Things have been hectic and crazy, and I haven't been able to post anything. I don't even know what the last thing I posted was. And I also know that there is no way that I will be able to post everything that I want, there are things that will be left out inevitably.
We, for the most part, have had a wonderful Christmas. It started a week and a half before Christmas. My mom, Grandma, Aunt, and sister-in-law come over for "Christmas Tea." We never get together, just us, the ladies of my family. I really enjoyed the break to be able to just sit, drink my tea, and visit my family. From there everything gets a little blurry. There was the finishing to the decorating, and the shopping. There where gifts to finish, and baking to do. And before I knew it it was December 23rd, and I was out at 10pm trying to find something to get Bennett. I had known what I wanted to get him, but being that I had to wait until the last minute...long long story....I couldn't find that item anywhere. SO it took a little longer to be able to finish. On December 24th, I was determined to finish everything, and be of sound mind before the end. But as the morning wore on, I was beginning to find that I was beginning to see that nothing was going to get done. The girls where in a mood, and everything was moving in slow motion. That evening my mother had her traditional Christmas Eve celebration. It was great to be there. It's been five years since I was able to enjoy Christmas Eve with my family, and I enjoyed it immensely. My parents blessed us with a video camera. We were so surprised.
Christmas eve wore on as we finished wrapping the girls gifts. We finally went to bed around midnight, and thanks to girls that aren't old enough yet to know any different, everyone slept in until around 9 am. Bennett and I woke up, Makayla was soon to follow. Alyssa however slept on. Finally about 9:30 I decided that I better wake her up. I mean, I had lots left to do after we did Christmas morning, and we needed to leave for Christmas at my Grandmothers around 2pm. I walked into the girls room, gently sat on Alyssa's bed. "Alyssa, its time to open presents." I was meet with a very grumpy girl. "I trying to sleep." And she rolled over and pulled the covers over her head. That's my girl.
Okay, so there is more that I would love to share, but I am tired and hungry. So I will continue later....Night!
Sunday, December 28
Sunday, December 21
Back safe and sound....
Well, I made it through my trip. And I want to tell everyone about it....but I have no strenght left today...Maybe tomorrow...Hopefully!
:)
:)
Monday, December 15
Marshmallow Brains
Christmas cookies are baking, stew is on the stove, dishes are everywhere, and its icing outside. They say that it isn't supposed to get too bad, but we will just have to see. Bennett is on his way home, and he said that the roads are getting pretty bad out there.
Now, let me clarify. There is a big difference between bad here in Texas, and bad in places like NY are too different things. When you have a little ice here, things shut down. There is a run on the grocery stores. Things get bad.
Now, up there it takes a really bad ice storm to shut things down. And from what I understand they recently had one, so they know.
Anyways, I have said all of this to paint the picture for the story that I am about to tell you. Alyssa came up, and so sweetly said, "Can I sit in your lap?" I look down and smile. She doesn't ask very often. She is growing up so fast. At a rate that my heart cannot process it. I know that I have but a few short moments in time, before she will be in her own house hold, cooking her own family dinner, looking out at the weather, and she will be the one saying a prayer that her husband will arrive home safely.
I draw her up into my lap. She is so beautiful. "Why did you childs?" (that's they way that she says children) I think for just a moment before replying, "so that I could have someone to love. Someone to make cookies with. Someone to show things to."
"No, I say, why you want childs, you know before Makayla was born." Hummm, I am not sure how to answer this. Perhaps she is feeling like she doesn't enjoy sharing mommy with Makayla. "I wanted you to have a little sister to play with," I reply.
"No, I mean, I have a baby in my tummy, whats her name? and hold on, wait right there." At this point she runs to the refrigerator, and grabs a picture that she drew of the baby in her tummy. Every since Makayla was born she as been compelled to tell everyone she meets that there is a baby in her tummy named Curly.
So at this point I am at a loss. I mean, what do I say. The baby in her tummy, this Curly is very important. I want to encourage her to use her mind, her imagination, and learn. I want her to dream. But at the same time I don't want to allow her to .... I don't know. I mean, come on, telling the lady at the counter of the store, "hey, I have a baby in my tummy, her names is Curly, and she will come out when she is big enough," is only so funny the first 100 or so times. After that you begin to hope they don't understand her. And it won't be so funny when she gets older. I mean, right now she is three. What about when she is thirteen. I know that she won't be saying these things when she is thirteen, or at least I hope that she isn't. But the concept is the same. I want her to grow.
So as I sit there and contemplate on how much she is growing, and how to help her along life's pathways, she goes about her way, doing her own thing. Daddy gets home and he wants to know why I have a orange dot on my nose...."we had to have them..." I explain. And then Alyssa shows him the presents under the tree. My mother-in-law sent them.
"Mommy can we open them now?" All day she has been asking. Again I tell her, "Not until Christmas day." She walks away for just a moment, and then comes back..."Can I move the Christmas Star to 25?" As I laugh hysterically, I remember that I have nothing to fear...Curlies will come and go. There will be other things. And she is going to grow up just fine. After all, I am not raising Marshmallow brains. :)
Now, let me clarify. There is a big difference between bad here in Texas, and bad in places like NY are too different things. When you have a little ice here, things shut down. There is a run on the grocery stores. Things get bad.
Now, up there it takes a really bad ice storm to shut things down. And from what I understand they recently had one, so they know.
Anyways, I have said all of this to paint the picture for the story that I am about to tell you. Alyssa came up, and so sweetly said, "Can I sit in your lap?" I look down and smile. She doesn't ask very often. She is growing up so fast. At a rate that my heart cannot process it. I know that I have but a few short moments in time, before she will be in her own house hold, cooking her own family dinner, looking out at the weather, and she will be the one saying a prayer that her husband will arrive home safely.
I draw her up into my lap. She is so beautiful. "Why did you childs?" (that's they way that she says children) I think for just a moment before replying, "so that I could have someone to love. Someone to make cookies with. Someone to show things to."
"No, I say, why you want childs, you know before Makayla was born." Hummm, I am not sure how to answer this. Perhaps she is feeling like she doesn't enjoy sharing mommy with Makayla. "I wanted you to have a little sister to play with," I reply.
"No, I mean, I have a baby in my tummy, whats her name? and hold on, wait right there." At this point she runs to the refrigerator, and grabs a picture that she drew of the baby in her tummy. Every since Makayla was born she as been compelled to tell everyone she meets that there is a baby in her tummy named Curly.
So at this point I am at a loss. I mean, what do I say. The baby in her tummy, this Curly is very important. I want to encourage her to use her mind, her imagination, and learn. I want her to dream. But at the same time I don't want to allow her to .... I don't know. I mean, come on, telling the lady at the counter of the store, "hey, I have a baby in my tummy, her names is Curly, and she will come out when she is big enough," is only so funny the first 100 or so times. After that you begin to hope they don't understand her. And it won't be so funny when she gets older. I mean, right now she is three. What about when she is thirteen. I know that she won't be saying these things when she is thirteen, or at least I hope that she isn't. But the concept is the same. I want her to grow.
So as I sit there and contemplate on how much she is growing, and how to help her along life's pathways, she goes about her way, doing her own thing. Daddy gets home and he wants to know why I have a orange dot on my nose...."we had to have them..." I explain. And then Alyssa shows him the presents under the tree. My mother-in-law sent them.
"Mommy can we open them now?" All day she has been asking. Again I tell her, "Not until Christmas day." She walks away for just a moment, and then comes back..."Can I move the Christmas Star to 25?" As I laugh hysterically, I remember that I have nothing to fear...Curlies will come and go. There will be other things. And she is going to grow up just fine. After all, I am not raising Marshmallow brains. :)
Saturday, December 13
Baby Food...
So, I have been reading this other blog lately. Actually I am practically obsessed with it. I look at it more than any other, well, just about. Everyday I am checking to see if I may be able to save some money. Check it out!!! I swear, you too will be obsessed. JANE4girls $800 Annual Budget
And in that spirit, I was on a quest to find coupons, today it was the baby food coupon. And while I haven't found a site that says, hey, we will give you baby food for free....(if you find one, let me know)....I did find what I feel like is a pretty good deal, I mean, I am buying the stuff anyways, right?
If you send in 48 Proofs of Purchase from any Beech Nut product, they will send you 4 $1.00 off coupons for their baby food.
Okay, now that I have "shared the wealth" I am off to do a little holiday baking....after I do the dishes of course. :)
And in that spirit, I was on a quest to find coupons, today it was the baby food coupon. And while I haven't found a site that says, hey, we will give you baby food for free....(if you find one, let me know)....I did find what I feel like is a pretty good deal, I mean, I am buying the stuff anyways, right?
If you send in 48 Proofs of Purchase from any Beech Nut product, they will send you 4 $1.00 off coupons for their baby food.
Okay, now that I have "shared the wealth" I am off to do a little holiday baking....after I do the dishes of course. :)
Monday, December 8
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
So the other day I made over my blog to look festive. I really like it, especially since I love snowmen. I have been really busy ever since, decorating the house, getting gifts ready, and, oh yea, being sick. I came down with some sort of virus. Nasty. It really reminded me how much I hate feeling sick. I hate it because, I have a family, and they still need me. Children still have to be feed, diapers still have to be changed, life still goes on. And while I was sooooooo thankful it was over the weekend, and Bennett was able to help, there are still some things that he can't do...ie nurse Makayla. But for now I feel much better, and I am excited to get busy today, and continue working towards Christmas!
Monday, December 1
Day off, or is it off day?
So I officially haven't done squat today...well that's not exactly true...I am the mother of a three year old, and a five almost six month old. So I have done quite a lot today actually. But I haven't done anything else. I have had one of those days where I have felt blah all day. I woke up feeling blah. I woke up with that thought of, if only. If only I wasn't holding two children. If only I hadn't stayed up later last night reading after they went to bed. If only they didn't have colds....if only, if only, if only. But my husband taught me long ago not to live with the if of life. So I got up.
Well, its 9pm, and I am not ashamed to say, I am still in my PJ's. I did however manage to brush my teeth, and comb my hair, but just barely. I did change the girls cloths, twice actually, (long story.) And I did managed to make two and a half meals. (the half was just cereal) But did I get any of those things on my to-do list done? No. There are still Christmas decorations that I want to finish putting up. I still have Thanksgiving platters that need to be put away in there cabinets. As always there is a mountain of laundry that needs to be done. I could go on and on with this list.
But then, looking across the room at Alyssa, I am reminded. I am reminded that all of that stuff doesn't matter. (Well, it matters to me, but in the big scheme of things, it doesn't really.) I am watching my daughter playing Star Wars Lego's on the XBOX with my hubby. They are so adorable. I swear they look like cookie cutter images. They both have the same stance. Sitting cross legged, elbows on their knees. Faces upturned to the TV. Alyssa keeps talking to her character...please turn around...come on...that's it...up up...it is all I can do to keep from laughing out loud. And Bennett, he has got to be the best father in the whole world. To truly understand what I am talking about you would have to understand him. He loves video games. And he is pretty serious when it comes to the games. But he is being so patient with her. And although I can tell, being his wife, what a strain the whole thing is on him, he is being great!
So, what. I didn't get my to-do list done. I didn't even start on it. But I did play with my children. And I did enjoy a day of laziness. I don't think that it is going to change the world one bit. :-)
Well, its 9pm, and I am not ashamed to say, I am still in my PJ's. I did however manage to brush my teeth, and comb my hair, but just barely. I did change the girls cloths, twice actually, (long story.) And I did managed to make two and a half meals. (the half was just cereal) But did I get any of those things on my to-do list done? No. There are still Christmas decorations that I want to finish putting up. I still have Thanksgiving platters that need to be put away in there cabinets. As always there is a mountain of laundry that needs to be done. I could go on and on with this list.
But then, looking across the room at Alyssa, I am reminded. I am reminded that all of that stuff doesn't matter. (Well, it matters to me, but in the big scheme of things, it doesn't really.) I am watching my daughter playing Star Wars Lego's on the XBOX with my hubby. They are so adorable. I swear they look like cookie cutter images. They both have the same stance. Sitting cross legged, elbows on their knees. Faces upturned to the TV. Alyssa keeps talking to her character...please turn around...come on...that's it...up up...it is all I can do to keep from laughing out loud. And Bennett, he has got to be the best father in the whole world. To truly understand what I am talking about you would have to understand him. He loves video games. And he is pretty serious when it comes to the games. But he is being so patient with her. And although I can tell, being his wife, what a strain the whole thing is on him, he is being great!
So, what. I didn't get my to-do list done. I didn't even start on it. But I did play with my children. And I did enjoy a day of laziness. I don't think that it is going to change the world one bit. :-)
Saturday, November 29
Christmas is in the air!
Okay, so one of our family traditions is that we try to decorate the house for Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving. Well we have started. It's wonderful! We have Christmas music playing. Alyssa being three this year is really excited about Christmas. Mostly I think that has to do with the fact that for the past few months whenever she asks for a toy or something from the store, I say maybe for Christmas. I believe that she thinks all her dreams are going to come true.
We have special ornaments that we put on our Christmas tree. We get a special one each year. Well, just about each year. We have one from Hawaii, one from the Christmas that we spent in Alaska. I have one from Alyssa's first Christmas. One from Bennett and I first Christmas. And many many others. But probably my favorite one is the "Parents-to-Be" 2004 one. I found out that I was pregnant with Alyssa just after Bennett had left for a 6 week deployment, (right after our first anniversary.) I wanted to come up with this amazing way to break the news of our first baby. While shopping one day I found the "Parents-to-Be" ornaments. It was perfect. And the look on his face when I gave it to him was great!
I love the traditions of our family. My mother has the tradition of a Christmas eve party. We have special things to eat, punch to drink, play games, etc. While Bennett and I where in Hawaii, we tried to keep that tradition alive by having our own parties. We have added to it by reading the Christmas story. We have another tradition of our Christmas journal. Each year we write things about our lives, and the things that mad that year special for Christmas.
So my question to you today is what kind of traditions do you and your families have. What are the things that you pass down to your children. Or what do you remember that was special about your Christmases as a child. I would love to hear your stories.
We have special ornaments that we put on our Christmas tree. We get a special one each year. Well, just about each year. We have one from Hawaii, one from the Christmas that we spent in Alaska. I have one from Alyssa's first Christmas. One from Bennett and I first Christmas. And many many others. But probably my favorite one is the "Parents-to-Be" 2004 one. I found out that I was pregnant with Alyssa just after Bennett had left for a 6 week deployment, (right after our first anniversary.) I wanted to come up with this amazing way to break the news of our first baby. While shopping one day I found the "Parents-to-Be" ornaments. It was perfect. And the look on his face when I gave it to him was great!
I love the traditions of our family. My mother has the tradition of a Christmas eve party. We have special things to eat, punch to drink, play games, etc. While Bennett and I where in Hawaii, we tried to keep that tradition alive by having our own parties. We have added to it by reading the Christmas story. We have another tradition of our Christmas journal. Each year we write things about our lives, and the things that mad that year special for Christmas.
So my question to you today is what kind of traditions do you and your families have. What are the things that you pass down to your children. Or what do you remember that was special about your Christmases as a child. I would love to hear your stories.
Friday, November 28
What a day!
Thanksgiving was beautiful! The night before, was not. Kayla has a cold. Ever few moments she would wake up, screaming, mad because she couldn't breath. Top all of that I didn't feel well. What was a scratchy throat, had turned into full blown, nasty bad, sore throat. What a time for this to happen. What do you do, call off Thanksgiving. Well that wasn't really an option. So armed with lots of pain killers, and many many cups of hot lemon water with honey, I made it through the day. And it was wonderful to get to see all my family, and celebrate the things that I am thankful for.
I am thankful for my family. I am grateful that I have a wonderful husband, who I am so in love with, but more than that he is my best friend. I am thankful that we have a wonderful house, a great car that runs, we have food on our tables. Bennett has a job. I am thankful that we are all healthy, except for the cold thing, (which hasn't happened in a long time.)
I am so thankful. For so many things. I could probably write for a long long time. But I have children that need me. That is another thing that I am thankful for. I have beautiful children that love me, and I get to be there mother. What better thing could there be.
I hope and pray that you had a wonderful thanksgiving. I hope that you where able to take a moment and think of the things that you are thankful for.
I am thankful for my family. I am grateful that I have a wonderful husband, who I am so in love with, but more than that he is my best friend. I am thankful that we have a wonderful house, a great car that runs, we have food on our tables. Bennett has a job. I am thankful that we are all healthy, except for the cold thing, (which hasn't happened in a long time.)
I am so thankful. For so many things. I could probably write for a long long time. But I have children that need me. That is another thing that I am thankful for. I have beautiful children that love me, and I get to be there mother. What better thing could there be.
I hope and pray that you had a wonderful thanksgiving. I hope that you where able to take a moment and think of the things that you are thankful for.
Wednesday, November 26
Almost There!
Thanksgiving Count Down!
T-26 hours till dinner is served.
My mother is on her way over. She and I had wanted to do some baking together. She was going to try to be here around lunch time...its now three and she just called me from Walmart. I love her!
I made rolls, (I have a tradition of making homemade rolls at Thanksgiving,) while having Makayla strapped to my front. Motrin eat your heart out! (and yes, my back is hurting, but it isn't hurting just so I will fit in....only Alyssa saw me.) They, that is the rolls, not the children, are in the oven rising. After which I will bake them, and then try to successfully resist the urge to eat them all before tomorrow evening. Lord give me strength!
The house is sort of, kind of, ready. Our room looks like some sort of bomb went off. But, every other room is unpack, and tidy. Save for the girls toys in the living area, but hey, those aren't really ever going to be picked up and stay that way. Oh, and I still have to de-doggie the back bathroom. We had been keeping the puppies in there at night until we found them homes. We have found all but one of them homes.
If you read this in the next couple of hours, come back later, I will be posting more of this crazy count down.
:-)
T-26 hours till dinner is served.
My mother is on her way over. She and I had wanted to do some baking together. She was going to try to be here around lunch time...its now three and she just called me from Walmart. I love her!
I made rolls, (I have a tradition of making homemade rolls at Thanksgiving,) while having Makayla strapped to my front. Motrin eat your heart out! (and yes, my back is hurting, but it isn't hurting just so I will fit in....only Alyssa saw me.) They, that is the rolls, not the children, are in the oven rising. After which I will bake them, and then try to successfully resist the urge to eat them all before tomorrow evening. Lord give me strength!
The house is sort of, kind of, ready. Our room looks like some sort of bomb went off. But, every other room is unpack, and tidy. Save for the girls toys in the living area, but hey, those aren't really ever going to be picked up and stay that way. Oh, and I still have to de-doggie the back bathroom. We had been keeping the puppies in there at night until we found them homes. We have found all but one of them homes.
If you read this in the next couple of hours, come back later, I will be posting more of this crazy count down.
:-)
Saturday, November 22
random
What a morning! Its a great morning. It will be a productive day. If I say it enough, it will happen right?
Thanksgiving is less than a week away. I love Thanksgiving. It is my favorite Holiday of the year. I really enjoy family and friends, gathering around delicious dishes, all prepared in that same way our grandmothers have been preparing them for years. I love the usually crispness of the air outside. My favorite is when its cool enough that you need to wear long sleeves, and perhaps a light jacket, but not cold enough to where you can't stay outside a while. I love enjoying cooking, that begins days before, carefully planning out my menu. I love dressing. It is my favorite of all the foods that I usually make.
This year I will be hosting Thanksgiving at my house. Which really isn't any different from the last few years, except that this year my family will be coming. And they are coming out in force. I believe my count is now at 19...possibly 20. Which is exciting...and a little nerve racking all at the same time. I want everyone to enjoy the holiday.
I have so many things left to do today. (I did just move) I want to get everything done on the house today that I still want to do, that way this next week I can just focus on cooking and all that kind of fun stuff this next week.
But for this moment, I am going to enjoy the moment. Sitting in my chair, Bennett fixed me a cup of coffee, writing on the computer. Bennett and the girls are watching Saturday morning cartoons. Bennett got back from his business trip yesterday. It is so good to have him back home. So I will enjoy this mome....well there it went, Kayla is fussing. She is done watching cartoons.
Moments come and go so fast.
Thanksgiving is less than a week away. I love Thanksgiving. It is my favorite Holiday of the year. I really enjoy family and friends, gathering around delicious dishes, all prepared in that same way our grandmothers have been preparing them for years. I love the usually crispness of the air outside. My favorite is when its cool enough that you need to wear long sleeves, and perhaps a light jacket, but not cold enough to where you can't stay outside a while. I love enjoying cooking, that begins days before, carefully planning out my menu. I love dressing. It is my favorite of all the foods that I usually make.
This year I will be hosting Thanksgiving at my house. Which really isn't any different from the last few years, except that this year my family will be coming. And they are coming out in force. I believe my count is now at 19...possibly 20. Which is exciting...and a little nerve racking all at the same time. I want everyone to enjoy the holiday.
I have so many things left to do today. (I did just move) I want to get everything done on the house today that I still want to do, that way this next week I can just focus on cooking and all that kind of fun stuff this next week.
But for this moment, I am going to enjoy the moment. Sitting in my chair, Bennett fixed me a cup of coffee, writing on the computer. Bennett and the girls are watching Saturday morning cartoons. Bennett got back from his business trip yesterday. It is so good to have him back home. So I will enjoy this mome....well there it went, Kayla is fussing. She is done watching cartoons.
Moments come and go so fast.
Monday, November 17
I must be a mumbling idiot!
So I saw this TV report. Basically it was talking about how moms today have different things to teach their children, and mainly there daughters than moms of 5o years ago. My first thought was "wow you may really be on to something." But ultimately that isn't what made me so well really outraged. According to them, the people that they interviewed, and talked to...they where the "make at least 100K a year crowd." And they where able to help their daughters learn how to live financially.
Now, don't get me wrong. I don't think anything is wrong with women that make that much. It doesn't bother me if a woman decides to work out of the home. I personally believe that is her decision to make, and it is between her and her family. However, I didn't care for the insinuation that if I don't make that much, or if I chose to work from home, and don't work outside of the home at all, that I am some how inferior and don't have anything to contribute.
I got to talking to my husband about it. And the more I thought about it, the more it made me mad. I am a stay at home mom. That is my first job. But I have other jobs. I even run my own business from my home. But first and foremost for me, is the fact that I have two young children, and I am taking care of them. And just because I stay at home doesn't mean that I am not intelligent. It does not mean that I run around in my PJs and don't get out of bed till noon. It does not mean that I can not contribute to the next generation. And I know alot about finances. I contribute greatly in that department.
So my question is, how have you experienced this? What do you think.
******************************************************************************
So the other part of my day, was I had to meet a lady that was adopting one of our puppies. (three down, only one more to go) On the way Kayla is screaming, and I pull over at a gas station so that I can nurse her, and hopefully get her to go to sleep, so that the rest of our 45min drive isn't so terrible. I say, "now try and be quite so that I can get Kayla to sleep." To which Alyssa replies, "but then I can't hear my signing time song." Now I am trying to figure out what in the world she could be talking about. I didn't bring the signing time CD. "baby I didn't bring it, I am sorry, we will have to listen to it when we get home. Now try to be quite." "No, the one in my mouth." It took me a minute to realize that she had been singing the signing time songs, and now that I had told her to be quite, she couldn't hear them any more. :)
Now, don't get me wrong. I don't think anything is wrong with women that make that much. It doesn't bother me if a woman decides to work out of the home. I personally believe that is her decision to make, and it is between her and her family. However, I didn't care for the insinuation that if I don't make that much, or if I chose to work from home, and don't work outside of the home at all, that I am some how inferior and don't have anything to contribute.
I got to talking to my husband about it. And the more I thought about it, the more it made me mad. I am a stay at home mom. That is my first job. But I have other jobs. I even run my own business from my home. But first and foremost for me, is the fact that I have two young children, and I am taking care of them. And just because I stay at home doesn't mean that I am not intelligent. It does not mean that I run around in my PJs and don't get out of bed till noon. It does not mean that I can not contribute to the next generation. And I know alot about finances. I contribute greatly in that department.
So my question is, how have you experienced this? What do you think.
******************************************************************************
So the other part of my day, was I had to meet a lady that was adopting one of our puppies. (three down, only one more to go) On the way Kayla is screaming, and I pull over at a gas station so that I can nurse her, and hopefully get her to go to sleep, so that the rest of our 45min drive isn't so terrible. I say, "now try and be quite so that I can get Kayla to sleep." To which Alyssa replies, "but then I can't hear my signing time song." Now I am trying to figure out what in the world she could be talking about. I didn't bring the signing time CD. "baby I didn't bring it, I am sorry, we will have to listen to it when we get home. Now try to be quite." "No, the one in my mouth." It took me a minute to realize that she had been singing the signing time songs, and now that I had told her to be quite, she couldn't hear them any more. :)
Wednesday, November 12
Alien Invasions!!!
It's 4:14 am, do you know where your children are?
Yes, yes I do. My oldest is sleeping in my bed....where I should be at...and my youngest is playing in the floor in front of me.
Wait a minute...strike that...the oldest has now joined the youngest in the floor. Did someone play a cruel joke? Is it really like the middle of the day? What happened to my daughters. What happened to my youngest who loves to sleep through the night. Please of please, do not let that be over. I don't think I will be able to endure if that is true. Seeing that my oldest still routinely gets up in the middle of the night. But I was used to that...I mean we have been doing that for what...oh three years now! But the little bundle, she sleeps, she was this wonderful gift. This gifted child who since she was just a few weeks old, preferred sleeping in her bed...alone....and all night long.
I am beyond exhaustion. I think the moving is finally catching up to me. Plus all of which Bennett has been having to go into work an hour earlier, and so we all feel off schedule...maybe that's all it is....PLEASE. Oh please let that be it.
I think that I am in need of peas. Yes, that's it. Just a few good hours of peas and I will be okay. I mean, I have gone on far less sleep. Gosh, when I was in college, I worked a 35 hour week, went to school full time, and had a very busy social life, and I only slept about 4 hours a night. And I don't think I felt half as tired then as I do now. Crazy is it. I must be getting old. But of course then it was I who chose not to sleep. It wasn't a cute little, drooling, pooping, smiling, giggling, crawling, sitting up on her own, trying to pull up, five month old.
My three year old, (who by the way thinks that this is the way we should live all the time. She is up often this time of night,) just came and asked, "Can I pick Kayla up?" When I said, no she needs to just stay on the floor and play, she replied, "But she wants to sit with me!" Truly they are so adorable together, it just about makes up for the sleep deprivation.
I have heard other mothers talking. In blogs, in mommy and me groups, etc. Many children aren't sleeping. Many children who usually are little angels, are turning into little monsters at night. I think it may be aliens. Yes, that must be it. Aliens, who know, to be able to take over our world, they must first make all mothers so tired, that they can't fight back. They must be planning an invasion. Be on the look out. They may have found other ways to fight back as well. I will be looking, and watching...I will let you know what I find.
:-)
No, I am not sleep deprived.
Yes, yes I do. My oldest is sleeping in my bed....where I should be at...and my youngest is playing in the floor in front of me.
Wait a minute...strike that...the oldest has now joined the youngest in the floor. Did someone play a cruel joke? Is it really like the middle of the day? What happened to my daughters. What happened to my youngest who loves to sleep through the night. Please of please, do not let that be over. I don't think I will be able to endure if that is true. Seeing that my oldest still routinely gets up in the middle of the night. But I was used to that...I mean we have been doing that for what...oh three years now! But the little bundle, she sleeps, she was this wonderful gift. This gifted child who since she was just a few weeks old, preferred sleeping in her bed...alone....and all night long.
I am beyond exhaustion. I think the moving is finally catching up to me. Plus all of which Bennett has been having to go into work an hour earlier, and so we all feel off schedule...maybe that's all it is....PLEASE. Oh please let that be it.
I think that I am in need of peas. Yes, that's it. Just a few good hours of peas and I will be okay. I mean, I have gone on far less sleep. Gosh, when I was in college, I worked a 35 hour week, went to school full time, and had a very busy social life, and I only slept about 4 hours a night. And I don't think I felt half as tired then as I do now. Crazy is it. I must be getting old. But of course then it was I who chose not to sleep. It wasn't a cute little, drooling, pooping, smiling, giggling, crawling, sitting up on her own, trying to pull up, five month old.
My three year old, (who by the way thinks that this is the way we should live all the time. She is up often this time of night,) just came and asked, "Can I pick Kayla up?" When I said, no she needs to just stay on the floor and play, she replied, "But she wants to sit with me!" Truly they are so adorable together, it just about makes up for the sleep deprivation.
I have heard other mothers talking. In blogs, in mommy and me groups, etc. Many children aren't sleeping. Many children who usually are little angels, are turning into little monsters at night. I think it may be aliens. Yes, that must be it. Aliens, who know, to be able to take over our world, they must first make all mothers so tired, that they can't fight back. They must be planning an invasion. Be on the look out. They may have found other ways to fight back as well. I will be looking, and watching...I will let you know what I find.
:-)
No, I am not sleep deprived.
Saturday, November 8
I make you smile!!!
So it was one of those days. You know the kind...it started something like this...
Mommy...Mommy...Mommy...open your eyes....
***baby monitor confirms my suspicion's that Kayla too was waking up***
I roll over...where is Bennett....I want to sleep in...
Mommy, can I have boobas.
I knew then that I had the high probability of having one of "those" days.
I got up, made some breakfast. Took a shower, got the girls bathed, and dressed. We all got ready to go to Wal-Mart. I just needed a couple of thing. (of course that to made me know that it was going to be one of those days, you never go into Wal-Mart with the whole family, and just get a FEW things.) I did however get some nice Thanksgivingy (is that a word?) things, and sad but true they where already on clearance...I mean, its sad, we haven't even gotten through the first full week of November, and things are already on clearance. I also got the girls matching outfits for our picture taking session this next weekend.
After what seemed like hours...and it very near was, we were done at good old wally world, and went to get some lunch. Lunch went fairly well, we got Arby's which was nice, cause I haven't gotten fast food like that in...well really since we moved into our new house. We went out into the parking lot, got the girls in the car, got behind a truck to pull onto the road, and suddenly she is backing up...Bennett couldn't back up himself, because there was a car behind us. He laid on his horn, but she just kept on coming. Now my front bumper has a huge crack in the right hand side. And to top it all off, did she stop, NO! In fact I believe she went faster.
Does my day stop there....no, then we went to Lowes...which was enjoyable. We looked at kitchen stuff, and bathroom stuff, for when we redo those. I really had a good time. But once again we stayed forever, and my feet where getting tired. We head out to the car, and had to make one more stop. After that, we got back in the car, and of course Kayla doesn't want to be in the car. So she cried just about the whole way home. One more stop at Wal-mart, (for something we forgot,) one stop at the drug store, and one stop at a convenience store, and we where finally home. I get all of our stuff in, set Kayla down. I sit down myself, and I must have looked pretty pathetic, because that is when Alyssa, my three year old says, "I can make you laugh mommy, its okay!"
And I did laugh, really big. So after everything, the day has been pretty good.
:-)
Mommy...Mommy...Mommy...open your eyes....
***baby monitor confirms my suspicion's that Kayla too was waking up***
I roll over...where is Bennett....I want to sleep in...
Mommy, can I have boobas.
I knew then that I had the high probability of having one of "those" days.
I got up, made some breakfast. Took a shower, got the girls bathed, and dressed. We all got ready to go to Wal-Mart. I just needed a couple of thing. (of course that to made me know that it was going to be one of those days, you never go into Wal-Mart with the whole family, and just get a FEW things.) I did however get some nice Thanksgivingy (is that a word?) things, and sad but true they where already on clearance...I mean, its sad, we haven't even gotten through the first full week of November, and things are already on clearance. I also got the girls matching outfits for our picture taking session this next weekend.
After what seemed like hours...and it very near was, we were done at good old wally world, and went to get some lunch. Lunch went fairly well, we got Arby's which was nice, cause I haven't gotten fast food like that in...well really since we moved into our new house. We went out into the parking lot, got the girls in the car, got behind a truck to pull onto the road, and suddenly she is backing up...Bennett couldn't back up himself, because there was a car behind us. He laid on his horn, but she just kept on coming. Now my front bumper has a huge crack in the right hand side. And to top it all off, did she stop, NO! In fact I believe she went faster.
Does my day stop there....no, then we went to Lowes...which was enjoyable. We looked at kitchen stuff, and bathroom stuff, for when we redo those. I really had a good time. But once again we stayed forever, and my feet where getting tired. We head out to the car, and had to make one more stop. After that, we got back in the car, and of course Kayla doesn't want to be in the car. So she cried just about the whole way home. One more stop at Wal-mart, (for something we forgot,) one stop at the drug store, and one stop at a convenience store, and we where finally home. I get all of our stuff in, set Kayla down. I sit down myself, and I must have looked pretty pathetic, because that is when Alyssa, my three year old says, "I can make you laugh mommy, its okay!"
And I did laugh, really big. So after everything, the day has been pretty good.
:-)
Friday, November 7
Does this day end...
Well, its .... (looks at clock at bottom of the screen)...later than I though. Almost midnight. And I am about to go to bed...at least I hope so. Alyssa took a really late nap...she didn't wake back up until 7:30ish. So, needless to say she was up late. But I have finally got the sleeping beauties off to slumber world, and hopefully I will join them there myself soon. But I had to just jot a few lines down. My mind seems way to crazy to sleep. I have so many thought swirling through my head, that I know even if I where to go and lay down, I would not be able to find sleep, and its peaceful rest.
I have had a pretty good day. Mom came over again today, and it was good to just spend a few hours with her. Yesterday she was here and we watched a movie. Becoming Jane It was good, I really enjoyed it, but of course I really like Jane Austen as a writer, so ... I did find this site where I can read her books online...which I find cool. Then last night I watched a movie with Bennett. This movie I didn't like. I shouldn't have bought it...but it was one of those impulse buys at the front of Wal-Mart. For the most part, I never get them. I resist the temptation, no matter what. I do not need Frebreeze in a small key chain form. There isn't enough frebreeze in there to cover up the smells that accompany motherhood, and having pets. Nor do I need the latest seasons best of things.
But on my last trip to that great Wally World...there was a bin of movies. 2 for $10....and that is another way that they get you...I just had to take a look. (Since we moved we have no TV channels what so ever...we still have antenna TV...and yes, I know...February 17....they tell us so every day...many time a day....but now I am getting off topic)
So, anyways, there was a movie called Just Follow the River...or something to that effect. Its about this early colonial woman, that is kidnapped by Indians. It looked good. I bought it...I should have known. It started out okay. I have always enjoyed historical movies. When the movie begins, the woman is taking care of her six year old son, and is very very pregnant...due any day, and she is saying good-bye to her husband as he goes out to work. The next thing you know, Indians strike, and she and her son, are carried away as slaves. A lot goes on...and possibly to really understand, you would have to know, and see the whole thing....but I got so mad, that I couldn't ever watch it again. At one point she actually leaves her baby, who is being wet nurse, because she is out of milk, and runs away. I must point out that their lives where not in danger. Her son had already been taken to another camp, and then she just leaves her baby behind because she "just had to get home to her husband." Maybe I am the weird one, but I do not believe it would be in my power to leave my baby behind. It would have killed me. I looked over at my husband and said, " I love you, but there is no way I would leave our children..." Thankfully he agreed with me.
End the end, she gets her kids back, and I guess all turned out well. I however did not like it, and I wishing that I hadn't spent the $5 on it.
Well, I really must try to get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be another day of unpacking, working, and getting rid of the puppies, (I hope.) But that in of its self is a whole other story.
I have had a pretty good day. Mom came over again today, and it was good to just spend a few hours with her. Yesterday she was here and we watched a movie. Becoming Jane It was good, I really enjoyed it, but of course I really like Jane Austen as a writer, so ... I did find this site where I can read her books online...which I find cool. Then last night I watched a movie with Bennett. This movie I didn't like. I shouldn't have bought it...but it was one of those impulse buys at the front of Wal-Mart. For the most part, I never get them. I resist the temptation, no matter what. I do not need Frebreeze in a small key chain form. There isn't enough frebreeze in there to cover up the smells that accompany motherhood, and having pets. Nor do I need the latest seasons best of things.
But on my last trip to that great Wally World...there was a bin of movies. 2 for $10....and that is another way that they get you...I just had to take a look. (Since we moved we have no TV channels what so ever...we still have antenna TV...and yes, I know...February 17....they tell us so every day...many time a day....but now I am getting off topic)
So, anyways, there was a movie called Just Follow the River...or something to that effect. Its about this early colonial woman, that is kidnapped by Indians. It looked good. I bought it...I should have known. It started out okay. I have always enjoyed historical movies. When the movie begins, the woman is taking care of her six year old son, and is very very pregnant...due any day, and she is saying good-bye to her husband as he goes out to work. The next thing you know, Indians strike, and she and her son, are carried away as slaves. A lot goes on...and possibly to really understand, you would have to know, and see the whole thing....but I got so mad, that I couldn't ever watch it again. At one point she actually leaves her baby, who is being wet nurse, because she is out of milk, and runs away. I must point out that their lives where not in danger. Her son had already been taken to another camp, and then she just leaves her baby behind because she "just had to get home to her husband." Maybe I am the weird one, but I do not believe it would be in my power to leave my baby behind. It would have killed me. I looked over at my husband and said, " I love you, but there is no way I would leave our children..." Thankfully he agreed with me.
End the end, she gets her kids back, and I guess all turned out well. I however did not like it, and I wishing that I hadn't spent the $5 on it.
Well, I really must try to get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be another day of unpacking, working, and getting rid of the puppies, (I hope.) But that in of its self is a whole other story.
Tuesday, November 4
Election '08
Here I sit. Watching...waiting....praying....groaning....
Election '08. It doesn't even matter who you are for, this election has been a roller coaster of emotions. No matter what the end result, I feel like America as we know it will change. The only question left being decided is into what?
As I went to go vote today...I paused. I felt like it was a big moment, as I am sure many Americans did. It may just be my age, I am younger, but it seems like this is such a huge election. So much at stake. As I made my selections on that bright computer screen, I though, it does matter right? I mean, I am just one woman. I am mainly just a stay at home mom, take care of my kids, my family...can I make a difference? Will it matter tomorrow that I voted? When I am sitting with my grandchildren someday, will this be one of those moments in history that I want to tell them about? Will we, as a nation, as the world, look back on this election, as the thing that started it all?
Or, will it be just another election? Will it just be another battle between "red & blue?"
I guess in the days and weeks to come we will find out. History will tell our story. It will sing our song.
Election '08. It doesn't even matter who you are for, this election has been a roller coaster of emotions. No matter what the end result, I feel like America as we know it will change. The only question left being decided is into what?
As I went to go vote today...I paused. I felt like it was a big moment, as I am sure many Americans did. It may just be my age, I am younger, but it seems like this is such a huge election. So much at stake. As I made my selections on that bright computer screen, I though, it does matter right? I mean, I am just one woman. I am mainly just a stay at home mom, take care of my kids, my family...can I make a difference? Will it matter tomorrow that I voted? When I am sitting with my grandchildren someday, will this be one of those moments in history that I want to tell them about? Will we, as a nation, as the world, look back on this election, as the thing that started it all?
Or, will it be just another election? Will it just be another battle between "red & blue?"
I guess in the days and weeks to come we will find out. History will tell our story. It will sing our song.
Wednesday, October 29
Paper, and Boxes, and Junk, OH MY!
So we got moved in this weekend. And I don't know if I will ever be done going through, unpacking, and getting rid of our stuff. After living in two small rooms for the past 6 months plus, I have really realized that we don't need halve of the things that we have. We can do with a lot less. So I have been trying to go though and get rid of the things that we don't need. I am really trying to de-junk and organize our lives. And so far? Well its a lot of work. And I haven't made much headway. I have managed to unpack most of the boxes from the kitchen, but there are at least two maybe three boxes that I can't seem to find. I started working on the girls room, but then I had both girls in my lap wanting attention. Crazy!!!
Anyways, I have really enjoyed having our own house again. And my own kitchen. Now only if I can get everything unpacked.
Five years!!! Today is my fifth anniversary. Bennett and I have been married for five years. And it seems like it was just yesterday. I look back at what we have been through the last five years. There has been joy, sorrow, separation, the anticipation of reunion, births of our two girls, laughter and tears. I try to think of what my favorite moment has been? What stands out the most? Too many things fly into my head to mention. I am so blessed!
Anyways, I have really enjoyed having our own house again. And my own kitchen. Now only if I can get everything unpacked.
Five years!!! Today is my fifth anniversary. Bennett and I have been married for five years. And it seems like it was just yesterday. I look back at what we have been through the last five years. There has been joy, sorrow, separation, the anticipation of reunion, births of our two girls, laughter and tears. I try to think of what my favorite moment has been? What stands out the most? Too many things fly into my head to mention. I am so blessed!
Monday, October 20
Breast feeding toddler?!?!?!
Okay, so I got this from a friend. And it was perfect. I had really needed to hear this. A lot of it was stuff that I already knew but its always good to hear it again! Enjoy
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html
Nursing toddlers benefit NUTRITIONALLYAlthough there has been little research done on children who breastfeed beyond the age of two, the available information indicates that breastfeeding continues to be a valuable source of nutrition and disease protection for as long as breastfeeding continues."Human milk expressed by mothers who have been lactating for >1 year has significantly increased fat and energy contents, compared with milk expressed by women who have been lactating for shorter periods. During prolonged lactation, the fat energy contribution of breast milk to the infant diet might be significant."-- Mandel 2005"Breast milk continues to provide substantial amounts of key nutrients well beyond the first year of life, especially protein, fat, and most vitamins." -- Dewey 2001In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breastmilk provides:29% of energy requirements43% of protein requirements36% of calcium requirements75% of vitamin A requirements76% of folate requirements94% of vitamin B12 requirements60% of vitamin C requirements-- Dewey 2001Studies done in rural Bangladesh have shown that breastmilk continues to be an important source of vitamin A in the second and third year of life.-- Persson 1998It's not uncommon for weaning to be recommended for toddlers who are eating few solids. However, this recommendation is not supported by research. According to Sally Kneidel in "Nursing Beyond One Year" (New Beginnings, Vol. 6 No. 4, July-August 1990, pp. 99-103.):Some doctors may feel that nursing will interfere with a child's appetite for other foods. Yet there has been no documentation that nursing children are more likely than weaned children to refuse supplementary foods. In fact, most researchers in Third World countries, where a malnourished toddler's appetite may be of critical importance, recommend continued nursing for even the severely malnourished (Briend et al, 1988; Rhode, 1988; Shattock and Stephens, 1975; Whitehead, 1985). Most suggest helping the malnourished older nursing child not by weaning but by supplementing the mother's diet to improve the nutritional quality of her milk (Ahn and MacLean. 1980; Jelliffe and Jelliffe, 1978) and by offering the child more varied and more palatable foods to improve his or her appetite (Rohde, 1988; Tangermann, 1988; Underwood, 1985).ReferencesNursing toddlers are SICK LESS OFTENThe American Academy of Family Physicians notes that children weaned before two years of age are at increased risk of illness (AAFP 2001).Nursing toddlers between the ages of 16 and 30 months have been found to have fewer illnesses and illnesses of shorter duration than their non-nursing peers (Gulick 1986)."Antibodies are abundant in human milk throughout lactation" (Nutrition During Lactation 1991; p. 134). In fact, some of the immune factors in breastmilk increase in concentration during the second year and also during the weaning process. (Goldman 1983, Goldman & Goldblum 1983, Institute of Medicine 1991).Per the World Health Organization, "a modest increase in breastfeeding rates could prevent up to 10% of all deaths of children under five: Breastfeeding plays an essential and sometimes underestimated role in the treatment and prevention of childhood illness." [emphasis added]ReferencesNursing toddlers have FEWER ALLERGIESMany studies have shown that one of the best ways to prevent allergies and asthma is to breastfeed exclusively for at least 6 months and continue breastfeeding long-term after that point. Breastfeeding can be helpful for preventing allergy by:reducing exposure to potential allergens (the later baby is exposed, the less likely that there will be an allergic reaction),speeding maturation of the protective intestinal barrier in baby's gut,coating the gut and providing a barrier to potentially allergenic molecules,providing anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the risk of infections (which can act as allergy triggers).ReferencesNursing toddlers are SMARTExtensive research on the relationship between cognitive achievement (IQ scores, grades in school) and breastfeeding has shown the greatest gains for those children breastfed the longest.ReferencesNursing toddlers are WELL ADJUSTED SOCIALLYAccording to Sally Kneidel in "Nursing Beyond One Year" (New Beginnings, Vol. 6 No. 4, July-August 1990, pp. 99-103.):"Research reports on the psychological aspects of nursing are scarce. One study that dealt specifically with babies nursed longer than a year showed a significant link between the duration of nursing and mothers' and teachers' ratings of social adjustment in six- to eight-year-old children (Ferguson et al, 1987). In the words of the researchers, 'There are statistically significant tendencies for conduct disorder scores to decline with increasing duration of breastfeeding.'"According to Elizabeth N. Baldwin, Esq. in "Extended Breastfeeding and the Law": "Breastfeeding is a warm and loving way to meet the needs of toddlers and young children. It not only perks them up and energizes them; it also soothes the frustrations, bumps and bruises, and daily stresses of early childhood. In addition, nursing past infancy helps little ones make a gradual transition to childhood."Baldwin continues: "Meeting a child's dependency needs is the key to helping that child achieve independence. And children outgrow these needs according to their own unique timetable." Children who achieve independence at their own pace are more secure in that independence then children forced into independence prematurely.ReferencesNursing a toddler is NORMALThe American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that "Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child... Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother... There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer." (AAP 2005)The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that breastfeeding continue throughout the first year of life and that "Breastfeeding beyond the first year offers considerable benefits to both mother and child, and should continue as long as mutually desired." They also note that "If the child is younger than two years of age, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned." (AAFP 2001)A US Surgeon General has stated that it is a lucky baby who continues to nurse until age two. (Novello 1990)The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of nursing up to two years of age or beyond (WHO 1992, WHO 2002).Scientific research by Katherine A. Dettwyler, PhD shows that 2.5 to 7.0 years of nursing is what our children have been designed to expect (Dettwyler 1995).References [see also position statements supporting breastfeeding]MOTHERS also benefit from nursing past infancyExtended nursing delays the return of fertility in some women by suppressing ovulation (References).Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer (References). Studies have found a significant inverse association between duration of lactation and breast cancer risk.Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian cancer (References).Breastfeeding reduces the risk of uterine cancer (References).Breastfeeding reduces the risk of endometrial cancer (References).Breastfeeding protects against osteoporosis. During lactation a mother may experience decreases of bone mineral. A nursing mom's bone mineral density may be reduced in the whole body by 1 to 2 percent while she is still nursing. This is gained back, and bone mineral density may actually increase, when the baby is weaned from the breast. This is not dependent on additional calcium supplementation in the mother's diet. (References).Breastfeeding reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. (References).Breastfeeding has been shown to decrease insulin requirements in diabetic women (References).Breastfeeding moms tend to lose weight easier (References).
***********************************************************************
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html
Nursing toddlers benefit NUTRITIONALLYAlthough there has been little research done on children who breastfeed beyond the age of two, the available information indicates that breastfeeding continues to be a valuable source of nutrition and disease protection for as long as breastfeeding continues."Human milk expressed by mothers who have been lactating for >1 year has significantly increased fat and energy contents, compared with milk expressed by women who have been lactating for shorter periods. During prolonged lactation, the fat energy contribution of breast milk to the infant diet might be significant."-- Mandel 2005"Breast milk continues to provide substantial amounts of key nutrients well beyond the first year of life, especially protein, fat, and most vitamins." -- Dewey 2001In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breastmilk provides:29% of energy requirements43% of protein requirements36% of calcium requirements75% of vitamin A requirements76% of folate requirements94% of vitamin B12 requirements60% of vitamin C requirements-- Dewey 2001Studies done in rural Bangladesh have shown that breastmilk continues to be an important source of vitamin A in the second and third year of life.-- Persson 1998It's not uncommon for weaning to be recommended for toddlers who are eating few solids. However, this recommendation is not supported by research. According to Sally Kneidel in "Nursing Beyond One Year" (New Beginnings, Vol. 6 No. 4, July-August 1990, pp. 99-103.):Some doctors may feel that nursing will interfere with a child's appetite for other foods. Yet there has been no documentation that nursing children are more likely than weaned children to refuse supplementary foods. In fact, most researchers in Third World countries, where a malnourished toddler's appetite may be of critical importance, recommend continued nursing for even the severely malnourished (Briend et al, 1988; Rhode, 1988; Shattock and Stephens, 1975; Whitehead, 1985). Most suggest helping the malnourished older nursing child not by weaning but by supplementing the mother's diet to improve the nutritional quality of her milk (Ahn and MacLean. 1980; Jelliffe and Jelliffe, 1978) and by offering the child more varied and more palatable foods to improve his or her appetite (Rohde, 1988; Tangermann, 1988; Underwood, 1985).ReferencesNursing toddlers are SICK LESS OFTENThe American Academy of Family Physicians notes that children weaned before two years of age are at increased risk of illness (AAFP 2001).Nursing toddlers between the ages of 16 and 30 months have been found to have fewer illnesses and illnesses of shorter duration than their non-nursing peers (Gulick 1986)."Antibodies are abundant in human milk throughout lactation" (Nutrition During Lactation 1991; p. 134). In fact, some of the immune factors in breastmilk increase in concentration during the second year and also during the weaning process. (Goldman 1983, Goldman & Goldblum 1983, Institute of Medicine 1991).Per the World Health Organization, "a modest increase in breastfeeding rates could prevent up to 10% of all deaths of children under five: Breastfeeding plays an essential and sometimes underestimated role in the treatment and prevention of childhood illness." [emphasis added]ReferencesNursing toddlers have FEWER ALLERGIESMany studies have shown that one of the best ways to prevent allergies and asthma is to breastfeed exclusively for at least 6 months and continue breastfeeding long-term after that point. Breastfeeding can be helpful for preventing allergy by:reducing exposure to potential allergens (the later baby is exposed, the less likely that there will be an allergic reaction),speeding maturation of the protective intestinal barrier in baby's gut,coating the gut and providing a barrier to potentially allergenic molecules,providing anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the risk of infections (which can act as allergy triggers).ReferencesNursing toddlers are SMARTExtensive research on the relationship between cognitive achievement (IQ scores, grades in school) and breastfeeding has shown the greatest gains for those children breastfed the longest.ReferencesNursing toddlers are WELL ADJUSTED SOCIALLYAccording to Sally Kneidel in "Nursing Beyond One Year" (New Beginnings, Vol. 6 No. 4, July-August 1990, pp. 99-103.):"Research reports on the psychological aspects of nursing are scarce. One study that dealt specifically with babies nursed longer than a year showed a significant link between the duration of nursing and mothers' and teachers' ratings of social adjustment in six- to eight-year-old children (Ferguson et al, 1987). In the words of the researchers, 'There are statistically significant tendencies for conduct disorder scores to decline with increasing duration of breastfeeding.'"According to Elizabeth N. Baldwin, Esq. in "Extended Breastfeeding and the Law": "Breastfeeding is a warm and loving way to meet the needs of toddlers and young children. It not only perks them up and energizes them; it also soothes the frustrations, bumps and bruises, and daily stresses of early childhood. In addition, nursing past infancy helps little ones make a gradual transition to childhood."Baldwin continues: "Meeting a child's dependency needs is the key to helping that child achieve independence. And children outgrow these needs according to their own unique timetable." Children who achieve independence at their own pace are more secure in that independence then children forced into independence prematurely.ReferencesNursing a toddler is NORMALThe American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that "Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child... Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother... There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer." (AAP 2005)The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that breastfeeding continue throughout the first year of life and that "Breastfeeding beyond the first year offers considerable benefits to both mother and child, and should continue as long as mutually desired." They also note that "If the child is younger than two years of age, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned." (AAFP 2001)A US Surgeon General has stated that it is a lucky baby who continues to nurse until age two. (Novello 1990)The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of nursing up to two years of age or beyond (WHO 1992, WHO 2002).Scientific research by Katherine A. Dettwyler, PhD shows that 2.5 to 7.0 years of nursing is what our children have been designed to expect (Dettwyler 1995).References [see also position statements supporting breastfeeding]MOTHERS also benefit from nursing past infancyExtended nursing delays the return of fertility in some women by suppressing ovulation (References).Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer (References). Studies have found a significant inverse association between duration of lactation and breast cancer risk.Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian cancer (References).Breastfeeding reduces the risk of uterine cancer (References).Breastfeeding reduces the risk of endometrial cancer (References).Breastfeeding protects against osteoporosis. During lactation a mother may experience decreases of bone mineral. A nursing mom's bone mineral density may be reduced in the whole body by 1 to 2 percent while she is still nursing. This is gained back, and bone mineral density may actually increase, when the baby is weaned from the breast. This is not dependent on additional calcium supplementation in the mother's diet. (References).Breastfeeding reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. (References).Breastfeeding has been shown to decrease insulin requirements in diabetic women (References).Breastfeeding moms tend to lose weight easier (References).
Friday, October 17
We did it!!!
After weeks and months of serching and then all the long process of actually buying...we have a house!!! And I am so excited. We will hopefully actually get to move our stuff in by the end of the month. And I couldn't be happier. Its a cute little two bedroom, two bath, and it has so much potential. I can't wait till I get a chance to post some pictures. But that may be for a few days. Busy Busy Busy.
:-)
:-)
Tuesday, October 14
The magical DOOR
Well, we are almost there. Its been a long hard road, but we are almost there. There are so many pieces of me that hate the home buying process. But its fun too. I really enjoy laying in the bed at night, and thinking about my new house, and what I am going to do with it. It is very enjoyable for me. After months and months of not having my "own" house, I am really going to enjoying just being the mommy/wife/everything else and enjoying my home.
We went a couple of weeks ago, and just drove around our new city. It was great fun to just see all the new things that we can do and experience once we are there. One of the silliest things that I think we really enjoyed the most, was looking at restaurants. I know, sounds crazy. My parents live out in the country somewhat, and while it only takes about thirty minutes to get to civilization, its nothing like it was in Hawaii, where food was just around the corner, and on those nights that I really couldn't go on, I was able to order pizza, and they delivered it to the DOOR!!!
Now, I grew up in the country, and it never bothered me. In fact I kind of enjoyed it. I like the fact that there was acres and acres of pasture to explore. But now I am all grown up, and like the food coming to the door thing. :-)
I wonder what other sorts of food I will be able to get to come to the magical DOOR. Asian, greek, ??? In Hawaii, we had a company that would deliver things from lots of others places...ie chili's, KFC, etc. I wonder if they have one of those.
All of this talk of food is making me hungry. Maybe I should walk out my door, into my "magical kitchen" and just make something for lunch...
:-)
We went a couple of weeks ago, and just drove around our new city. It was great fun to just see all the new things that we can do and experience once we are there. One of the silliest things that I think we really enjoyed the most, was looking at restaurants. I know, sounds crazy. My parents live out in the country somewhat, and while it only takes about thirty minutes to get to civilization, its nothing like it was in Hawaii, where food was just around the corner, and on those nights that I really couldn't go on, I was able to order pizza, and they delivered it to the DOOR!!!
Now, I grew up in the country, and it never bothered me. In fact I kind of enjoyed it. I like the fact that there was acres and acres of pasture to explore. But now I am all grown up, and like the food coming to the door thing. :-)
I wonder what other sorts of food I will be able to get to come to the magical DOOR. Asian, greek, ??? In Hawaii, we had a company that would deliver things from lots of others places...ie chili's, KFC, etc. I wonder if they have one of those.
All of this talk of food is making me hungry. Maybe I should walk out my door, into my "magical kitchen" and just make something for lunch...
:-)
Monday, September 29
For My Birthday!
Yesterday was my 25th birthday! To some I am incredibly young, to some, I am much older than they are. To me, its just another year.
I have had a wonderful birthday. It really started the day before when I went out to eat with my friend Kendra. We ate at this restaurant called Gengis Grill. Very very yummy! Its Mongolian BBQ. You have your own bowl, and you go up and decide which meat, seasonings, veggies, and sauce you want, and then they cook it. Very good eating. So good in fact that the next day when Bennett took me out to eat, that is where I wanted to go.
The 28th dawned bright and early, and while I wasn't exactly ready to get up, I did. And we played with the girls for a while. Then they gave me my birthday gift. Bennett got me this beautiful heart necklace that has a cross in the center. And Alyssa got me chocolate. And all of them, Bennett, Alyssa, and Makayla, got me a birthday card. It was wonderful. Then we went and had lunch, and then went to the mall. Over all it was a wonderful day.
Then last night we watched the season premiere of The Unit....one of our favorite shows.
Anyways, I am very thankful for my family. They mean so much to me, and my birthday wouldn't be anything without them.
:)
I have had a wonderful birthday. It really started the day before when I went out to eat with my friend Kendra. We ate at this restaurant called Gengis Grill. Very very yummy! Its Mongolian BBQ. You have your own bowl, and you go up and decide which meat, seasonings, veggies, and sauce you want, and then they cook it. Very good eating. So good in fact that the next day when Bennett took me out to eat, that is where I wanted to go.
The 28th dawned bright and early, and while I wasn't exactly ready to get up, I did. And we played with the girls for a while. Then they gave me my birthday gift. Bennett got me this beautiful heart necklace that has a cross in the center. And Alyssa got me chocolate. And all of them, Bennett, Alyssa, and Makayla, got me a birthday card. It was wonderful. Then we went and had lunch, and then went to the mall. Over all it was a wonderful day.
Then last night we watched the season premiere of The Unit....one of our favorite shows.
Anyways, I am very thankful for my family. They mean so much to me, and my birthday wouldn't be anything without them.
:)
Friday, September 26
New Proposal for Ben & Jerry's
I thought that this most be a joke. But nope...they actually did it. PETA has suggested that Ben & Jerry's substitute human breast milk for cows milk in their ice cream! You have to read it. It will be the highlight of your day. I thought about writing some cute response, something that would make everyone laugh, and that would be suited to something so outrageous. But I couldn't think of anything better than what was written by my blogging friend. That being said you can read what she wrote here....it is also well worth the read.
On another note, mom is doing well, and should come home tomorrow!
And we are well on our way to our October 16th closing date for our house!!! Yea!
On another note, mom is doing well, and should come home tomorrow!
And we are well on our way to our October 16th closing date for our house!!! Yea!
Thursday, September 25
Little Girl
A little girl. Sitting alone. Scared.
In her heart she knows that all is going to be okay. She believes.
She fights being scared.
She knows that it isn't a big deal. Her mom isn't sick. It's just something fairly routine.
She knows, doesn't she.
She hugs her mom. Jokes with her. Comforts her, in that way that only she can. She is the child, and children have that place in their mother's heart that no one else can touch. A place specifically reserved for that child. The place they where once directly connected to. A place that no matter how far apart this life takes them, they will be together.
The little girl sheds a tear.
But she knows it's going to be okay....doesn't she?
It has to be. Her mom is invincible. She has had to be all her life. Even at her darkest moments she will not let demon of darkness win. She may be knocked down, but she is never out. In the end....we win!
Little girl, all alone....no, not alone. Held in place by her Father's grace.
********************************************************************************
My mother is having surgery today. Nothing major, fairly routine. Please keep her in your prayers, that she will have a speedy recovery.
:-)
In her heart she knows that all is going to be okay. She believes.
She fights being scared.
She knows that it isn't a big deal. Her mom isn't sick. It's just something fairly routine.
She knows, doesn't she.
She hugs her mom. Jokes with her. Comforts her, in that way that only she can. She is the child, and children have that place in their mother's heart that no one else can touch. A place specifically reserved for that child. The place they where once directly connected to. A place that no matter how far apart this life takes them, they will be together.
The little girl sheds a tear.
But she knows it's going to be okay....doesn't she?
It has to be. Her mom is invincible. She has had to be all her life. Even at her darkest moments she will not let demon of darkness win. She may be knocked down, but she is never out. In the end....we win!
Little girl, all alone....no, not alone. Held in place by her Father's grace.
********************************************************************************
My mother is having surgery today. Nothing major, fairly routine. Please keep her in your prayers, that she will have a speedy recovery.
:-)
Monday, September 22
What day of the week is it.
WOW what a week. I don't even know what day of the week it is, well, at least I didn't till I looked. I have been going non stop. But the good news is that things are moving right along with our house buying. We are getting closer. And yet it still seems so far into the future.
The other thing that has made this week crazy is that I am starting my own business. Stressful...but hopefully it will mean that I can bring some income into our family, without having to leave the girls with a sitter. :-)
Well, the girls are sleepy, so am I, hubby is cranky, and so am I. Seems like the perfect time to go to bed. :-)
Night!
The other thing that has made this week crazy is that I am starting my own business. Stressful...but hopefully it will mean that I can bring some income into our family, without having to leave the girls with a sitter. :-)
Well, the girls are sleepy, so am I, hubby is cranky, and so am I. Seems like the perfect time to go to bed. :-)
Night!
Friday, September 12
To Cover Up, or Not to Cover Up....That is the question....
So I am sitting here, going through and reading some blogs that I try and keep up with. Learning the ends and outs of blogging...(I am still new at this)...and I read about this story about a woman who was asked to cover up while nursing on an airplane. Now I am mad....it is so frustrating that this still happens. I hear about it all the time. I feel it all the time. Every time I am out in public, and its time to nurse Makayla, I stop and think. I look around. Do I see anyone that I think will cause a seen? To cover up, or not to cover up, that is the question. I usually try not to make other people uncomfortable...which in its own way is my choice...but if I decide for whatever reason not to cover up...that's my right!!! I mean, I don't get mad when some chick is walking around wearing a shirt so low cut, and so revealing that she shows everything but the nipple...(and some even show that.) I don't run over to her and through a blanket over her and say, "I'm sorry, but so that we don't offend anyone else, please wear this blanket."
I look down at my little girl. She is nursing right now. She is beautiful. She sees that I am looking at her and she smiles. Milk runs out the corners of her mouth. There is nothing more beautiful...people ought to have their heads examined.
Now I really will go have that ice cream...and I will put extra chocolate on it too!
I look down at my little girl. She is nursing right now. She is beautiful. She sees that I am looking at her and she smiles. Milk runs out the corners of her mouth. There is nothing more beautiful...people ought to have their heads examined.
Now I really will go have that ice cream...and I will put extra chocolate on it too!
Gallons of ice cream...
Unbelievable.
That's the only word that I have. I can't believe that I am here in this moment. We decided to put another offer on a house. This was our fourth one. And same as the previous three, something happened. I never knew that getting into a house was so difficult. I mean usually it isn't right. I am beginning to wounder if we are doing something wrong. I mean, its crazy. I wonder, God, what am I supposed to be doing? Where am I supposed to be at? Am I not hearing you right? I really don't know.
I know that Bennett is getting discouraged. I don't know what to say to help. I am not sure that anything that I can say will help. So I tell him I love him.
I eat another peanut butter cracker, and seriously consider eating a gallon of ice cream.
That's what I do. I eat. When I am bored, when I am upset, when I am sad. I love to eat. Sugary things, fattening things, baked things, bread. Bread is my favorite. I absolutely love bread. Fresh baked bread. And butter, you have to have a lot of butter.
Then again, all the weight that I have been losing will be null and void if I eat like I am wanting to eat. I have worked so hard to get off the pregnancy weight. (in a healthy way of course) And if I go to the scales in a few days and find that I have gained five pounds, it isn't going to make me feel better at all.
So I am going to skip the gallons of ice cream...all of those favorite flavors....creamy, yummy goodness....hummmm....maybe I will have just a little.... :)
That's the only word that I have. I can't believe that I am here in this moment. We decided to put another offer on a house. This was our fourth one. And same as the previous three, something happened. I never knew that getting into a house was so difficult. I mean usually it isn't right. I am beginning to wounder if we are doing something wrong. I mean, its crazy. I wonder, God, what am I supposed to be doing? Where am I supposed to be at? Am I not hearing you right? I really don't know.
I know that Bennett is getting discouraged. I don't know what to say to help. I am not sure that anything that I can say will help. So I tell him I love him.
I eat another peanut butter cracker, and seriously consider eating a gallon of ice cream.
That's what I do. I eat. When I am bored, when I am upset, when I am sad. I love to eat. Sugary things, fattening things, baked things, bread. Bread is my favorite. I absolutely love bread. Fresh baked bread. And butter, you have to have a lot of butter.
Then again, all the weight that I have been losing will be null and void if I eat like I am wanting to eat. I have worked so hard to get off the pregnancy weight. (in a healthy way of course) And if I go to the scales in a few days and find that I have gained five pounds, it isn't going to make me feel better at all.
So I am going to skip the gallons of ice cream...all of those favorite flavors....creamy, yummy goodness....hummmm....maybe I will have just a little.... :)
Sunday, September 7
Lets do lunch!
What a week. Almost every day I had wanted to stop and post something, and almost everyday something else happened. My week was filled with many things, many emotions. I will be so glad when we finally get into a house. There are just too many emotions involved in trying to find the right house for us. One that we can afford, that is in a good neighborhood, and that is big enough for us. But I think we are on the right track, and we are going to look at more houses tomorrow.
The girls haven't been sleeping well this week, which in turns means that none of us are sleeping well. Makayla is teething, and for the first time since she was born, she has been waking up four or five times a night. YUCK!
(My husband is patiently standing here next to me with the baby, I think he is done watching her for the moment. I just looked at him and smiled.)
This weekend I got to have lunch with one of my best friends from high school. It has been years since we where able to just sit down and talk. I had forgotten how good it was to just sit down and talk with my best girlfriend. One that already knows most of my secrets. I was able to skip all the introductory talk, and just focus on the newest things that where happening. We where able to talk about kids, being a parent, how different things are from when we where in high school, our families. Sitting there at the Micky D's play place, eating cold french fries, and drinking soda, I was able to connect with another adult. One who understands what it is like to be where I am. To walk in my shoes...(although they may be a different size, they are still shoes.) How energizing to confess something, and find out, your not crazy at all. There are other people that deal with the same things that you do, ie how to smile when your toddler shoves that pollen filled flower up under your nose. Or the more serious, the struggle between saving money for your future, or spending money on the now, and doing something fun to build your family. It was wonderful.
God is like that, or at least He should be. Sometimes we don't always treat Him like that though. He knows it all, and He has been there with us through it all. I am going to try and remember that more. And set up a lunch date with my Savior. It will be great!
(ps. Hubby took the baby outside for a walk...he is amazing!!!)
The girls haven't been sleeping well this week, which in turns means that none of us are sleeping well. Makayla is teething, and for the first time since she was born, she has been waking up four or five times a night. YUCK!
(My husband is patiently standing here next to me with the baby, I think he is done watching her for the moment. I just looked at him and smiled.)
This weekend I got to have lunch with one of my best friends from high school. It has been years since we where able to just sit down and talk. I had forgotten how good it was to just sit down and talk with my best girlfriend. One that already knows most of my secrets. I was able to skip all the introductory talk, and just focus on the newest things that where happening. We where able to talk about kids, being a parent, how different things are from when we where in high school, our families. Sitting there at the Micky D's play place, eating cold french fries, and drinking soda, I was able to connect with another adult. One who understands what it is like to be where I am. To walk in my shoes...(although they may be a different size, they are still shoes.) How energizing to confess something, and find out, your not crazy at all. There are other people that deal with the same things that you do, ie how to smile when your toddler shoves that pollen filled flower up under your nose. Or the more serious, the struggle between saving money for your future, or spending money on the now, and doing something fun to build your family. It was wonderful.
God is like that, or at least He should be. Sometimes we don't always treat Him like that though. He knows it all, and He has been there with us through it all. I am going to try and remember that more. And set up a lunch date with my Savior. It will be great!
(ps. Hubby took the baby outside for a walk...he is amazing!!!)
Monday, September 1
Motorcycle Mama...I mean mommy...
I had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. On Sunday we had my brother and his wife over, and I cooked brisket, potato salad, cole slaw, and baked beans. (I really enjoy cooking) It was nice to just have three days off in a row, although like I told Bennett, mothers don't ever really get a day off. It's not like part of our benefits package...ten paid holidays a year, plus six sick days, and two personal days. Nope, mother hood for the most part is 24/7. Even when we are "off" on our own, we still are thinking about our children.
My favorite part of the weekend was today. Bennett and I went for a ride on the motorcycle. I have missed riding. I haven't really been for a ride since before Alyssa was born. In a lot of ways I have missed it. Of course it's different now. Now I have to find a sitter. Now I have to make sure to nurse right before we leave. And of course our ride entailed stopping by Walmart to pick up diapers. (YEAH!!!) Nothing like walking through Walmart, in full gear, straight to the back, and picking up diapers. But still, we had a great day. Bennett and I truly treasure the time that we get to be alone. To enjoy each others company without the girls. I think that is one of the best things about our marriage. The ability to date. It isn't always easy. And most of the time, its down right hard. But it is always worth it. This year we will be married for five years. To some, that is a lifetime. To others, we are just beginning. But for us, its our life. We are in the middle of it. To those that would say, just wait, you are still in your honeymoon phase, I would say, well, if we are smart, and remember the important things, then we will always be here. Growing together, not apart. Learning that each day begins a new adventure. Yes, there are rocky times. Yes, there are times that we aren't very happy with one another. But there are many, many great times. I want to remember this one, when the waves come crashing against us. I want to remember this day, when I was a motorcycle mommy.
My favorite part of the weekend was today. Bennett and I went for a ride on the motorcycle. I have missed riding. I haven't really been for a ride since before Alyssa was born. In a lot of ways I have missed it. Of course it's different now. Now I have to find a sitter. Now I have to make sure to nurse right before we leave. And of course our ride entailed stopping by Walmart to pick up diapers. (YEAH!!!) Nothing like walking through Walmart, in full gear, straight to the back, and picking up diapers. But still, we had a great day. Bennett and I truly treasure the time that we get to be alone. To enjoy each others company without the girls. I think that is one of the best things about our marriage. The ability to date. It isn't always easy. And most of the time, its down right hard. But it is always worth it. This year we will be married for five years. To some, that is a lifetime. To others, we are just beginning. But for us, its our life. We are in the middle of it. To those that would say, just wait, you are still in your honeymoon phase, I would say, well, if we are smart, and remember the important things, then we will always be here. Growing together, not apart. Learning that each day begins a new adventure. Yes, there are rocky times. Yes, there are times that we aren't very happy with one another. But there are many, many great times. I want to remember this one, when the waves come crashing against us. I want to remember this day, when I was a motorcycle mommy.
Thursday, August 28
The Power of Words
My children have to power to make my world. Last night, Alyssa was wanting some extra cuddle time. I had already tucked her in, and gone through all our bedtime routines. Her movie was on. (She always watches a movie going to bed. From the time she was little, she could never slow done enough to fall asleep. Watching a movie was the answer and usually she is out in just a few minutes.) However last night she kept coming back to our room, and wanting my attention. I could tell that she just needed a little extra. I was almost done getting Makayla down for the night, so I told her, in just a few minutes I will have Makayla down, and then I will come snuggle with you. She came back again. This time it was harder to convince her, but I did. Just a few moments later, I went to her room, and she was already asleep. In so many ways it broke my heart. I wanted so much to be with her at that moment, but there where other things that I had to do at the moment. I wished there where more of me to go around. I stood in the door way contemplating what to do. If I woke her up, she might not go back to sleep right away. If I left her to sleep, would she think that mommy never came? I woke her. The smile that she gave me, and the words that she said next made it all worth it. "love you mommy" I cuddled her up, and before I could even say I love you too, she was falling asleep. I said it any way. I said it several times.
Makayla does the same thing. Even now, as I type, I am holding her. I have the boppy, and am nursing her. I look down, and she smiles at me over my breast. Beautiful! She may not have any spoken words yet, but she still has the power when unspoken words.
Spoken or unspoken, words have power. I think of my own words. Do I use them for beautiful things, or do I use them to destroy. I say a tiny prayer, help me to make my words beautiful.
Makayla does the same thing. Even now, as I type, I am holding her. I have the boppy, and am nursing her. I look down, and she smiles at me over my breast. Beautiful! She may not have any spoken words yet, but she still has the power when unspoken words.
Spoken or unspoken, words have power. I think of my own words. Do I use them for beautiful things, or do I use them to destroy. I say a tiny prayer, help me to make my words beautiful.
Wednesday, August 27
One year ago...
One year ago, I was in Hawaii.
One year ago, I had been through what I thought was the longest year of my life.
One year ago, I was alone.
One year ago, I had a little toddler that didn't say much.
One year ago, I was excited my love was coming home.
One year ago, I was looking forward to the holidays.
One year ago, I was ...
Last year Bennett did a 7 month deployment. Right before that was a month of work-ups. And in the fall before that he was gone on a 2 1/2 month deployment. So essentially he was gone for a year, because even when he was home, he worked 6 and 7 day weeks, 12 to 16 hours a day. Tomorrow marks one year since he got home. I remember being so excited...and having so many thing that I wanted to have ready. To have prepared for his homecoming. Alyssa and I made a couple of welcome home signs. I got an new outfit. I redecorated our room and bathroom. I was a military wife...and this is what I lived for. Homecoming. If you are military wife, you can probably relate. It is like you have two lives. One when he is home and one when he is gone. You have to be. When you are able to take care of children, the house, finances, etc...you become very independent...or at least most of us do. And yet, when they are home, they take over part of your life....and you welcome it like drought does rain.
Well, now we are out of the military. Its one year later. Homecoming is over. Life has continued. We still have our happiness, and we still have our defeats. Life, moves on. The question on my mind is, have I recovered? Have I put back together the pieces that are me?
One year ago, I had been through what I thought was the longest year of my life.
One year ago, I was alone.
One year ago, I had a little toddler that didn't say much.
One year ago, I was excited my love was coming home.
One year ago, I was looking forward to the holidays.
One year ago, I was ...
Last year Bennett did a 7 month deployment. Right before that was a month of work-ups. And in the fall before that he was gone on a 2 1/2 month deployment. So essentially he was gone for a year, because even when he was home, he worked 6 and 7 day weeks, 12 to 16 hours a day. Tomorrow marks one year since he got home. I remember being so excited...and having so many thing that I wanted to have ready. To have prepared for his homecoming. Alyssa and I made a couple of welcome home signs. I got an new outfit. I redecorated our room and bathroom. I was a military wife...and this is what I lived for. Homecoming. If you are military wife, you can probably relate. It is like you have two lives. One when he is home and one when he is gone. You have to be. When you are able to take care of children, the house, finances, etc...you become very independent...or at least most of us do. And yet, when they are home, they take over part of your life....and you welcome it like drought does rain.
Well, now we are out of the military. Its one year later. Homecoming is over. Life has continued. We still have our happiness, and we still have our defeats. Life, moves on. The question on my mind is, have I recovered? Have I put back together the pieces that are me?
Tuesday, August 26
Stupid Doctors
Well dinner is on....Alyssa is watching a movie, and Makayla is swinging in her swing.
Another day is almost down.
So here is my *%$#@^&* for the day. I am so mad that I don't even know what to call it. A good friend of my was having her baby. Her doctor insisted that she be induced today. Without going into specifics for the sake of her privacy, it wasn't needed. But he is a jerk, and shouldn't be a doctor. Why do most OB/GYNs lack basic understanding and knowledge? It is a wonder that the human race made it at all, considering how long we had to go without their help to have a child. Hearing her story today made me so thankful that I was able to go to a midwife for all of my care with my two girls. Don't get me wrong...I am thankful that we have doctors that are there for emergencies. But having a child isn't one of those times. He did an episeautomy (SP?) after they baby was already crowning. She was doing fine...no tearing...but no, he couldn't leave well enough alone. The whole thing makes me so mad that I feel like crying and tearing into him all at once.
But thankfully, she and the baby are doing well. She was able to deliver vaginally, which is what she wanted most of all. And now she is armed with the knowledge she needs to make things different next time. I keep thinking that surely not all OBs are bad, that surely there are some out there that care, and do a good job, but I have yet to find one.
Well we have finished dinner, put the girls to bed, and now I am finally able to sit down and finish this. I can't wait to crawl into bed myself. I have had a headache most of the day. :) I look forward to sleep!!!
Another day is almost down.
So here is my *%$#@^&* for the day. I am so mad that I don't even know what to call it. A good friend of my was having her baby. Her doctor insisted that she be induced today. Without going into specifics for the sake of her privacy, it wasn't needed. But he is a jerk, and shouldn't be a doctor. Why do most OB/GYNs lack basic understanding and knowledge? It is a wonder that the human race made it at all, considering how long we had to go without their help to have a child. Hearing her story today made me so thankful that I was able to go to a midwife for all of my care with my two girls. Don't get me wrong...I am thankful that we have doctors that are there for emergencies. But having a child isn't one of those times. He did an episeautomy (SP?) after they baby was already crowning. She was doing fine...no tearing...but no, he couldn't leave well enough alone. The whole thing makes me so mad that I feel like crying and tearing into him all at once.
But thankfully, she and the baby are doing well. She was able to deliver vaginally, which is what she wanted most of all. And now she is armed with the knowledge she needs to make things different next time. I keep thinking that surely not all OBs are bad, that surely there are some out there that care, and do a good job, but I have yet to find one.
Well we have finished dinner, put the girls to bed, and now I am finally able to sit down and finish this. I can't wait to crawl into bed myself. I have had a headache most of the day. :) I look forward to sleep!!!
Monday, August 25
Why am I awake
Its 4 am. And here I am.....awake....the girls are sleeping....
I am not....
After laying in bed, for a good 45 minutes, going to the bathroom for the second time...here I sit.
I look at some blogs....think about how long it takes my computer to load....wonder if I will ever get one that is faster...and decided to write.
Yesterday proved to be a great day. We made it to that birthday party, no one cared that we where a good 30 min late. (I had to go back into the house 3 times to get things that I had forgotten, and even then, once we had gotten down the road, I realized that I had forgotten sunscreen, and since it was a outdoor birthday party, at a park, in August, at 2:30pm, in Texas, we had to go back and get it.) But we had fun none the less. And best part of all, it wore Alyssa out. Don't you love it when the kids get a good work out chasing other kids around.
After the party we went to Walmart, since I needed ONE thing, and I hadn't been in the last 48 hours....(sometimes it seems like there is always a reason to go to walmart.) After about 30 minutes of walking around, threatening Alyssa to stop whining, and enjoying the fact that Makayla is fast asleep in her Ergo, I take the girls to the car while Hubby checks out. I put Alyssa in her car seat, walk around to put Makayla in, and Alyssa is already asleep.
Why, can't I fall asleep that fast? I am just as tired...(if not more)...and I have a nice comfortable bed. But once I wake up...then there are a hundred and one things to think about. Don't forget to call the bank first time in the morning. Will we get this house that we are looking at? Will we get into a house by Thanksgiving. Was that Alyssa I heard. Why does the dog always lay at my side on the foot of the bed. I loved seeing the pictures my friend recently sent, I can't believe how big the girls are getting, and how much I miss them since we moved. The list goes on and on...all these different things that I am thinking about. WHEN I SHOULD BE SLEEPING!!! I sit here and wonder if I have Adult ADD....and then decide that while I may have AADD, I probably won't ever do anything about it, like that one mole that I have been meaning to go to the doctor and have checked out...but haven't. Not because I couldn't, just because I can't ever remember to make the call, to get the appointment, when they are open...no that's the kind of thing that I remember at 4 am. So while there might be something that I could do about AADD, it won't happen because the only time I remember it is at 4am.
I check on Alyssa, and she is sleeping sitting up. She must have woken up, started to get out of bed, and fell back asleep. (is she mocking me?)
Hubby doesn't understand. His head hits the pillow and he is out. I learned early in our marriage that if I had anything that I needed to talk about, I better do it before he got in bed. Me, I need to let my mind defrag. Him, he is out...
Well, maybe I can go to sleep now. Most likely I will fall asleep about the time one of the girls wakes up. :P
I am not....
After laying in bed, for a good 45 minutes, going to the bathroom for the second time...here I sit.
I look at some blogs....think about how long it takes my computer to load....wonder if I will ever get one that is faster...and decided to write.
Yesterday proved to be a great day. We made it to that birthday party, no one cared that we where a good 30 min late. (I had to go back into the house 3 times to get things that I had forgotten, and even then, once we had gotten down the road, I realized that I had forgotten sunscreen, and since it was a outdoor birthday party, at a park, in August, at 2:30pm, in Texas, we had to go back and get it.) But we had fun none the less. And best part of all, it wore Alyssa out. Don't you love it when the kids get a good work out chasing other kids around.
After the party we went to Walmart, since I needed ONE thing, and I hadn't been in the last 48 hours....(sometimes it seems like there is always a reason to go to walmart.) After about 30 minutes of walking around, threatening Alyssa to stop whining, and enjoying the fact that Makayla is fast asleep in her Ergo, I take the girls to the car while Hubby checks out. I put Alyssa in her car seat, walk around to put Makayla in, and Alyssa is already asleep.
Why, can't I fall asleep that fast? I am just as tired...(if not more)...and I have a nice comfortable bed. But once I wake up...then there are a hundred and one things to think about. Don't forget to call the bank first time in the morning. Will we get this house that we are looking at? Will we get into a house by Thanksgiving. Was that Alyssa I heard. Why does the dog always lay at my side on the foot of the bed. I loved seeing the pictures my friend recently sent, I can't believe how big the girls are getting, and how much I miss them since we moved. The list goes on and on...all these different things that I am thinking about. WHEN I SHOULD BE SLEEPING!!! I sit here and wonder if I have Adult ADD....and then decide that while I may have AADD, I probably won't ever do anything about it, like that one mole that I have been meaning to go to the doctor and have checked out...but haven't. Not because I couldn't, just because I can't ever remember to make the call, to get the appointment, when they are open...no that's the kind of thing that I remember at 4 am. So while there might be something that I could do about AADD, it won't happen because the only time I remember it is at 4am.
I check on Alyssa, and she is sleeping sitting up. She must have woken up, started to get out of bed, and fell back asleep. (is she mocking me?)
Hubby doesn't understand. His head hits the pillow and he is out. I learned early in our marriage that if I had anything that I needed to talk about, I better do it before he got in bed. Me, I need to let my mind defrag. Him, he is out...
Well, maybe I can go to sleep now. Most likely I will fall asleep about the time one of the girls wakes up. :P
Sunday, August 24
Dawn of a New Era...
I had a thought in the middle of the night. You know, that space of tme between trying to get the girls down for the second time...and sleep. (which seems to be longer and longer lately...) There has to be others like me....this is a big world. Suddenly the theme from America Tale, where they sing "somewhere out there" starts playing in my head. I am not that original. I am just a wife, and a mother, trying to get through another day. And although the days are very different right now, and a lot harder in so many ways, they they are still just another day. (my husband recently separated from the military, and we are staying with my parents until we find a house)
So Booba Juice was born. I wanted some where I could share life's silliness, and frustrations. The name Booba Juice, comes from my three year old. Right after her sister was born...(she is almost three months)...and my daughter, who still nurses sometimes, came up in my lap for some cuddle time. Not wanting to make her feel unloved in the aftermath of getting a new sibling, I say yes when she asks for some booba's...that's what she has called them as long as she could talk. We lift my shirt and she latches on...suddenly there is a smile on her face, as she declares "there's juice in there!" For the most part she was only nursing in the evenings when she was tired. Now, routinely she craws up in my lap, and asks for booba juice. Like right now. I am trying to take a coveted "moments peace" as I call it. My hubby has the youngest...and I am working on the computer. Alyssa craws up in my lap. The conversation went something like this.
A: mama...mama...mommy....mommy...mom...mom...mommmmmmmmeeeeee.
me: Yes...
A: I want boobas...
me: not right now baby....
A: (whining now) Pleeeease....
me: Alyssa, we don't whine when we want something...
A: But I'm sooooo hungry....
me: we just had lunch, you should have eaten more...if you are still hungry go get a cheese stick out of the refrigerator...
A climbs down and goes to get said cheese. In just a few moments here she comes again...
A: I want to sit in your lap.
At this point I think...I held you most of the night. I played with you this morning...I just want a MOMENTS PEACE....But I love her....so I look at her and smile....
me: of course you can sweety...climb on up here.
All the while I have been typing...and she is climbing over me. She finishes her cheese, and asks for boobas again. I picture her going off to college and asking for boobas.
me: baby, we will have boobas before bed. Not right now. I love you. Do you want some fruit? Something to drink. Mommy will get you some milk.
At this point she has started crying...I think it is time for a nap. I look at the clock...man, its 1pm already, I have got to get those cloths in the dryer or we will be late for the birthday party...I am thinking all this as she is rubbing her snotty noes, all over the front of my shirt.
Back from changing out the laundry, she is still clinging to me...and as I finish up this post I think to myself. Everyone must have these moments...surely....
PS...She won, she nursed for two min and fell asleep.
So Booba Juice was born. I wanted some where I could share life's silliness, and frustrations. The name Booba Juice, comes from my three year old. Right after her sister was born...(she is almost three months)...and my daughter, who still nurses sometimes, came up in my lap for some cuddle time. Not wanting to make her feel unloved in the aftermath of getting a new sibling, I say yes when she asks for some booba's...that's what she has called them as long as she could talk. We lift my shirt and she latches on...suddenly there is a smile on her face, as she declares "there's juice in there!" For the most part she was only nursing in the evenings when she was tired. Now, routinely she craws up in my lap, and asks for booba juice. Like right now. I am trying to take a coveted "moments peace" as I call it. My hubby has the youngest...and I am working on the computer. Alyssa craws up in my lap. The conversation went something like this.
A: mama...mama...mommy....mommy...mom...mom...mommmmmmmmeeeeee.
me: Yes...
A: I want boobas...
me: not right now baby....
A: (whining now) Pleeeease....
me: Alyssa, we don't whine when we want something...
A: But I'm sooooo hungry....
me: we just had lunch, you should have eaten more...if you are still hungry go get a cheese stick out of the refrigerator...
A climbs down and goes to get said cheese. In just a few moments here she comes again...
A: I want to sit in your lap.
At this point I think...I held you most of the night. I played with you this morning...I just want a MOMENTS PEACE....But I love her....so I look at her and smile....
me: of course you can sweety...climb on up here.
All the while I have been typing...and she is climbing over me. She finishes her cheese, and asks for boobas again. I picture her going off to college and asking for boobas.
me: baby, we will have boobas before bed. Not right now. I love you. Do you want some fruit? Something to drink. Mommy will get you some milk.
At this point she has started crying...I think it is time for a nap. I look at the clock...man, its 1pm already, I have got to get those cloths in the dryer or we will be late for the birthday party...I am thinking all this as she is rubbing her snotty noes, all over the front of my shirt.
Back from changing out the laundry, she is still clinging to me...and as I finish up this post I think to myself. Everyone must have these moments...surely....
PS...She won, she nursed for two min and fell asleep.
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