 |
Lincoln  It's hard to tell in this picture but her hair is sssoooo blonde and she doesn't have alot of it!  |
Sunday, September 30, 2012
9 Months
My babies at 9 months:-) Love how they all have a look of their own!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Binge and Purge (of Clothing that is)
Last year around this time I went on a cleaning spree of our house and I was committed to getting rid of anything and everything we didn't use and/or need. It came to a halt when I went on bed rest.
Every few months I go through our closets and get rid of clothes...it's usually when Big Brother phones or Canadian Diabetes. What really sparked my cleaning binge was my up and coming shopping trip with a good friend. I dug deep and I've been cleaning like a mad woman. I think I've eliminated about a third of my clothes if not more. In fact my closet looks bare and Kevin even commented on how much more clothing he has then me (this has never happened). I'm a slight hoarder. I have a pair of jeans from grade 9. I believe they are boot cut. I've kept them because I can still fit into them. It's not as impressive at it sounds...I'm sure the elastic in the jean material is shot therefore that is the only reason why I have been able to get into them. I think the last time I wore them was when I was preggers with Lincoln...that would be 5 years ago. FYI they have been donated. I've also been hoarding the clothes I left the hospital in after I've had my babies...and the shirt I was wearing when Kevin proposed....over 7 years ago. I've also been holding on to my "work" clothes...even though I don't have a job. Nothing good can come from holding onto "work" clothes for when I return to work...in say 5-6 years.
I've also learned a few things as I've been going through my closet:
-Don't buy clothes when your pregnant with intentions to wear them when your NOT...they never look as good later on.
-Don't buy clothes right after you've HAD the baby because you assume it's going to look good once you've lost the baby weight.
-Don't impulse buy...I think I'm bad for this. Especially when I'm having a good hair day or the lighting in the change room is just right making my skin look flawless. It's moments like that when I buy it all only to end up coming home and seeing something completely different in the mirror.
The truth is...I put more effort into clothing my kids then I do myself. I get so busy getting the 3 littles ones ready that by the time I get to myself we're running late and I end up throwing on jeans and a t-shirt. I tend to gravitate towards the same things day in and day out. And Pinterest almost makes things worse. Ugh! Pinterest is flooded with super cool outfits and when your in the midst of a closet clean out it can be a good thing and a bad thing. It's bad because I look at the outfits on Pinterest and at my own clothes and it makes me feel drab but on the other hand Pinterest gives me ideas of new things to buy. In fact I've started a list of items I'm in search of!
Now that fall is here I'm going to start cleaning out every square inch of this house. I've started with the laundry room and hall closet. I found a basket full of scarves and pashmina's from forever ago and those have all been donated. I have this super large basket in our hallway closet with winter items in them (goggles, gloves, hats scarves etc.) and I have 2 baskets in the laundry room with towels and blankets for summer. I've decided to switch these items around seeing as we won't be using our towels and blankets any more and now the winter items are more accessible.
It feels good to clean but yet it's also a bit sickening seeing the bags of clothes and knowing there are hundreds if not thousands of dollars just sitting there. This upcoming shopping trip I'm going to focus on getting some classic good quality pieces that can be paired with cheaper trendier items. I want to re-vamp my wardrobe and seeing as I'm about to turn 30. It's about time I binge on some new clothing for myself:-)
In the mean time I'll be happy purging of old clothes.
Every few months I go through our closets and get rid of clothes...it's usually when Big Brother phones or Canadian Diabetes. What really sparked my cleaning binge was my up and coming shopping trip with a good friend. I dug deep and I've been cleaning like a mad woman. I think I've eliminated about a third of my clothes if not more. In fact my closet looks bare and Kevin even commented on how much more clothing he has then me (this has never happened). I'm a slight hoarder. I have a pair of jeans from grade 9. I believe they are boot cut. I've kept them because I can still fit into them. It's not as impressive at it sounds...I'm sure the elastic in the jean material is shot therefore that is the only reason why I have been able to get into them. I think the last time I wore them was when I was preggers with Lincoln...that would be 5 years ago. FYI they have been donated. I've also been hoarding the clothes I left the hospital in after I've had my babies...and the shirt I was wearing when Kevin proposed....over 7 years ago. I've also been holding on to my "work" clothes...even though I don't have a job. Nothing good can come from holding onto "work" clothes for when I return to work...in say 5-6 years.
I've also learned a few things as I've been going through my closet:
-Don't buy clothes when your pregnant with intentions to wear them when your NOT...they never look as good later on.
-Don't buy clothes right after you've HAD the baby because you assume it's going to look good once you've lost the baby weight.
-Don't impulse buy...I think I'm bad for this. Especially when I'm having a good hair day or the lighting in the change room is just right making my skin look flawless. It's moments like that when I buy it all only to end up coming home and seeing something completely different in the mirror.
The truth is...I put more effort into clothing my kids then I do myself. I get so busy getting the 3 littles ones ready that by the time I get to myself we're running late and I end up throwing on jeans and a t-shirt. I tend to gravitate towards the same things day in and day out. And Pinterest almost makes things worse. Ugh! Pinterest is flooded with super cool outfits and when your in the midst of a closet clean out it can be a good thing and a bad thing. It's bad because I look at the outfits on Pinterest and at my own clothes and it makes me feel drab but on the other hand Pinterest gives me ideas of new things to buy. In fact I've started a list of items I'm in search of!
Now that fall is here I'm going to start cleaning out every square inch of this house. I've started with the laundry room and hall closet. I found a basket full of scarves and pashmina's from forever ago and those have all been donated. I have this super large basket in our hallway closet with winter items in them (goggles, gloves, hats scarves etc.) and I have 2 baskets in the laundry room with towels and blankets for summer. I've decided to switch these items around seeing as we won't be using our towels and blankets any more and now the winter items are more accessible.
It feels good to clean but yet it's also a bit sickening seeing the bags of clothes and knowing there are hundreds if not thousands of dollars just sitting there. This upcoming shopping trip I'm going to focus on getting some classic good quality pieces that can be paired with cheaper trendier items. I want to re-vamp my wardrobe and seeing as I'm about to turn 30. It's about time I binge on some new clothing for myself:-)
In the mean time I'll be happy purging of old clothes.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
First Week of School
That morning I asked how he was feeling, he said, "I'm not nervous, I'm excited!" And he was!
I snapped a billion photos to the point were Lincoln kept saying "no more!" And then I got the look from Kev as he informed me I needed to respect his wishes. I tried.
The 2.5 hours went by fast. Nathan, London and I headed south for some gas and ice cream (the border line ups are no longer hours long) then we went back home for lunch. Before I knew it it was 2:13 pm and we were running out the door to pick up brother.
I think Nathan had a hard time the first day. On our drive home he told me he missed Lincoln. It broke my heart. And he didn't understand why Lincoln got to stay at preschool and he didn't. I'll be honest...it's kinda nice and quiet with just 2 and I think I'm going to enjoy some one on one time with just Nathan...I think he needs it:-)
So I asked all sorts of questions when I picked him up and once at home he confessed...he didn't want to share the digger with his friend at school and he got "in trouble." I think I may have "that" child...the one with sharing issues! I'm hoping and praying that this won't become a larger issue!
I picked out 2 outfits for his first day of school and he chose to wear the shirt and vest (he kept telling us how cool he looked:-) and I thought he looked adorable...although I am biased. My sister said he was going to get made fun of (because of his clothes) and as his mother I'd like to think otherwise...I always have my kids best interest at heart...even when it comes to the clothing they wear...and then I had flashbacks...
Kindergarten 1988...My mother had my best interest at heart right? Permed hair and white boots. I hated that outfit and that permed hair! Dear Lincoln, Nathan and London...I promise to never perm your hair:-)
Thursday, September 6, 2012
A Year Ago...
August 19, 2011 was suppose to be a good day for us...a good day for our family. It was my routine ultrasound with baby #3. That morning I was all sorts of emotions. I knew this would most likely be our last baby therefore it was going to be our last routine ultrasound. I was excited, nervous, happy, scared, and anxious. I always get nervous before ultrasounds. And this time I was a little more nervous and I was a little more anxious about what to do when it came to knowing the baby's gender. I said I didn't want to know. But I know myself and I knew I might be tempted when the time came. I was also a bit nervous that maybe they'd accidentally reveal the gender or we'd see some "parts." I don't know why but I was more nervous this time around. Looking back I think it was hindsight.
"Today we saw this:
There are no words to describe it...just the emotions in my heart. And my eyes welled up with tears and I fell madly deeply in love all over again with this precious little baby.
It's moments like this that will never get old. I told the technologist that my baby was the most beautiful baby in the whole world. He responded by saying "they're all cute." No dude they aren't all cute only mine is the cutest (yes OK I know I'm extremely biased but come on we all think it...our babies are the cutest). But I wasn't going to argue...I knew my baby was the cutest:-)"
I was in love but I knew something was wrong. I just knew. The technologist spent a little more time taking measurements of the baby's heart...and I just knew deep down inside my own heart that something was wrong.
And then the phone call came later that day. Nothing in the world prepares you for such news.
"I am panicking. I am worried. I am fearful. And I am an emotional wreck. I want all my babies to be healthy. I would give anything for that. It all just feels like a bad dream and the worst part about falling asleep, is waking up knowing it wasn't just a bad dream."
I never did publish that post. It was too hard. It's still so hard to read and I still get emotional thinking about it. In my post I asked for prayers, but really I was begging and pleading. I needed every prayer I could get. I prayed harder then I ever had. I made all sorts of promises to God. I begged. I pleaded. I promised to give up all my wordly possessions..."just please let me baby be ok!"
Waiting for my next ultrasound was the longest wait of my life. How do you just sit and wait. It was all out of my control. There was nothing I could do.
On September 1, 2011 we arrived at BC Woman's Hospital. My stomach in knots. My anxiety high. I prayed and I prayed over and over again. I started sacrificing our money, our house, our cars, the clothes off my back...anything and everything. I kept praying for our baby's health.
The ultrasound was extensive. There were a lot of people in the room including a paediatric heart doctor (I don't know his exact title). They were very open and vocal about what they were seeing but they seemed positive and optimistic and that in turn calmed my nerves and eased my fears abit.
And then came another gut wrenching blow. They asked to measure my cervix because Lincoln was born 5 weeks early and it was never understood why. I obliged and had my cervix measured. It was short. 1.9cm to be exact. Two weeks earlier it was 4cm. This was not normal and it was worrisome to the doctors. At first I didn't get it. I was more concerned about the baby's heart. I didn't understand what they were getting at until we met with the doctor. She said I was at risk for a pre-mature baby. Still no biggie for me...Lincoln alot to process. My emotions and thoughts were scattered everywhere!
It hit me the next day...hard and 5 days later I was emotionally wrecked. Completely drained. I was devastated. On September 6, 2011, exactly a year ago today, I walked back into work after my doctors appointment, to inform my manager I was going on bed rest until further notice. Little did I know that would be my last day of work. I didn't get to leave my job skipping out the door with a big smile on my face and my box of personal belongings. I left with swollen eyes from crying and a heavy heart. I cried in my car the whole way home. It was not how I ever envisioned my last day of work and it definitely wasn't how I envisioned my last pregnancy.
The days, weeks and months after that were the hardest days of my life. Emotionally I was lost. Up one minute down the other. I've never experienced so many highs and lows in my life. It was a very dark time in my life but yet it was also filled with so much light and love. I kept thinking back to the day I found out I was pregnant. After I celebrated the good news with Kev I got this sick feeling that something was wrong and that something was going to happen. I tried to brush it off. I always worry. I hoped it was just me being my worrisome self. I think deep down I always knew. And what worried me the most was knowing that we were not exempt from having something wrong with our baby. Bad things happened to good people all the time. It was such an unsettling feeling.
People would ask how I was doing and I'd smile and say fine. I didn't like talking about it. Deep down inside I wanted to scream "I'm not fine! I'm a wreck. I want to close my eyes and sleep until this baby is born." I wanted to go back in time before we found out about her heart! I so badly wanted this to just be a nightmare. I didn't want this to be my reality. And when reality did set in, it hurt. It hurt so bad. I loved that baby in my belly and it was a real simple decision to not find out the gender because I knew deep down in my heart that if we found out what we were having things would change. I would be come more attached. I would start dreaming of our life with our little boy or little girl. I just couldn't go there. I knew it would hurt too much if things didn't go in our favor. I couldn't bring myself to that place. I was already attached and already so in love. I was scared to fall deeper in love, and deeply attached. I was scared for the hopes and dreams I had for that baby because I didn't know what the future held. I needed to take it every day at a time and not knowing what we were having helped me cope with the situation.
I spent my days on the couch, waiting, watching time pass. It wasn't easy with the 2 boys. I wasn't always patient and we watched way too many cartoons. The highlight for me was pumpkin spice lattes. It was my "out of the house" treat. When I needed out of the house I'd pack up the boys and go get a pumpkin spice latte. We'd take a drive or I'd take them to Eagle Mountain Park. When I drink pumpkin spice lattes I think of my pregnancy with London and that warms my heart. And the other day, when I had my first pumpkin spice latte of the season, it brought me back to last year and all that it held. A simple taste brought back so many memories and so many emotions.
London's pregnancy seemed like I was running the longest race of my life and with each passing week I got closer and closer to the finish line. Sometimes I was running full steam ahead. Other times I was dragging myself and the finish line seemed so far away. But I didn't stop, I dragged my beaten body to that finish line and when I got there it was the sweetest victory. Each week I celebrated. Each milestone was such a victory. I don't want it to come across that my pregnancy with London sucked. There were times when it did. It was a very trying time in my life. But there was plenty of good that came from her pregnancy as well. I got to spend so much time with my boys, my strength and belief in God was renewed, and I was afraid my third pregnancy would fly by and trust me...it didn't:-) When I'd feel a little kick or she'd roll around...those were the moments that made it good. Those were the times I enjoyed and loved being pregnant. Feeling that little babe inside me knowing that the longer she stayed in the healthier she'd get (although I didn't know she was a she:-) I loved my belly and I loved my baby. I just didn't love the reminder that there was always something wrong...my cervix and her heart. That never left my mind. Those thoughts were always there. They burdened me.
And on December 21, 2011 at 3:58 pm (10 days after mine, my moms and sister in laws birthday) I finished that race. And I won. And that moment when that sweet little girl was placed on my chest was one of the greatest moments of my life. To see that baby and knowing she was healthy...oh there are no words. I clutched that body to my chest and I prayed. I thanked the Lord over and over again. I don't know why He gave us a healthy baby but I will be forever grateful.
I still get emotional just thinking about her birth and all that I went through with her pregnancy. But I know one thing for sure...it strengthened my faith. In moments like that I knew 2 things could happen-I could blame God and be angry at Him or I could have faith and believe. I chose to believe and have faith and I still do!
The thought of another baby is tempting to be quite honest. I know my husband is done. He's very content with 3 but I on the other hand have had to think about it. I've had to dig deep into my heart to find the answer. Am I content with 3? And the answer to that: Yes, yes I am. I love baby's. I love feeling them inside my belly, I love birthing them, I love the snuggles and all the firsts! But having one more baby won't ever make those feelings go away. I will always want more children but I think my body is done. I've had to go to the dark place, those months of waiting for the unknown. I don't want to go back there again. I am content with counting my blessings and I am grateful with the 3 beautiful and healthy baby's the Lord has blessed me with. And with that...my heart is whole. It felt whole the moment London came into this world.
On August 19, 2012, 1 year after London's routine ultrasound...I celebrated quietly to myself. I reflected on the last year and I thanked the Lord for the billionth time for our sweet baby girl. On that day I danced with her and rocked her to sleep. She is my little miracle. She's my best friend. She's the one that made my heart whole. She helped to re-new my faith and showed me all the things that were important in life. Yes, she completes me:-)
If someone told me a year later I'd be sitting her with my beautiful healthy baby girl I don't think I'd believe them. In fact when people told me everything was going to be OK because they just knew it, I didn't believe them. I didn't have the same confidence. I thought the worst. There was one person I did believe...that sweet angel lady in the mall...who walked by me and said, "you're having a girl" and kept walking. I turned around and stopped her and she told me I was having a girl and she was going to be 6 pounds and she was going to be healthy. I believed her. That complete stranger in the mall...in my heart an angel. She calmed my heart...she truly did. She eased my mind and a peace came over me. I can't explain what her words did to me. I have big babies, even my premature Lincoln was a big baby, and that lady was right I had a 6 pound, healthy little girl.
Here we are a year later and I have never been more in love. I'm in awe of her and all that she has taught me. She's my missing piece. And she fills me heart with a different kind of love. One that can't be explained, only felt. And it's the best feeling ever. She is my constant reminder that life is short and to not take anything for granted. She has given me a new perspective on life. She radiates beauty and all things good and whole and perfect.
Funny how so much can change in a year:-)
She is my daughter. And today I will be grateful for where we are at in our lives. She is here and she is healthy. Thank you God for my sweet London Mackenna Lee!
At 9:18 am Kevin and I saw the most perfect baby. Our baby. And later that day after work I wrote this but never published it:
"Today we saw this:
There are no words to describe it...just the emotions in my heart. And my eyes welled up with tears and I fell madly deeply in love all over again with this precious little baby.
It's moments like this that will never get old. I told the technologist that my baby was the most beautiful baby in the whole world. He responded by saying "they're all cute." No dude they aren't all cute only mine is the cutest (yes OK I know I'm extremely biased but come on we all think it...our babies are the cutest). But I wasn't going to argue...I knew my baby was the cutest:-)"
I was in love but I knew something was wrong. I just knew. The technologist spent a little more time taking measurements of the baby's heart...and I just knew deep down inside my own heart that something was wrong.
And then the phone call came later that day. Nothing in the world prepares you for such news.
"Shortly after I wrote this post my doctor phoned and I heard the words no mother ever wants to hear:
"I don't want to scare you but..."
too late, my heart stopped, I'm panicking...
"Your baby has pericardial effusion"
"I don't want to scare you but..."
too late, my heart stopped, I'm panicking...
"Your baby has pericardial effusion"
Those gut wrenching words. The feeling that your world is crumbling, falling apart at your feet. My head was spinning and it felt as if I had just been kicked in the stomach. I so badly didn't want to hear the words that were coming out of his mouth. I wanted to scream "NO this isn't happening!" I wanted to cry. I wanted to rewind time and pause it. I didn't want this to be happening. But it was and I knew it was and my heart ached. It ached so bad for my unborn baby.
We were told the fluid around the baby's heart was at a high normal level and that I would need to have a further, more detailed ultrasound at BC Woman's Hospital to get more information. I asked the same questions over and over again but yet my mind couldn't retain any of that information. I couldn't process what was going on. I was a mess.
"I am panicking. I am worried. I am fearful. And I am an emotional wreck. I want all my babies to be healthy. I would give anything for that. It all just feels like a bad dream and the worst part about falling asleep, is waking up knowing it wasn't just a bad dream."
I never did publish that post. It was too hard. It's still so hard to read and I still get emotional thinking about it. In my post I asked for prayers, but really I was begging and pleading. I needed every prayer I could get. I prayed harder then I ever had. I made all sorts of promises to God. I begged. I pleaded. I promised to give up all my wordly possessions..."just please let me baby be ok!"
Waiting for my next ultrasound was the longest wait of my life. How do you just sit and wait. It was all out of my control. There was nothing I could do.
On September 1, 2011 we arrived at BC Woman's Hospital. My stomach in knots. My anxiety high. I prayed and I prayed over and over again. I started sacrificing our money, our house, our cars, the clothes off my back...anything and everything. I kept praying for our baby's health.
The ultrasound was extensive. There were a lot of people in the room including a paediatric heart doctor (I don't know his exact title). They were very open and vocal about what they were seeing but they seemed positive and optimistic and that in turn calmed my nerves and eased my fears abit.
And then came another gut wrenching blow. They asked to measure my cervix because Lincoln was born 5 weeks early and it was never understood why. I obliged and had my cervix measured. It was short. 1.9cm to be exact. Two weeks earlier it was 4cm. This was not normal and it was worrisome to the doctors. At first I didn't get it. I was more concerned about the baby's heart. I didn't understand what they were getting at until we met with the doctor. She said I was at risk for a pre-mature baby. Still no biggie for me...Lincoln alot to process. My emotions and thoughts were scattered everywhere!
It hit me the next day...hard and 5 days later I was emotionally wrecked. Completely drained. I was devastated. On September 6, 2011, exactly a year ago today, I walked back into work after my doctors appointment, to inform my manager I was going on bed rest until further notice. Little did I know that would be my last day of work. I didn't get to leave my job skipping out the door with a big smile on my face and my box of personal belongings. I left with swollen eyes from crying and a heavy heart. I cried in my car the whole way home. It was not how I ever envisioned my last day of work and it definitely wasn't how I envisioned my last pregnancy.
The days, weeks and months after that were the hardest days of my life. Emotionally I was lost. Up one minute down the other. I've never experienced so many highs and lows in my life. It was a very dark time in my life but yet it was also filled with so much light and love. I kept thinking back to the day I found out I was pregnant. After I celebrated the good news with Kev I got this sick feeling that something was wrong and that something was going to happen. I tried to brush it off. I always worry. I hoped it was just me being my worrisome self. I think deep down I always knew. And what worried me the most was knowing that we were not exempt from having something wrong with our baby. Bad things happened to good people all the time. It was such an unsettling feeling.
People would ask how I was doing and I'd smile and say fine. I didn't like talking about it. Deep down inside I wanted to scream "I'm not fine! I'm a wreck. I want to close my eyes and sleep until this baby is born." I wanted to go back in time before we found out about her heart! I so badly wanted this to just be a nightmare. I didn't want this to be my reality. And when reality did set in, it hurt. It hurt so bad. I loved that baby in my belly and it was a real simple decision to not find out the gender because I knew deep down in my heart that if we found out what we were having things would change. I would be come more attached. I would start dreaming of our life with our little boy or little girl. I just couldn't go there. I knew it would hurt too much if things didn't go in our favor. I couldn't bring myself to that place. I was already attached and already so in love. I was scared to fall deeper in love, and deeply attached. I was scared for the hopes and dreams I had for that baby because I didn't know what the future held. I needed to take it every day at a time and not knowing what we were having helped me cope with the situation.
I spent my days on the couch, waiting, watching time pass. It wasn't easy with the 2 boys. I wasn't always patient and we watched way too many cartoons. The highlight for me was pumpkin spice lattes. It was my "out of the house" treat. When I needed out of the house I'd pack up the boys and go get a pumpkin spice latte. We'd take a drive or I'd take them to Eagle Mountain Park. When I drink pumpkin spice lattes I think of my pregnancy with London and that warms my heart. And the other day, when I had my first pumpkin spice latte of the season, it brought me back to last year and all that it held. A simple taste brought back so many memories and so many emotions.
London's pregnancy seemed like I was running the longest race of my life and with each passing week I got closer and closer to the finish line. Sometimes I was running full steam ahead. Other times I was dragging myself and the finish line seemed so far away. But I didn't stop, I dragged my beaten body to that finish line and when I got there it was the sweetest victory. Each week I celebrated. Each milestone was such a victory. I don't want it to come across that my pregnancy with London sucked. There were times when it did. It was a very trying time in my life. But there was plenty of good that came from her pregnancy as well. I got to spend so much time with my boys, my strength and belief in God was renewed, and I was afraid my third pregnancy would fly by and trust me...it didn't:-) When I'd feel a little kick or she'd roll around...those were the moments that made it good. Those were the times I enjoyed and loved being pregnant. Feeling that little babe inside me knowing that the longer she stayed in the healthier she'd get (although I didn't know she was a she:-) I loved my belly and I loved my baby. I just didn't love the reminder that there was always something wrong...my cervix and her heart. That never left my mind. Those thoughts were always there. They burdened me.
And on December 21, 2011 at 3:58 pm (10 days after mine, my moms and sister in laws birthday) I finished that race. And I won. And that moment when that sweet little girl was placed on my chest was one of the greatest moments of my life. To see that baby and knowing she was healthy...oh there are no words. I clutched that body to my chest and I prayed. I thanked the Lord over and over again. I don't know why He gave us a healthy baby but I will be forever grateful.
 |
| I can still feel that sweet victorious moment. |
 |
| When my mom saw this photo she said, "you're praying." Indeed I was! So grateful for that moment and my healthy daughter. |
I still get emotional just thinking about her birth and all that I went through with her pregnancy. But I know one thing for sure...it strengthened my faith. In moments like that I knew 2 things could happen-I could blame God and be angry at Him or I could have faith and believe. I chose to believe and have faith and I still do!
The thought of another baby is tempting to be quite honest. I know my husband is done. He's very content with 3 but I on the other hand have had to think about it. I've had to dig deep into my heart to find the answer. Am I content with 3? And the answer to that: Yes, yes I am. I love baby's. I love feeling them inside my belly, I love birthing them, I love the snuggles and all the firsts! But having one more baby won't ever make those feelings go away. I will always want more children but I think my body is done. I've had to go to the dark place, those months of waiting for the unknown. I don't want to go back there again. I am content with counting my blessings and I am grateful with the 3 beautiful and healthy baby's the Lord has blessed me with. And with that...my heart is whole. It felt whole the moment London came into this world.
On August 19, 2012, 1 year after London's routine ultrasound...I celebrated quietly to myself. I reflected on the last year and I thanked the Lord for the billionth time for our sweet baby girl. On that day I danced with her and rocked her to sleep. She is my little miracle. She's my best friend. She's the one that made my heart whole. She helped to re-new my faith and showed me all the things that were important in life. Yes, she completes me:-)
If someone told me a year later I'd be sitting her with my beautiful healthy baby girl I don't think I'd believe them. In fact when people told me everything was going to be OK because they just knew it, I didn't believe them. I didn't have the same confidence. I thought the worst. There was one person I did believe...that sweet angel lady in the mall...who walked by me and said, "you're having a girl" and kept walking. I turned around and stopped her and she told me I was having a girl and she was going to be 6 pounds and she was going to be healthy. I believed her. That complete stranger in the mall...in my heart an angel. She calmed my heart...she truly did. She eased my mind and a peace came over me. I can't explain what her words did to me. I have big babies, even my premature Lincoln was a big baby, and that lady was right I had a 6 pound, healthy little girl.
Here we are a year later and I have never been more in love. I'm in awe of her and all that she has taught me. She's my missing piece. And she fills me heart with a different kind of love. One that can't be explained, only felt. And it's the best feeling ever. She is my constant reminder that life is short and to not take anything for granted. She has given me a new perspective on life. She radiates beauty and all things good and whole and perfect.
Funny how so much can change in a year:-)
She is my daughter. And today I will be grateful for where we are at in our lives. She is here and she is healthy. Thank you God for my sweet London Mackenna Lee!
"My precious child,I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
-Footprints in the Sand
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Meet the Teachers
Today was "meet the teachers" day at Lincoln's pre-school. He's met them once before but today was the official meeting day and the realization that soon, very soon, my little boy will be in school three afternoons a week. Bittersweet.
He asked me to take a picture of him in front of his new school. So I snapped a few and he says to me "one more." That's my boy:-)
All I can say is that I am so blessed and so happy that Lincoln is in such a great pre-school with such amazing teachers (aren't they all?:-)! His teachers radiate love and patience. Bless their hearts. And bless them for being in a room with so many 4 year olds without going crazy. All pre-school teachers need a pat on the back!
And the tear jerker for me is when his teacher said to me "we feel so honoured that you trust us with your son." I had to repeat to myself "hold it together, hold it together...this a a pre-school meet and great!" as tears pooled in my eyes. I hope she didn't notice. I don't know why this process is so emotional for me? Is it because I'm having to slowly let go? Is it because he's not always going to be with me? Sometimes my kids drive me crazy. Absolutely crazy. But I always love that we are together.
I already know it...his first day of pre-school is going to be a "cut the cord" moment. I will ugly cry...that is a given. I will probably sit in my car and bawl like a baby. I'll be a hot mess. I'll probably sob the whole way home. My baby is growing up. But at the same time I know my heart will be leaping for joy for him. He is so excited about school. And I'm excited for him (really I am). September 10, 2012 will be Lincoln's first day of school. No longer will my little boy be home with my 24/7. That makes me want to cry now just thinking about it. That makes me want to shelter him and never let him go. I don't know if I'm ready for this. This whole "school" thing. It's going to be the first "real" day where I have to let him go...into the care of someone else that isn't family or a good friend. He's becoming more and more independent. And I'm slowly letting go...
I received a list of things we need for the first day of school:
-new Velcro, non-marking shoes...awesome
-a change of clothes
-comfort items in ziploc bag in case of an earthquake.
Yes a freakin earthquake! What happens if there is an earthquake and Lincoln's at school? That thought clenches my heart. And the reality sets in that I will not always have Lincoln by my side. He's going to grow up. In fact it's happening right before my very eyes. I honestly don't really want to think about that too much. Why does time have to go by so fast?
I know pre-school will be good for him (or daycare as my dad calls it). I know he needs it. I know he needs time away from his brother and sister. I know he needs to grow and learn and meet new friends without me hovering over him watching his every move. This is his moment. His first real steps into the "big world." And I know there are lot's to look forward to...art work, stories about his day, show and tell and watching him grow academically.
This will be a new routine for us. One that will take some adapting to. I'm already a ball of emotions. Oh boy...here come the tears...this isn't going to be easy (for me at least:-)
And I'll close with a cute little Lincoln conversation.
Lincoln: "mommy how do I stop growing?"
Me: "You can't"
Lincoln: "well what happens when I'm too big and can't fit into the house?"
The sweet innocence of a 4 year old. I love it!
He asked me to take a picture of him in front of his new school. So I snapped a few and he says to me "one more." That's my boy:-)
All I can say is that I am so blessed and so happy that Lincoln is in such a great pre-school with such amazing teachers (aren't they all?:-)! His teachers radiate love and patience. Bless their hearts. And bless them for being in a room with so many 4 year olds without going crazy. All pre-school teachers need a pat on the back!
And the tear jerker for me is when his teacher said to me "we feel so honoured that you trust us with your son." I had to repeat to myself "hold it together, hold it together...this a a pre-school meet and great!" as tears pooled in my eyes. I hope she didn't notice. I don't know why this process is so emotional for me? Is it because I'm having to slowly let go? Is it because he's not always going to be with me? Sometimes my kids drive me crazy. Absolutely crazy. But I always love that we are together.
I already know it...his first day of pre-school is going to be a "cut the cord" moment. I will ugly cry...that is a given. I will probably sit in my car and bawl like a baby. I'll be a hot mess. I'll probably sob the whole way home. My baby is growing up. But at the same time I know my heart will be leaping for joy for him. He is so excited about school. And I'm excited for him (really I am). September 10, 2012 will be Lincoln's first day of school. No longer will my little boy be home with my 24/7. That makes me want to cry now just thinking about it. That makes me want to shelter him and never let him go. I don't know if I'm ready for this. This whole "school" thing. It's going to be the first "real" day where I have to let him go...into the care of someone else that isn't family or a good friend. He's becoming more and more independent. And I'm slowly letting go...
I received a list of things we need for the first day of school:
-new Velcro, non-marking shoes...awesome
-a change of clothes
-comfort items in ziploc bag in case of an earthquake.
Yes a freakin earthquake! What happens if there is an earthquake and Lincoln's at school? That thought clenches my heart. And the reality sets in that I will not always have Lincoln by my side. He's going to grow up. In fact it's happening right before my very eyes. I honestly don't really want to think about that too much. Why does time have to go by so fast?
I know pre-school will be good for him (or daycare as my dad calls it). I know he needs it. I know he needs time away from his brother and sister. I know he needs to grow and learn and meet new friends without me hovering over him watching his every move. This is his moment. His first real steps into the "big world." And I know there are lot's to look forward to...art work, stories about his day, show and tell and watching him grow academically.
This will be a new routine for us. One that will take some adapting to. I'm already a ball of emotions. Oh boy...here come the tears...this isn't going to be easy (for me at least:-)
And I'll close with a cute little Lincoln conversation.
Lincoln: "mommy how do I stop growing?"
Me: "You can't"
Lincoln: "well what happens when I'm too big and can't fit into the house?"
The sweet innocence of a 4 year old. I love it!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
My BIG Day!
Yesterday was a big day for me.
I quit my job.
Yes I'm officially jobless. I guess it's not as bad as being homeless.
It's been a dream of mine since I was a little girl...to be a stay at home. In grade 11 CAPP (career and personal planning) I even did my "career" on being a domestic engineer. My teacher wasn't to thrilled. But it's ALWAYS what I've wanted to do. I only went to university to pass time while I was waiting for Kevin to marry me so we could make baby's! I'm only slightly joking.
And yesterday my dreams became a reality.
It's slowly sinking in.
And it's kind of a weird feeling.
Yesterday was nerve wracking. I was so nervous. My stomach was in knots. I've had fears that I would regret my decision and I think knowing the amount that I have to pay back sickened me. For me it wasn't a simple hand in my resignation letter and walk away. Since my employer topped up my maternity leave the first two times and I didn't return to work for a minimum of 1 year after each maternity leave means I'm left paying thousands of dollars (roughly around 2 or 3 trips to Maui). It sucks but it's the price we have to pay or else I have to go back to work for a year. I knew this day was coming but nothing really prepared me for how I'd feel. I was even a bit hesitant handing over my resignation letter. I am now feeling very content with our decision for me to stay at home. I know for us it's the right decision (and I know being a stay at home mom isn't for everyone). And it's such a good feeling knowing I don't have to leave my baby's come November. I can breathe abit easier now...although I did I have a "holy $&*# I just quit my job" moment in the car after I handed in my resignation letter.
My job was just that...a job. It wasn't my career. I enjoyed my job but I didn't love it. Every time I returned back to work I was always looking forward to my next maternity leave. And it just so happened I was always pregnant when I returned.
There are a few things I'm going to miss:
-driving to work ALONE with the music up loud, drinking my coffee-there is just something about being in the car alone that's kinda enjoyable.
-drinking coffee at my desk-it seems so work appropriate and grown up. I'm going to miss sitting at a desk with the aroma of coffee surrounding me.
-I'm going to miss office supplies. I like office supplies and organizing them in my desk drawers. Oh and the label maker-I liked to label things.
-Adult conversation-sometimes it nice to have a two-way conversation with another grown adult.
-And yes I'm kinda going to miss all my youth files and those crazy busy days where I feel like I'm a professional in the work force making a difference in the lives of others (those days were minimal).
I never really saw myself working. Growing up I had dreams of being a teacher. But I always saw myself at home with my kids. When I got my job I had high hopes. I wanted to be sophisticated and always professionally dressed and well groomed. That was never the case. I am not a morning person. I always hit the snooze button one too many, I was always in a rush and I'd end up throwing on whatever clothes I could find. I was always rushing out the door.
All this wouldn't have come true if it wasn't for my husband. He knows I love being home with the kids and he knows how passionate I've been about being a stay at home mom. He's the one that made this happen and I couldn't be more grateful! I'd like to believe that I've worked so hard and am rewarded with now being able to stay at home but that's just not the truth. Yes I've worked hard but my husband has worked even harder. He made this possible! And I know he now has to carry all our finances on his shoulders. Knowing that has made the decision to leave worker abit harder. I enjoyed contributing financially. I felt it was my job as a wife but I also felt it was my job as a mother to raise my kids (if financially feasible).
I think a part of me will miss working. I think I'll miss it most on those crazy days. But I'm looking forward to the the future and all that it holds. Lincoln starts preschool 3 days a week starting in September and I can't wait. My baby's are growing up so quickly and I truly don't want to miss a thing.
So today I sit and sip my coffee. And the kids are playing contently (this is rare). It's my first day of being unemployed. I think it will really start to sink in once my EI runs out and I have to start justifying my online purchases to my personal money machine Mr. Edwards. I hope he knows what he gotten himself into:-)
I quit my job.
Yes I'm officially jobless. I guess it's not as bad as being homeless.
It's been a dream of mine since I was a little girl...to be a stay at home. In grade 11 CAPP (career and personal planning) I even did my "career" on being a domestic engineer. My teacher wasn't to thrilled. But it's ALWAYS what I've wanted to do. I only went to university to pass time while I was waiting for Kevin to marry me so we could make baby's! I'm only slightly joking.
And yesterday my dreams became a reality.
It's slowly sinking in.
And it's kind of a weird feeling.
Yesterday was nerve wracking. I was so nervous. My stomach was in knots. I've had fears that I would regret my decision and I think knowing the amount that I have to pay back sickened me. For me it wasn't a simple hand in my resignation letter and walk away. Since my employer topped up my maternity leave the first two times and I didn't return to work for a minimum of 1 year after each maternity leave means I'm left paying thousands of dollars (roughly around 2 or 3 trips to Maui). It sucks but it's the price we have to pay or else I have to go back to work for a year. I knew this day was coming but nothing really prepared me for how I'd feel. I was even a bit hesitant handing over my resignation letter. I am now feeling very content with our decision for me to stay at home. I know for us it's the right decision (and I know being a stay at home mom isn't for everyone). And it's such a good feeling knowing I don't have to leave my baby's come November. I can breathe abit easier now...although I did I have a "holy $&*# I just quit my job" moment in the car after I handed in my resignation letter.
My job was just that...a job. It wasn't my career. I enjoyed my job but I didn't love it. Every time I returned back to work I was always looking forward to my next maternity leave. And it just so happened I was always pregnant when I returned.
There are a few things I'm going to miss:
-driving to work ALONE with the music up loud, drinking my coffee-there is just something about being in the car alone that's kinda enjoyable.
-drinking coffee at my desk-it seems so work appropriate and grown up. I'm going to miss sitting at a desk with the aroma of coffee surrounding me.
-I'm going to miss office supplies. I like office supplies and organizing them in my desk drawers. Oh and the label maker-I liked to label things.
-Adult conversation-sometimes it nice to have a two-way conversation with another grown adult.
-And yes I'm kinda going to miss all my youth files and those crazy busy days where I feel like I'm a professional in the work force making a difference in the lives of others (those days were minimal).
I never really saw myself working. Growing up I had dreams of being a teacher. But I always saw myself at home with my kids. When I got my job I had high hopes. I wanted to be sophisticated and always professionally dressed and well groomed. That was never the case. I am not a morning person. I always hit the snooze button one too many, I was always in a rush and I'd end up throwing on whatever clothes I could find. I was always rushing out the door.
All this wouldn't have come true if it wasn't for my husband. He knows I love being home with the kids and he knows how passionate I've been about being a stay at home mom. He's the one that made this happen and I couldn't be more grateful! I'd like to believe that I've worked so hard and am rewarded with now being able to stay at home but that's just not the truth. Yes I've worked hard but my husband has worked even harder. He made this possible! And I know he now has to carry all our finances on his shoulders. Knowing that has made the decision to leave worker abit harder. I enjoyed contributing financially. I felt it was my job as a wife but I also felt it was my job as a mother to raise my kids (if financially feasible).
I think a part of me will miss working. I think I'll miss it most on those crazy days. But I'm looking forward to the the future and all that it holds. Lincoln starts preschool 3 days a week starting in September and I can't wait. My baby's are growing up so quickly and I truly don't want to miss a thing.
So today I sit and sip my coffee. And the kids are playing contently (this is rare). It's my first day of being unemployed. I think it will really start to sink in once my EI runs out and I have to start justifying my online purchases to my personal money machine Mr. Edwards. I hope he knows what he gotten himself into:-)
Monday, August 13, 2012
Photo's
My house is uber quite right now...it's so peaceful! London's napping and the boys are upstairs watching cartoons! Yes I'm slowly allowing them to watch cartoons again!
I've got a dilemma.
I take a billion photo's.
And I like to get them printed (well all the ones I like...and I like almost all of them) and put them into albums.
It's so time consuming and it's getting expensive. And these albums are taking up a lot of space.
I've made a few photo books through MyPublisher and I love them. And I'm thinking photo books are the way to go. I just don't know if I'm ready to give up getting pictures printed. I like being able to hold an actual photo. MyPublisher usually has some really good deals going on). The last book I had made consisted of 100 pages and tons of photos and it cost around $50 (that included shipping).
I've also heard Shutterfly is really great for making photo books too. That's another dilemma-which company should I go with? I want all the books to be the same so if I do decide to start making books I'm going to have to choose a company and stick with them. One thing I like about MyPublisher is that their paper is thick and the pages don't crinkle easily. I also find MyPublisher super easy to use. I don't want to cheap out and go with a company that doesn't make good quality photo books but I also don't want to spend an arm and a leg making these books.
Hmm decisions, decisions.
I've got a dilemma.
I take a billion photo's.
And I like to get them printed (well all the ones I like...and I like almost all of them) and put them into albums.
It's so time consuming and it's getting expensive. And these albums are taking up a lot of space.
I've made a few photo books through MyPublisher and I love them. And I'm thinking photo books are the way to go. I just don't know if I'm ready to give up getting pictures printed. I like being able to hold an actual photo. MyPublisher usually has some really good deals going on). The last book I had made consisted of 100 pages and tons of photos and it cost around $50 (that included shipping).
I've also heard Shutterfly is really great for making photo books too. That's another dilemma-which company should I go with? I want all the books to be the same so if I do decide to start making books I'm going to have to choose a company and stick with them. One thing I like about MyPublisher is that their paper is thick and the pages don't crinkle easily. I also find MyPublisher super easy to use. I don't want to cheap out and go with a company that doesn't make good quality photo books but I also don't want to spend an arm and a leg making these books.
Hmm decisions, decisions.
Friday, August 3, 2012
7 months
My babies at 7 months:-)
I love comparing their photo's!
I just can't believe how fast my little boys have grown up!
Lincoln
Nathan
London
I just came across these two photos-the first one is London at 5 months and the second is London at 7 months-this may be her signature pose:-)
 |
| 5 months |
 |
| 7 months |
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
First Tooth
My daughter has her first tooth.
This is a big moment...for me.
Gone is the toothless smile.
This is kind of a bittersweet moment.
She's my baby.
And now she has a tooth.
I cannot stop time. But I wish I could preserve all of lifes memories...including today.
I also think it's the realization that I'll never experience this again...my babies first tooth.
There is just something about her. Her face puts the sweetest smile on mine.
She is so perfect. So beautiful. She warms my heart! Her smile is infectious! I love her!
And finally here it is...the newest addition:
And this is the last photo I took of her with her toothless grin. Huge sigh...if only I could slow time down:
I think today was a good day to get a tooth. 3 years ago today our friends got married, our other friends had a baby, and I found out I was pregnant with Nathan. July 25 is a good day indeed:-)
This is a big moment...for me.
Gone is the toothless smile.
This is kind of a bittersweet moment.
She's my baby.
And now she has a tooth.
I cannot stop time. But I wish I could preserve all of lifes memories...including today.
I also think it's the realization that I'll never experience this again...my babies first tooth.
There is just something about her. Her face puts the sweetest smile on mine.
She is so perfect. So beautiful. She warms my heart! Her smile is infectious! I love her!
And finally here it is...the newest addition:
And this is the last photo I took of her with her toothless grin. Huge sigh...if only I could slow time down:
I think today was a good day to get a tooth. 3 years ago today our friends got married, our other friends had a baby, and I found out I was pregnant with Nathan. July 25 is a good day indeed:-)
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Lincoln is 4
My little boy is 4.
And I can't help but smile.
It's been 4 years since that sweet little boy was placed in my arms...covered in vernix. He came 5 weeks early.
I remember not even seeing his face but screaming he was beautiful. I didn't need to see his face. I knew in my heart he was beautiful and perfect.
I still remember that moment on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 1:22 pm. Time stopped. The world was perfect. And I became a momma. I.Became.A.Momma. My life changed.
I still remember the pain I felt when my little boy was taken away from me to go the NICU. Those 9 days were the longest. And I'll never forget the moment we were told we could take him home. Those sweet, warm tears that rolled down my face knowing we could finally take our baby boy home. It was one of the greatest days of my life.
I love him. He feels my heart with a love I'd never felt. And I can't imagine life without him. He is mine. And I am so blessed.
There is something very special about the first born. The feelings are all new. Life changes and a new love begins to grow. A love only a mother knows.
His kind sensitive soul is heart warming. His smile is contagious. He loves to cuddle. And I love that about him.
He'll always be my baby. Always. I love watching him grow. And I love the little boy he's turned into.
Lincoln I love you. And I am honored to be your mommy. You've captured my heart and you make me feel whole. Thank you for being you!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Tonights Dinner
I'm not the best cook but I love food. LOVE FOOD! But I don't like cooking it! And I don't like my kitchen getting dirty. I have issues! I've struggled with dinner ideas since....marriage! And Kevin informed me the other day that I tend to make the same things over and over again (chicken, rice and vegetables) but I just change the spices from day to day. Very true. So I attempted something different tonight. I attempted Jamie Olivers roasted chicken breast with pancetta, leeks and thyme. It was super easy to make. I enjoyed it but Kev said it was too salty and wouldn't eat it again. He was however impressed that I was making something new tonight.
So later this evening I went to look for another recipe to try (my goal is to try a new recipe every day this week). I was looking at the recipe I just made and realized I bought prosciutto instead of pancetta. Oops! Well that explains the salty taste! Thank the good Lord Kev is at firefighting tomorrow night and I have an extra day to think of what to make for dinner Thursday night. I'm thinking slow cooker pulled pork. I found a super easy recipe and we'll see how it goes! I just need to make sure and double check I buy the correct ingredients!
So later this evening I went to look for another recipe to try (my goal is to try a new recipe every day this week). I was looking at the recipe I just made and realized I bought prosciutto instead of pancetta. Oops! Well that explains the salty taste! Thank the good Lord Kev is at firefighting tomorrow night and I have an extra day to think of what to make for dinner Thursday night. I'm thinking slow cooker pulled pork. I found a super easy recipe and we'll see how it goes! I just need to make sure and double check I buy the correct ingredients!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Potty Training Regression?
I have a question mark after potty training regression because I'm assuming that's what it was...or at least I'm hoping that's what it was:-)
A week and a half ago Nate had an accident. No biggie. Accidents happen. And then for the next 3 days after that one accident led to the next. Non stop. I'd be in the middle of talking to him about peeing in his underwear and he'd start to pee again! I thought I was going to go crazy! I was about to declare that my little buddy was potty trained (except for nights) and dude suddenly starts wetting himself all the time. And I mean ALL the time! Every chance he got he'd pee himself! And he stop telling me when he had to pee. It was worse than the first few days when we started potty training! We'd never had that many accidents before.
We were doing so good. When he had to go the bathroom he just walked to the bathroom, asked me to turn on the light and went. No issues what so ever and then this happened. After 4 days of constant accidents I felt defeated. I didn't know what was up. And I was worried. Was there something physically wrong with him? Maybe emotionally wrong? What was I doing wrong? We had stopped with the whole treat thing only because he had been doing so well for weeks and my friend Kacey suggested I bring the treat thing back. So we did and thankfully we are now back on track. It was a rough 4 days. And I was running out of underwear for him and constantly washing laundry.
I have no idea what brought this on. And there hadn't been any changes in our lives that I could think of that would cause him to regress. I googled "potty training regression" and the one thing I kept reading was to remain patient (kinda hard to do when buddy is wetting himself 12 times a day) and to not overreact and don't punish. By day 5 I had to dig deep and bring out my inner Michelle Duggar (soft calm voice) while in my head I was freaking out and wanting to pull every strand of hair from my head! Seriously sometimes remaining calm and speaking softly solves alot of issues. Sometimes:-) It's been a good week! He's back to finally telling me when he has to pee and waking up dry from his naps and when we are out and about and he tells me he needs to pee he's been holding it until we get home (or find a bathroom).
I know he's young. And this is my second time potty training a little one and it's hard work. I almost feel like Lincoln was easier (sort of) because he was older (2.5 years) and understood better. It's just one of those areas where some kids get it and some kids don't and each child develops differently. I can't even compare Lincoln to Nathan because they are two separate individuals and I have to keep reminding myself that. Lincoln is not Nathan and Nathan is not Lincoln and they well learn at different rates. Ahhh motherhood. I'm constantly learning:-)
A week and a half ago Nate had an accident. No biggie. Accidents happen. And then for the next 3 days after that one accident led to the next. Non stop. I'd be in the middle of talking to him about peeing in his underwear and he'd start to pee again! I thought I was going to go crazy! I was about to declare that my little buddy was potty trained (except for nights) and dude suddenly starts wetting himself all the time. And I mean ALL the time! Every chance he got he'd pee himself! And he stop telling me when he had to pee. It was worse than the first few days when we started potty training! We'd never had that many accidents before.
We were doing so good. When he had to go the bathroom he just walked to the bathroom, asked me to turn on the light and went. No issues what so ever and then this happened. After 4 days of constant accidents I felt defeated. I didn't know what was up. And I was worried. Was there something physically wrong with him? Maybe emotionally wrong? What was I doing wrong? We had stopped with the whole treat thing only because he had been doing so well for weeks and my friend Kacey suggested I bring the treat thing back. So we did and thankfully we are now back on track. It was a rough 4 days. And I was running out of underwear for him and constantly washing laundry.
I have no idea what brought this on. And there hadn't been any changes in our lives that I could think of that would cause him to regress. I googled "potty training regression" and the one thing I kept reading was to remain patient (kinda hard to do when buddy is wetting himself 12 times a day) and to not overreact and don't punish. By day 5 I had to dig deep and bring out my inner Michelle Duggar (soft calm voice) while in my head I was freaking out and wanting to pull every strand of hair from my head! Seriously sometimes remaining calm and speaking softly solves alot of issues. Sometimes:-) It's been a good week! He's back to finally telling me when he has to pee and waking up dry from his naps and when we are out and about and he tells me he needs to pee he's been holding it until we get home (or find a bathroom).
I know he's young. And this is my second time potty training a little one and it's hard work. I almost feel like Lincoln was easier (sort of) because he was older (2.5 years) and understood better. It's just one of those areas where some kids get it and some kids don't and each child develops differently. I can't even compare Lincoln to Nathan because they are two separate individuals and I have to keep reminding myself that. Lincoln is not Nathan and Nathan is not Lincoln and they well learn at different rates. Ahhh motherhood. I'm constantly learning:-)
Monday, June 11, 2012
Dining Room Chairs
Thursday Kevin looked at me with desperation in his eyes and said "I need you to continue your search for dining room chairs." Like a good wife I obliged and headed straight to Hudson Madison to bring home the chair I had been admiring but wasn't willing to pay the price for.
When Kev came home, I showcased the chair. He took one look at the price and said, "if you can get them down 25% we'll take them."
Challenge accepted.
I worked my magic.
And I'm pleased to say: the chairs are officially mine! Well in 4-6 weeks they'll be mine!
Yes, friends and family! No longer will you dread coming over to our house for dinner!
I have been searching high and low for dining room chairs for over a year! Nothing appealed to me...well accept these ones but I wasn't willing to pay the price. I was really hoping to find chairs at Home Sense but after a year of countless trips there I ended up empty handed.
I debated back and forth between fabric and leather chairs. We have alot of brown in our kitchen and living room area (our cabinets are brown, are table is brown, our desk area is brown, are chairs are brown, our couch is brown). And I really wanted to break up the brown color. I thought about cream leather dining room chairs but then worried about them getting stained by jeans (you know when the dye from blue jeans gets transferred onto the material). I love the look of fabric chairs but thought leather ones would be more practical because we have kids. In the end the fabric ones won and I'm stoked! I've decided to keep two of the sweet pleather chairs for Lincoln and Nathan-I'm not ready for them to ruin the new ones. And as for London-I'm going to buy her a highchair. I've been anit-highchair for awhile now. They are big and bulky and not easy to clean (well at least I think so). With the boys I just used a little Fisher Price highchair that connects to a regular chair. It was practical and easy to clean.
I've now been told by Kevin to slow down on shopping! We'll see about that one Kev!
When Kev came home, I showcased the chair. He took one look at the price and said, "if you can get them down 25% we'll take them."
Challenge accepted.
I worked my magic.
And I'm pleased to say: the chairs are officially mine! Well in 4-6 weeks they'll be mine!
Yes, friends and family! No longer will you dread coming over to our house for dinner!
I have been searching high and low for dining room chairs for over a year! Nothing appealed to me...well accept these ones but I wasn't willing to pay the price. I was really hoping to find chairs at Home Sense but after a year of countless trips there I ended up empty handed.
I debated back and forth between fabric and leather chairs. We have alot of brown in our kitchen and living room area (our cabinets are brown, are table is brown, our desk area is brown, are chairs are brown, our couch is brown). And I really wanted to break up the brown color. I thought about cream leather dining room chairs but then worried about them getting stained by jeans (you know when the dye from blue jeans gets transferred onto the material). I love the look of fabric chairs but thought leather ones would be more practical because we have kids. In the end the fabric ones won and I'm stoked! I've decided to keep two of the sweet pleather chairs for Lincoln and Nathan-I'm not ready for them to ruin the new ones. And as for London-I'm going to buy her a highchair. I've been anit-highchair for awhile now. They are big and bulky and not easy to clean (well at least I think so). With the boys I just used a little Fisher Price highchair that connects to a regular chair. It was practical and easy to clean.
I've now been told by Kevin to slow down on shopping! We'll see about that one Kev!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
London's Photo Book
I normally print all my photo's and stick them in an album. My girlfriend Angela (of TypeA Photography) took my belly, birth and newborn photo's. I didn't want to just stick them in an album and store it away. This time I wanted to do something different. I wanted to show case my photo's. And I thought making a photo book would be the perfect way to do just that...and it was:-)
I've made a few photo books through MyPublisher and they've turned out really well and in my opinion I think they make great gifts for grandparents:-) I find My Publisher easy to use (and trust me I need easy) and they always have super good deals going on! I always wait till they have their free page offer-that way I'm able to get 70% off. I got my book, with 100 pages, for $35 (plus $15.99 for shipping).
London's book came in the mail today and I'm in love! It's perfect! Everything to do with my pregnancy, her birth and her first month with us! It's such a special keepsake.
I've now decided I'm going to do one for each of the boys!
I've made a few photo books through MyPublisher and they've turned out really well and in my opinion I think they make great gifts for grandparents:-) I find My Publisher easy to use (and trust me I need easy) and they always have super good deals going on! I always wait till they have their free page offer-that way I'm able to get 70% off. I got my book, with 100 pages, for $35 (plus $15.99 for shipping).
London's book came in the mail today and I'm in love! It's perfect! Everything to do with my pregnancy, her birth and her first month with us! It's such a special keepsake.
I've now decided I'm going to do one for each of the boys!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)