate, she'll walk sooner than either of the boys. She's gotta walk by end of January to beat Trevor's record of 9 1/2 months! I think she's got a good chance of that!
Crawling under the table...just like her brothers before her!
And crawling under the Excer-Saucer....like her brothers before her!
Pulling up on (and tasting) the table
"Now I can reach everything!"
"Look Mom, one hand!"
This past month was also Izzy's first plane ride, and first visit to Delaware. She was great on the plane. On the ride there she was such the entertainer of all the people sitting around us and was just great. And on the ride home, she slept the entire ride and so did I!
Hanging out with Pa-Hugh
She also got to experience her first trip to the Christmas tree farm. Again, she had a great time and was a perfect angel!
She's still a happy girl 99% of the time!
And she loves her brother! Especially now she can 'walk' with him!
My baby girl is growing up fast! But she's doing a great job of it!!
Well, she's been busy (and so have I!). She went from barely being able to army crawl to a full crawl the weekend before Thanksgiving, to pulling herself up on furniture the week after Thanksgiving, and now she's pulling up all the time and cruising all around the furniture!
At this rate, she'll walk sooner than either of the boys. She's gotta walk by end of January to beat Trevor's record of 9 1/2 months! I think she's got a good chance of that!
Crawling under the table...just like her brothers before her!
And crawling under the Excer-Saucer....like her brothers before her!
Pulling up on (and tasting) the table
"Now I can reach everything!"
"Look Mom, one hand!"
This past month was also Izzy's first plane ride, and first visit to Delaware. She was great on the plane. On the ride there she was such the entertainer of all the people sitting around us and was just great. And on the ride home, she slept the entire ride and so did I!
Hanging out with Pa-Hugh
She also got to experience her first trip to the Christmas tree farm. Again, she had a great time and was a perfect angel!
She's still a happy girl 99% of the time!
And she loves her brother! Especially now she can 'walk' with him!
My baby girl is growing up fast! But she's doing a great job of it!!
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