Thank you so much to all those that donated and walked! We appreciate the support to help fight against prematurity in babies!
These are attempts at a first ever cousins photo! You can see how are attempts went.
Not too shabby? hahaha
Monday, April 30, 2012
We Marched for Babies
We walked/marched for babies this weekend! We had a GREAT turnout. I was overwhelmed how many people were there in green! We raised over $3,000. If you didn't get the chance to donate, don't worry you still can! Here is the link again in case you have not had the opportunity and would like to donate.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Never Fail Ribs
Ribs are hard to cook and I have never been able to master them until now. My prior attempts always ended up dry or tough as leather. BUT I have a found a way to do them that is SUPER easy, SUPER delicious. I guarantee you cannot mess them up, so feel at ease to splurge on a rack of ribs sometime!
Easy Barbecued Ribs
Adapted from Mmm.. is for Mommy
1.5 tbsp sweet paprika (3tbsp) (Edited Feb '12 to say I've also used mild smoked paprika with fantastic results)
1 tbsp light brown sugar, lightly packed (2 tbsp)
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp)
S&P to taste (about 1 tsp each is what I used)
2 lbs pork (baby) back ribs (6 lbs) - leave the membrane on the ribs to help hold them together
1 cup barbecue sauce (3 cups) (I like Sweet Baby Rays Sweet & Spicy)
Vegetable oil spray.
In a small bowl, mix together paprika, brown sugar, cayenne and S&P. Rub this mixture all over both sides of your ribs well. Arrange ribs in the slow cooker by standing them up against the wall of the stoneware pot, thicker side down and meaty side against the pot. Pour barbecue sauce over the ribs, cover and cook for 6-8 hours on low (I did 7 hours and they were perfect).
Such an easy supper just throw them in in the morning and you don't have to worry about them all day! I just cooked these for Mamma, Pappa Bear, and Owen sunday and made some baked potato wedges and cole slaw to go with.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
7 Months Old
Our Love Bean is already 7 months old! She has 2 teeth, is eating solids, crawling (a hybrid of up on all fours and army crawling) and loves standing up (with help of course)
Monday, April 23, 2012
discipline
Recently we have been going through a hard time with Rae. She is just naughty-I kept thinking we were doing something wrong. And we were. How is she supposed to know the rules or boundaries if they were constantly changing. I have found schedule is key to help her behavior problems. But, schedule for us right now, seems impossible. I have found that consistency is the only thing that is going to work. If I am not consistent, she will use that to her advantage. Probably thinking, "I got away with it last time." Honestly though, sometimes wouldn't it be easier just to walk away? It would in the short run. . .you will have to face it eventually though.
Right now this is Raelin's "Naughty" Chair.
What gets you in the naughty chair when your 22 months? Well, it is many things:
- Hitting
- Throwing fits
- Fighting with sister
- Whining
- If you just need to be taken away from a possible bad situation
A lot of the time I give a warning, whether it is asking them to stop or straight up threaten her. (The threats have just became effective this past week)
I used to try to spank her, that was how I was brought up and it worked back then. I am a big believer in each kid is different. Jo on the other hand once in a great while she will get a spanking and it is more than effective with her.
What gets a now 4 year old in trouble?
What gets a now 4 year old in trouble?
- Fighting with sister
- Talking back to anybody
- Not listening
- Crying/whining when you don't get something you want.
- Trying to "play" parents or grandparents
I asked Jo what are some of the things that get her in trouble. She replied, "Um...when I don't say okay to you." This is true, but she doesn't sit on the couch for that. And you may think that is harsh, I just like a response to make sure they understand and I know that they are listening. I hate being ignored!
Now Jo is a little different. She just goes on the couch when she is naughty. I just tell her to go get on the couch and off she goes. I feel like with her she knows she is wrong and wants to see if she can get away with it.
Sibling Fights are frustrating. Some days the girls cannot do anything without fighting. So what did we do...I put two naughty chairs facing each other and then couldn't talk of touch each other. If one (Rae) kept touching or talking she stayed while Jo got out. Then Rae was like hmm...I better pull it together.
You can say that you have tried this or that. But take a look back and see if you were really consistent. It may take 30-45 minutes to get your point across, but you have to do it. It actually is just exhausting. I have full confidence though that I will have less work in the long run if my kids know what I expect of them. I usually give the girls one chance to fix what they are doing wrong. If they do not fix it by the "1, 2, 3 count", then off they go to the naughty chair. I have full confidence that my efforts will be worth it someday!
I don't believe it is ever too late to start disciplining your children. You need to start now!
Sibling Fights are frustrating. Some days the girls cannot do anything without fighting. So what did we do...I put two naughty chairs facing each other and then couldn't talk of touch each other. If one (Rae) kept touching or talking she stayed while Jo got out. Then Rae was like hmm...I better pull it together.
You can say that you have tried this or that. But take a look back and see if you were really consistent. It may take 30-45 minutes to get your point across, but you have to do it. It actually is just exhausting. I have full confidence though that I will have less work in the long run if my kids know what I expect of them. I usually give the girls one chance to fix what they are doing wrong. If they do not fix it by the "1, 2, 3 count", then off they go to the naughty chair. I have full confidence that my efforts will be worth it someday!
I don't believe it is ever too late to start disciplining your children. You need to start now!
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| Found this little diddy and get a chuckle out of it! |
Friday, April 20, 2012
My Hopes for Ruth and Rules for myself…
I think a
lot. In the car to and from work, at work, in the shower, in bed, and I am sure
many other places. Lately Ruthie, of course, has been on my mind a lot. I am
always thinking I hope Ruthie does this or knows this and then that thought is
usually followed by I hope I can do this or that for her. All of these thoughts
run through my mind daily and new ones each time so I decided to journal them
down. Well I would like to share my hopes for Ruthie and the rules I have set
for myself, in hopes that you might think about what you want for your babies
someday because yes, sadly, they will grow up someday.
1. I hope
you have a sense of home.
My Rule:
Be home.
When she is sick with a cold or broken heart, she can
come to me: and I will welcome her. When she is engaged or pregnant, she will
run to me to share her news: and I will embrace her. When she is lost or
confused, she will search for me: and I will find her. When she needs
advice on boys, schools, friends or an outfit: I will be there to tell her. She
is my daughter and will always need a safe harbor- where she can turn a key to
see comforting eyes and a familiar smile: I will be her be home.
2. I hope
you are yourself.
My Rule:
Let her put on my makeup.
When she
wants to where my blue eye shadow, smudge my red lipstick across her face, wear
my jewelry, or my shoes…let her in attempts to be like me…. then let her be
herself.
3. I hope
you make mistakes.
My Rule:
Let her make mistakes.
Let her on
the back of the motorcycle (okay maybe not), let her fall in love with the
wrong boy, let her do what “she knows” is best. Remember I was her age once,
and remember everyone makes mistakes, so let her make her own.
4. I hope
you are confident
My Rule:
Let her be confident in her own decisions
Whether
she chooses to wear stripes, plaid, and polka dots in the same, or decides that
a bathing suit and tutu (if whether permits) is a good choice for a trip to the
store, let her. Let her decide who she is and be confident in her decision.
5. I hope
you are independent.
My Rule:
Be her example of a strong independent woman.
Encourage
her to find out who she is and help her to realize that that is enough.
6. I hope
you know that I will always be there.
My Rule:
Be there, and give no excuses.
Be there
for her school plays, sporting events, concerts, graduation. Be the first
person she looks for in the crowd.
7. I hope
you aren’t afraid to get dirty.
My Rule:
Let her make messes once in a while.
Let her
take water outside for mud pies and use glitter or paint. “The most wonderful
memories are often the messy ones.”
8. I hope
you understand the importance of family.
My Rule:
Show her.
Require
her to be at the family dinner table every night, go on yearly family
vacations, make her go on spring break with me instead of 10 other senior
girls/guys. She’ll thank me one day.
9. I hope
you know how to love.
My Rule:
Show her affection.
She will
learn how to love from me. “I love yous” and Eskimo kisses go a long way.
10. I hope
you know you’re gorgeous.
My rule:
Remind her she’s gorgeous.
Telling her
she is beautiful on her first day of school, when she messy, her first prom,
her wedding day. She will need the reminder every once in a while because
sometimes the world is cruel.
11. I hope
you “love” more then once.
My Rule:
Hold back the disapproving words and the “I told you so”.
Let her
“love” the “perfect” guy and be there when he breaks her heart. Teach her to
learn from each of them and let her know when she finds the perfect one.
12. I hope
you know how a man should treat you.
My Rule:
Teach her about men.
She needs
to understand that there are different types of men out there, and she deserves
the best. Tell her to make a list of what she requires in a man and tell her
not to settle.
13. I hope
you have an imagination.
My Rule:
Feed her imagination.
Make forts,
talk to her imaginary friend with her, tell her the whole room is filled with
hot lava and the furniture is the only safe place. Heck one day she will be in
a 5 by 5 dorm room and it is going to take a lot of imagination to make that
home.
14. I hope
you know I mean best.
My Rule: Be
her mom first, her friend last.
I am not
her friend. Well at least not while she lives with me and is not married. We
can be friends later. She’ll thank me then. Believe me, I thank my mom everyday
and the world will thank me when there is one less rude and selfish person.
15. I hope
you can sing and dance.
My Rule: If
that talent exists there. Fuel it.
Okay this
may be a selfish hope just because I wish I could do these things. But hey if
she’s got the talent!!
16. I hope
you understand the value of money.
My rule: Don’t
just hand out money.
Teach her
the money is to be earned, teach her how to save for something big, teach her
how to budget.
17. I hope
you know the power of silence
My Rule:
Inform her of this secret come back.
Most of the
time silence says more then words or fists.
18. I hope
you demand respect and respect yourself.
My Rule:
Don’t take $@!&
Role model
to her that you don’t have to listen to or take things that bring her down,
because she is worth way more.
19. I hope
you need me.
My Rule:
Comfort her in any time of need.
So one day
when she is at college and has a stressful week she says “I just want my mom”
20. I hope you
are a good mother
My Rule: Be
a good mother
It is more
then likely that she will be a mother like me. Show and teach her the love a
mother should give.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
So Long Chicago
Remember when I mentioned in our April Love List that the Krenz family was in for some big change?! Well, it's with bittersweet feelings that I'm sharing with you all that we will be moving back to Michigan! Tim was offered a chance to transfer for work and we felt it was the right move for our family and for Tim's career. Why is it bittersweet and not just pure excitement? For a few reasons.
We're still trying to figure out all of the logistics of moving, like finding someone to assume our lease, packing and most importantly living arrangements once we make the move. I'm trying to remain call and not get really stressed about it. I just keep telling myself, "Everything will fall into place, it always does."
There's a few things we still want to do before we leave Chicago. So we'll be cramming those in over the next few weeks. I'm sure I'll be sharing!
1. We love, love, love Chicago. It's an amazing city. If you ever have the chance to live here even for just a Summer, I highly recommend it!
2. I feel like we're just coming into our own as a family of 3 here in the city, and I'm a little nervous about the new challenges that lay ahead for us
3. It's sad to think about all the things that will come to end once we make the move. We'll have to say goodbye to friends, to Stella's nanny and her new little buddy.
4. However, we're super excited to be back heading back to The Mitten and to be closer to the family, so Stella can see her grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins more!
5. Tim's new store will be in Grand Rapids, so it's super close to my sisters! Maybe we'll really get a chance to dig into the blog and do some cool stuff together.The next sixish weeks are going to be crazy. Hubs will be splitting his time between Chicago and Michigan. Last 2 weeks Tim was in Benton Harbor covering a store. I got a taste of what's it's like to be a single mom, in a big city, with no family and no car. Sound fun? It wasn't too bad. Stella's pretty much an angle and since her nanny comes to us, I didn't really have to get her out too much.
We're still trying to figure out all of the logistics of moving, like finding someone to assume our lease, packing and most importantly living arrangements once we make the move. I'm trying to remain call and not get really stressed about it. I just keep telling myself, "Everything will fall into place, it always does."
There's a few things we still want to do before we leave Chicago. So we'll be cramming those in over the next few weeks. I'm sure I'll be sharing!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Homecoming
As you all pretty much know now, GATLYN IS HOME!!!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Ok, you probably get how stoked we really are! After 186 days in the NICU 4 surgers, 3 PICC lines, countless IV's, on and off ventilators, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentines, and Easter. Basically he experienced all "first" holidays in the hospital. So you better believe we are going to make it a huge 4th of July!haha. Anyway, our little cowboy is a true miracle. Everybody in the NICU has never seen a baby that has gone through so much, come out so perfect!
He now has a feeding tube going directly into his belly. This runs 24/7, we are still mobile though. He has a little back pack we can wear around. Along with his broviac that has nothing running through it and is just capped off. We have to do a sterile flush on it daily.
His first day home had quite a few visitors. Then he slept through the whole night!(bonus to eating all day and night) I still have to get up and give him meds and fill his formula bag though. I probably should have changed his diaper though, we did have a wet bed!
The girls are loving having Gatlyn home for the most part. Obviously we are going to get a little backlash from Rae. We were totally expecting that. Jess stayed home Thursday to make sure everything went smoothly. The home nurse came today as well. We did a weight checked and few other things. Gatlyn is officially 10 pounds 11 ounces and 20 1/4 inches long. Big boy! Hard to believe he started out at 2 pound 6 ounces. Even went under 2 pounds at one point.
Long journey but totally worth it! I am so happy we fought to have our Gat Man around. I cannot believe that August 15th we were told he would not even make it.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! sorry I am just so excited
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Ok, you probably get how stoked we really are! After 186 days in the NICU 4 surgers, 3 PICC lines, countless IV's, on and off ventilators, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentines, and Easter. Basically he experienced all "first" holidays in the hospital. So you better believe we are going to make it a huge 4th of July!haha. Anyway, our little cowboy is a true miracle. Everybody in the NICU has never seen a baby that has gone through so much, come out so perfect!
He now has a feeding tube going directly into his belly. This runs 24/7, we are still mobile though. He has a little back pack we can wear around. Along with his broviac that has nothing running through it and is just capped off. We have to do a sterile flush on it daily.
His first day home had quite a few visitors. Then he slept through the whole night!(bonus to eating all day and night) I still have to get up and give him meds and fill his formula bag though. I probably should have changed his diaper though, we did have a wet bed!
The girls are loving having Gatlyn home for the most part. Obviously we are going to get a little backlash from Rae. We were totally expecting that. Jess stayed home Thursday to make sure everything went smoothly. The home nurse came today as well. We did a weight checked and few other things. Gatlyn is officially 10 pounds 11 ounces and 20 1/4 inches long. Big boy! Hard to believe he started out at 2 pound 6 ounces. Even went under 2 pounds at one point.
Long journey but totally worth it! I am so happy we fought to have our Gat Man around. I cannot believe that August 15th we were told he would not even make it.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! sorry I am just so excited
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| Just napping:) |
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| Melts a Mama's heart! |
James 1:2-4
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when you endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Quick Meal
I have got a quick meal idea for you. Possibly you have heard of this, but if not it is great! Actually, my wonderful sister in law made these for my family tonight. It was so nice, all we had to do was pop them in the oven!
FRENCH BREAD PIZZA
Simply buy or make a loaf of french bread. You then cut it in half, and put pizza toppings on the separate pieces. And you end of with this...
If you were wondering what Gatlyn was up to today, check it out!
FRENCH BREAD PIZZA
Simply buy or make a loaf of french bread. You then cut it in half, and put pizza toppings on the separate pieces. And you end of with this...
If you were wondering what Gatlyn was up to today, check it out!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Gatlyn's Home!
Gatlyn went home today! I talked to Mal on the phone earlier, everyone is settled in and doing well. I can't even begin to express in words how happy and joyful everyone is! It's been a long since 6 months and 5 days. I got to hold him for the first time a couple weeks ago, and the next time I see him, he'll be at home!! I'm so excited for Mal and Jess to finally have all three of their babies under the same roof!
On St. Patrick's Day my good friend Amy took some adorable pictures of Love Bean. They're up on her blog Lemon Treehouse. You should check 'em out because they're pretty darn cute!
While we're on the topic of cute pictures of the Love Bean, you should jump on over to here and vote Stella in a Cutest Baby Contest. She wins $300 to BuyBuy Baby if she has the most "likes"
On St. Patrick's Day my good friend Amy took some adorable pictures of Love Bean. They're up on her blog Lemon Treehouse. You should check 'em out because they're pretty darn cute!
While we're on the topic of cute pictures of the Love Bean, you should jump on over to here and vote Stella in a Cutest Baby Contest. She wins $300 to BuyBuy Baby if she has the most "likes"
Monday, April 9, 2012
Tickled Pink
Gatlyn is very close to coming home. Possibly this week, but, I don't want to get my hopes up just in case. Our week is going to be very busy getting ready for him. Not necessarily at my house, but prepared for just to take care of him in general. We have a long checklist of things we have to learn how to do
Although my house needs a lot of just catching up. Alexis came Friday and Saturday to help get my house under control. It is crazy how things just pile up. Hopefully, I can keep up on what comes in and get it in the right place. (easier said than done)
Easter was rather uneventful, and I like it that way. It is my favorite holiday so I like it to be chill and fun. I had a great time catching up with my cousins by marriage. Jess did not attend do to the fact of getting his wisdom teeth out:(
Words can't even explain how excited we are to have G-baby home!!
Enjoy some pictures from our weekend.
Although my house needs a lot of just catching up. Alexis came Friday and Saturday to help get my house under control. It is crazy how things just pile up. Hopefully, I can keep up on what comes in and get it in the right place. (easier said than done)
Easter was rather uneventful, and I like it that way. It is my favorite holiday so I like it to be chill and fun. I had a great time catching up with my cousins by marriage. Jess did not attend do to the fact of getting his wisdom teeth out:(
Words can't even explain how excited we are to have G-baby home!!
Enjoy some pictures from our weekend.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
What They Wore - Easter Edition
HAPPY EASTER
Here is what our girlies wore for Easter.
Miss Ruth is wearing a dress from JcPenney as well as her cardigan. Her cute little bow is from Meijer. JcPenney always has a lot of close out sales. Sunglasses from Meijer as well.
Rae is wearing Target's new spring line. Lots fun colors cardigan, tshirt, skirt and leggings! Her shoes are hand me downs from Jo, they are from Children's Place. She had a headband but who know where that went (BuyBuy Baby). Therefore her hair is crazy as usual.
Jo is looking good in her Target outfit as well. Her and Rae are wearing coordinating colors:) Headband is Carters brand from BuyBuy Baby. Her shoes are also from Target, ones we had already!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
April Love List
Wowww March flew by. Here is what we are lovin' and lookin' forward to in April.
Ruth's first Easter! Shes getting a bunny. shhhhhh!
A night out with the girls (long overdue, 1st one since getting prego with Ruth)
Cousin Jenner's Bridal shower (we have a pretty cute/fun shower planned)
Garage Sale, there something relieving about dejunking and getting rid of stuff
March for Babies walk!
Love Bean's first Easter! (She's not getting a bunny)
Easter - it's my favorite holiday
March for Babies
Some big changes are coming for the Krenz family (I'll fill you in later)
Spring weather
Gatlyn's first Easter (no bunny either)
Easter-It is also my favorite holiday
GATLYN WITH BE COMING HOME!!!!!!!
March for Babies walk on the 28th!
I'll say it one more time...gatlyn is coming home!!!
Have a great Easter and remember the real reason for the holiday!
Ruth's first Easter! Shes getting a bunny. shhhhhh!
A night out with the girls (long overdue, 1st one since getting prego with Ruth)
Cousin Jenner's Bridal shower (we have a pretty cute/fun shower planned)
Garage Sale, there something relieving about dejunking and getting rid of stuff
March for Babies walk!
Love Bean's first Easter! (She's not getting a bunny)
Easter - it's my favorite holiday
March for Babies
Some big changes are coming for the Krenz family (I'll fill you in later)
Spring weather
Gatlyn's first Easter (no bunny either)
Easter-It is also my favorite holiday
GATLYN WITH BE COMING HOME!!!!!!!
March for Babies walk on the 28th!
I'll say it one more time...gatlyn is coming home!!!
Have a great Easter and remember the real reason for the holiday!
Miss Ruth's Birth Story
I'm having a little bit of a bloggers block lately so I guess I'll just keep copying Jamie's posts ;) Here is the story of how my sweet Ruth came into this world.
I was due June 8, 2011. The days leading up to that day, physically I knew I wasn't probably going to go into labor but mentally I convinced myself I would. I didn't have an uncomfortable pregnancy and I am so thankful for the easy one I had. However, I was definitely not one of those woman who absolutely loved it. I would have to say my favorite part about it was being able to use it as a excuse for being fat and eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted it.
Anyways, the 8th came around and still no sign of her and someone told me at work not to worry because I wasn't going to have her until the 18th (his wedding day). I laughed and said yeah right. Well then the 9th came, the 10th, the 11th....well you get it. The 15th I had a doctors appointment. The week before she checked me and I was dilated to like a 1 and this week it I was still a 1 almost a 2. We decided to do a sweep to see if that would help get things going. I left the doctors office eager and excited knowing that this was going to work. Well once again nothing. The morning of the 17th came (7 days over) so as decided by the doc and I, I would go into the hospital and try a round of cytotec (a tablet inserted into the cervix to ripen the cervix and induce labor).
We went to the hospital at 8:00am and got hooked up to the monitor and waited and waited and waited. Some contractions started but nothing I couldn't bare, so we continued playing Skip BO and watching TV, so excited we might get to meet her today. Well time went by and I was still contracting enough that we couldn't put another 1/2 of the cytotec in so then sent me home :( They said, often woman go into labor randomly in the middle of the night so maybe they would see me, if not to come back in the morning. We went home and went on a walk thinking maybe it would help speed things up, nope. I went to bed and thought better wake up in the middle of the night! Unfortunately I woke up in the morning, now 8 days over, feeling better then ever.
So we packed up our stuff again and went back to the hospital, got settled in and got got another round. Contractions started coming on right away and I was so sure it was going to work this time. They were a little stronger this time but nothing I that stopped me from winning a game of Skip Bo :). 3:00 came and the contractions were still coming and were pretty consistent. The doc came in and checked me and said I was progressing and was a 3 and asked me if I wanted to wait or if I wanted her to break my water. So anxious and ready to meet her and after discussing it with the doc I said yes. She broke my water around 3:30 and had me admitted into the hospital.
After that the contractions really picked up. We did laps around the halls, trying to keep my mind off of them. They kept getting worse and I was having really bad back pain so we tried the ball the help relieve that, it helped a little. I decided a hot shower would feel good, so I got in. I sat there forevvverrrrr, it felt so good on my back! Meanwhile there was a malfunction with the shower drain, so i was flooding the whole bathroom and room! lol there was water everywhere! I looked at the nurse and said, "sorry but I have to stay in here, that's just going to have to get cleaned up." It was 5:00 now and the doc came back in to check me, she said I was at a 5 so I still had a ways to go. Frustrated I said okay, and laid there trying to breath through the contractions. It was my goal not to get an epidural so I kept just looking at the clock thinking "1 more hour, 1 more hour, I can make it another hour" I would make it an hour and think "Its going to end sometime...there has to be an end." Hours passed and I decided I needed something, so I asked for some drugs into my IV (whatever they're called, the stuff that makes you drunk). The nurse gave me that and I swore to her that it didn't work or she didn't give me enough. At that point I still felt every contraction but I felt like I was dreaming them lol.
Time passed and the doc came back around 9:45 checked me again and said I was still a 5 almost a 6 and that I probably had another 5 hours to go. I was like, "Are you fricking kidding me!!!" Very frustrated and wanting to cry I began to think "I can't do this for another 5 hours!! I got the IV drug to early!" I felt like I had to go to the bathroom so I decided to get up and and try. I sat down and instantly felt the need to push and saw blood (which freaked me out lol!) so I yelled to Josh to go get the doctor. She came in and I freaked I said I'm bleeding I need to push. She calmed me down and said "its okay its normal why don't we get to you the bed and I will check you"
Sure enough not even 5 minutes from when she check me last and I was at a 5, I was now at a 10 and was ready to start pushing. It was so much better now that I could use the contractions and started pushing at 10:55 the doc said "good job, keep it up and we can have her here by 10" Sure enough 10:03pm on June 18th, 2010 just in time for fathers day Ruthie Josefina de Lara arrived 6lbs 12oz and 18 inches long and as perfect as could be! It was so funny she didn't even cry (but was breathing don't worry) and just looked around. It wasn't until later in the middle of the night we heard her cry for the first time.
Now Miss Ruth is 9 months old and almost walking! Seems crazy we went through all of it that long ago. Now Ruthie is my everything, I have absolutely no idea what I would do without her.
I was due June 8, 2011. The days leading up to that day, physically I knew I wasn't probably going to go into labor but mentally I convinced myself I would. I didn't have an uncomfortable pregnancy and I am so thankful for the easy one I had. However, I was definitely not one of those woman who absolutely loved it. I would have to say my favorite part about it was being able to use it as a excuse for being fat and eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted it.
Anyways, the 8th came around and still no sign of her and someone told me at work not to worry because I wasn't going to have her until the 18th (his wedding day). I laughed and said yeah right. Well then the 9th came, the 10th, the 11th....well you get it. The 15th I had a doctors appointment. The week before she checked me and I was dilated to like a 1 and this week it I was still a 1 almost a 2. We decided to do a sweep to see if that would help get things going. I left the doctors office eager and excited knowing that this was going to work. Well once again nothing. The morning of the 17th came (7 days over) so as decided by the doc and I, I would go into the hospital and try a round of cytotec (a tablet inserted into the cervix to ripen the cervix and induce labor).
We went to the hospital at 8:00am and got hooked up to the monitor and waited and waited and waited. Some contractions started but nothing I couldn't bare, so we continued playing Skip BO and watching TV, so excited we might get to meet her today. Well time went by and I was still contracting enough that we couldn't put another 1/2 of the cytotec in so then sent me home :( They said, often woman go into labor randomly in the middle of the night so maybe they would see me, if not to come back in the morning. We went home and went on a walk thinking maybe it would help speed things up, nope. I went to bed and thought better wake up in the middle of the night! Unfortunately I woke up in the morning, now 8 days over, feeling better then ever.
So we packed up our stuff again and went back to the hospital, got settled in and got got another round. Contractions started coming on right away and I was so sure it was going to work this time. They were a little stronger this time but nothing I that stopped me from winning a game of Skip Bo :). 3:00 came and the contractions were still coming and were pretty consistent. The doc came in and checked me and said I was progressing and was a 3 and asked me if I wanted to wait or if I wanted her to break my water. So anxious and ready to meet her and after discussing it with the doc I said yes. She broke my water around 3:30 and had me admitted into the hospital.
After that the contractions really picked up. We did laps around the halls, trying to keep my mind off of them. They kept getting worse and I was having really bad back pain so we tried the ball the help relieve that, it helped a little. I decided a hot shower would feel good, so I got in. I sat there forevvverrrrr, it felt so good on my back! Meanwhile there was a malfunction with the shower drain, so i was flooding the whole bathroom and room! lol there was water everywhere! I looked at the nurse and said, "sorry but I have to stay in here, that's just going to have to get cleaned up." It was 5:00 now and the doc came back in to check me, she said I was at a 5 so I still had a ways to go. Frustrated I said okay, and laid there trying to breath through the contractions. It was my goal not to get an epidural so I kept just looking at the clock thinking "1 more hour, 1 more hour, I can make it another hour" I would make it an hour and think "Its going to end sometime...there has to be an end." Hours passed and I decided I needed something, so I asked for some drugs into my IV (whatever they're called, the stuff that makes you drunk). The nurse gave me that and I swore to her that it didn't work or she didn't give me enough. At that point I still felt every contraction but I felt like I was dreaming them lol.
Time passed and the doc came back around 9:45 checked me again and said I was still a 5 almost a 6 and that I probably had another 5 hours to go. I was like, "Are you fricking kidding me!!!" Very frustrated and wanting to cry I began to think "I can't do this for another 5 hours!! I got the IV drug to early!" I felt like I had to go to the bathroom so I decided to get up and and try. I sat down and instantly felt the need to push and saw blood (which freaked me out lol!) so I yelled to Josh to go get the doctor. She came in and I freaked I said I'm bleeding I need to push. She calmed me down and said "its okay its normal why don't we get to you the bed and I will check you"
Sure enough not even 5 minutes from when she check me last and I was at a 5, I was now at a 10 and was ready to start pushing. It was so much better now that I could use the contractions and started pushing at 10:55 the doc said "good job, keep it up and we can have her here by 10" Sure enough 10:03pm on June 18th, 2010 just in time for fathers day Ruthie Josefina de Lara arrived 6lbs 12oz and 18 inches long and as perfect as could be! It was so funny she didn't even cry (but was breathing don't worry) and just looked around. It wasn't until later in the middle of the night we heard her cry for the first time.
Now Miss Ruth is 9 months old and almost walking! Seems crazy we went through all of it that long ago. Now Ruthie is my everything, I have absolutely no idea what I would do without her.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
What's Been Missing
Last week Love Bean's nanny was on vacation. Love Bean went to her Nanner and Poppy's for the week, and hubs and I got a week of dates! We missed her bunches and felt a little guilty for sending her there, but it was so nice to get to spend couple time together again. Aside from my friend Katie's wedding, we hadn't really been away from Love Bean since she was born 6 months ago. We spent the week going out dates and hanging out at home.
I can't even tell you how much getting to spend some alone time with Tim meant to me. Leading up to our week of alone time, I had been feeling like we were kind of just drifting along, going through the motions. Let's be real, with a baby that needs to be entertained, fed, changed and put to bed, it's easy to to forget that you're still husband and wife who need intimacy (emotional and physical).
Things I've noticed that happen less (but shouldn't!) now that we have Love Bean:
I think this is something most couples with a new baby go through. But it's something you feel a little guilty about admitting. Know you're not alone in longing for a night where the baby doesn't demand your attention, and you get to just sit and talk about what's in store for the future (or whatever you miss from your time before baby). It doesn't mean you love your baby less. Personally, I think that these feeling are natural and will help foster healthier relationships with your significant other and your child.
I can't even tell you how much getting to spend some alone time with Tim meant to me. Leading up to our week of alone time, I had been feeling like we were kind of just drifting along, going through the motions. Let's be real, with a baby that needs to be entertained, fed, changed and put to bed, it's easy to to forget that you're still husband and wife who need intimacy (emotional and physical).
Things I've noticed that happen less (but shouldn't!) now that we have Love Bean:
- Random "I love yous"
- Cuddling on the couch
- Conversations about our hopes and dreams
- Hugs & kisses
- Date nights
I think this is something most couples with a new baby go through. But it's something you feel a little guilty about admitting. Know you're not alone in longing for a night where the baby doesn't demand your attention, and you get to just sit and talk about what's in store for the future (or whatever you miss from your time before baby). It doesn't mean you love your baby less. Personally, I think that these feeling are natural and will help foster healthier relationships with your significant other and your child.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Salad in a Jar
After opening my parents fridge and seeing Alexis had filled Mason jars with a bunch of different vegetables, I got excited. I was like, "I have seen salad in a jar...but everything!?! I love it!"
One because I love jars. We drink out of them daily. Another reason I was excited is because veggies and lettuce always seem to go bad before we can eat all of them! An added bonus is I can make a few ahead for Jess to pack in his lunch. I do not get up with him in the morning (good for any wives that do). 5 o'clock comes way to fast for this mama! Believe me though, I get asked to get up with him every morning!
Anyway, the salad in the jar is perfect for him to take to work. It's so easy, he can just grab it and go. I pre-made some just with onions, peppers, carrots and lettuce. I also made one for a taco salad, black beans, onion, peppers, cheese, lettuce. He'll be able to just add the meat and chips on his lunch break. He'll still have to spend time in the morning make a sandwhich to go with it, but at the jar salads will save him a little time.
Something along the same lines that I do is, wash and cut up all of my fruit when I gets home from the grocery store. I put in a clear bowl with a lid and on the top shelf, so it's the first thing we see when we open the fridge. I've found when I do this we don't waste as much fruit, and we snack a lot healthier as well!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Potty Training Fun
A lot of things are going on right now. On top of my list is getting Rae potty trained. I know it probably seems like why waste your time with that right now? Well people, when a girl is ready, she is ready! The fact she tells me when she has gone in her diaper is a sure sign. So we went and got her a potty yesterday!! (Well it just goes on our seat.) The fact we aren't home as much right now may put at a damper on this.
Today the girls and I went to get Ruth's Easter stuff with Al and Ruth. We came home and started the training again. Only one accident for the two hours she had without her diaper. Then tonight she went for the babysitter! I was super stoked she actually told Taylor she had to go. I think we are making progress:)
We will see how the next few days go. Hopefully we won't have to deal with diapers on two kids when Gat comes home!! It would be great if Rae decides not to regress when he comes home. Any potty training stories are welcome!
Today the girls and I went to get Ruth's Easter stuff with Al and Ruth. We came home and started the training again. Only one accident for the two hours she had without her diaper. Then tonight she went for the babysitter! I was super stoked she actually told Taylor she had to go. I think we are making progress:)
We will see how the next few days go. Hopefully we won't have to deal with diapers on two kids when Gat comes home!! It would be great if Rae decides not to regress when he comes home. Any potty training stories are welcome!
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| Rae in action, "I wanna hold it." Yes she calls Gatlyn "it" |
MARCH OF DIMES IS COMING UP QUICK!!!
Any t-shirt orders and money need to be in to Alexis or myself by Easter. If we don't have your money then we will not be ordering shirts for you. sorry:( If you would like to donate or become apart of our team go to TEAM GATLYN. Thanks!!
We also painted Gatlyn's room this weekend. I really want to show some pictures, but, I haven't taken any with my actual camera yet:( Hopefully next week I can get those up!
Gatlyn is doing great lately. Although it seems like they keep moving the amount his feedings need to get to:( We won't get him home for Easter...which means he hasn't had any of his "first" big holidays at home. I guess we will get the 4th of July though;) He just needs to keep gaining weight and get through a couple more feeding issues.
I wanted to post more pictures but my Ipod is being lame.
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