We celebrated my grandmother's 74th birthday tonight at a restaurant. I am scared of restaurants these days. Well, I should say I'm scared of taking three kids into any place to eat. It's not a good scene. One of us usually ends up eating in the car with one baby and the other finishes their meal with one or more children and friends inside the restaurant. It's a bummer if you are the parent that gets to eat on the car. This is why I'm scared of going into a restaurant to eat with three girls under three years old. Though tonight was a different experience. All three girls spent an hour sitting in a lap or a car seat. It was heavenly.
I am a dry heaver. If I see or smell anything resembling poop or the like I cannot help myself. I lose it. I worried a lot about this b.p. (before parenthood). But, now I'm not afraid of poop. I can even handle a little upchuck (disgusting I know). I found the latter out the hard way. It was another birthday party. We were at McDonald's. Eden was not eating her food and that is very unusual as she always eat her weight in any meal we are having. She was going from one grandparent to another and she finally landed on me with a nice present. The whole restaurant got quiet and just stared at us. I was humiliated and drenched. I was thinking to myself that there was no way I was going to be able to hold it together. But after the moments passed I made my way with her to the restroom and then to our car and onto our home to clean up. I never gagged or got sick myself. It was like I had become the bionic mommy or the incredible mommy. It was amazing.
So, tonight when I got out of my online class I was informed by Grady of Eden's episode in the tub. It was left as a nice loose present for me to clean up. I do not even think about it any more. I just go in for the kill. Mike Rowe could come tape an episode at my house. Dirty Jobs: the homemaker, waste, and stuff of toddlers... that might be a good title?!
So, Poop! You can't hurt me no mo'! I've got you figured out! I can breathe easily through my mouth long enough to avoid your poignant odors! And you don't intimidate me!
Love Cup
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Big, Strong, and Healfy
Evie: "Skittles make me big, strong, and healfy, Mommy!"
Evie says this about everything she eats. We are trying to teach what really is good and she is learning. The doctor asked her at the three year check up on Monday about her favorite vegetable. She told the doc 'cereal'. I never let the girls eat cereal until Emmaline arrived. I just couldn't get up and make oatmeal, eggs, or gluten free whatever. I had to go the easy route for a while.
Emmaline was in the 68th percentile at her 2 month check up! Go little Em & Em! She is the biggest of all my babes. And hand me down clothing from the sistas is a little on the small side. She is fitting in 3 to 6 month clothing.
Eden can crawl out of her crib. Tonight it was a two hour battle getting her to stay in her room. Ugh! Two hours of me standing by her door, sitting by the door, tossing her back into the crib, disciplining, and then getting laughed at by a 23 month old. Grady had my back and came up when my patience grew thin and I needed reinforcement. He stood outside of her door... she wanted more. We must have put her back in the crib at least 50 times tonight. I really don't think I am exaggerating.
Just got little Emmaline asleep. Ready to crash and start all over. It feels a little ground hoggish around here. Like the movie. Same time every morning, same little pitter patter down the hard floors, same sweet voice singing, "I wake up last night, Mommy. I wuv you, Mommy." Enjoying the sweetness of their beating feet and first phrases.
Evie says this about everything she eats. We are trying to teach what really is good and she is learning. The doctor asked her at the three year check up on Monday about her favorite vegetable. She told the doc 'cereal'. I never let the girls eat cereal until Emmaline arrived. I just couldn't get up and make oatmeal, eggs, or gluten free whatever. I had to go the easy route for a while.
Emmaline was in the 68th percentile at her 2 month check up! Go little Em & Em! She is the biggest of all my babes. And hand me down clothing from the sistas is a little on the small side. She is fitting in 3 to 6 month clothing.
Eden can crawl out of her crib. Tonight it was a two hour battle getting her to stay in her room. Ugh! Two hours of me standing by her door, sitting by the door, tossing her back into the crib, disciplining, and then getting laughed at by a 23 month old. Grady had my back and came up when my patience grew thin and I needed reinforcement. He stood outside of her door... she wanted more. We must have put her back in the crib at least 50 times tonight. I really don't think I am exaggerating.
Just got little Emmaline asleep. Ready to crash and start all over. It feels a little ground hoggish around here. Like the movie. Same time every morning, same little pitter patter down the hard floors, same sweet voice singing, "I wake up last night, Mommy. I wuv you, Mommy." Enjoying the sweetness of their beating feet and first phrases.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
How to do it?
Some days I just don't know how to do it all. The lack of dependence on the Lord is more evident in my life now than ever before. I think God made the toddler years to get us sanctified. I think I'll be about perfect when my last child exits the toddler years! Ha!
Between potty training, breastfeeding, and cutting two year old molar (Eden), I think I am about wiped. Oh and graduate school. I'm done. Exhaustion, tired both emotionally and physically do not begin to describe how I feel right now. I am very thankful for this stage for a minute or two at a time and then I go back to fantasizing what it will be like in year 5 or 6 of parenthood. I am trying not to escape from these precious moments of pure chaos! I embrace them and then I let go and free fall down an emotional abyss.
I love my growing family more than anything. I love how Evie has turned into a three year old over night. Yesterday it was "Mom, talk. Say something to me!" She was asking me to respond to her telling me something. Her mind is turning and connecting the dots. She is becoming a conversationalist. She is interested in arts and crafts! These moments are so refreshing.
Little EE is my adventurous, throw all caution to the wind, and then 'BAM' she runs into a doorframe because she was looking back at us smiling and running as fast as she could. She is hilarious, loud, and still can't talk but it's so dang cute when she tries!
Emmaline or "m&m" as Evie has nicknamed her, is growing up too fast. Nine weeks ago yesterday she entered our sweet family. She is so smiley and loved her big sisters. Her eyes light up and get really big when she hears Evie talking. She has crazy hair and can sometimes be found sucking her right thumb! I love seeing her little personality blossom.
Eden's favorite phrase is "no way" when asked to do about anything. She says 'Evie' and some version of Emmaline, but only we would know that she was saying it. She says 'cookie' with a deep raspy voice and its the only word that she uses that raspiness with.
Evie said the other day after doing something for Eden, "shoot! that was hard work, but I did it." She randomly tells me, "mommy, I love you so very much." And she loves on Eden and Emmaline so well.
Emmaline likes to coo, poop, and giggles in her sleep a little.
Between potty training, breastfeeding, and cutting two year old molar (Eden), I think I am about wiped. Oh and graduate school. I'm done. Exhaustion, tired both emotionally and physically do not begin to describe how I feel right now. I am very thankful for this stage for a minute or two at a time and then I go back to fantasizing what it will be like in year 5 or 6 of parenthood. I am trying not to escape from these precious moments of pure chaos! I embrace them and then I let go and free fall down an emotional abyss.
I love my growing family more than anything. I love how Evie has turned into a three year old over night. Yesterday it was "Mom, talk. Say something to me!" She was asking me to respond to her telling me something. Her mind is turning and connecting the dots. She is becoming a conversationalist. She is interested in arts and crafts! These moments are so refreshing.
Little EE is my adventurous, throw all caution to the wind, and then 'BAM' she runs into a doorframe because she was looking back at us smiling and running as fast as she could. She is hilarious, loud, and still can't talk but it's so dang cute when she tries!
Emmaline or "m&m" as Evie has nicknamed her, is growing up too fast. Nine weeks ago yesterday she entered our sweet family. She is so smiley and loved her big sisters. Her eyes light up and get really big when she hears Evie talking. She has crazy hair and can sometimes be found sucking her right thumb! I love seeing her little personality blossom.
Eden's favorite phrase is "no way" when asked to do about anything. She says 'Evie' and some version of Emmaline, but only we would know that she was saying it. She says 'cookie' with a deep raspy voice and its the only word that she uses that raspiness with.
Evie said the other day after doing something for Eden, "shoot! that was hard work, but I did it." She randomly tells me, "mommy, I love you so very much." And she loves on Eden and Emmaline so well.
Emmaline likes to coo, poop, and giggles in her sleep a little.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Kidney Stone Birth Story
Last week I gave birth to a rather large kidney stone. Not large enough to have blasted, but large enough to cause me to feel like I was going to die! I woke up last Tuesday morning feeling nauseated and sick to my stomach. I did my best to get the girls ready for school and to get myself ready to go to run an errand. Grady had to take the girls and well, I ran my errand and left a nice surprise for them in the the bathroom:(
I went home and quickly nursed Emmaline to sleep and fell asleep myself in bed. Grady tried to talk me into going to the doctor. I refused. I didn't want to get sick again in the car and thought I could sleep it off before having to get the girls from school. Well, I didn't sleep it off. I came downstairs to see the girls (Grady had to pick them up) and I began to feel really sick again. Grady was on a conference call when I began yelling to him from the living room. When I got no response from him I did my best to get upstairs as to be as comfortable as possible while throwing up. I had one baby in tow and two toddlers following close behind. It's not fun being sick, on the bathroom floor with a one year old hanging off my back! Actually, it's quite miserable!!!
While I was laying in the bathroom floor trying to get up, Grady came to my rescue. He closed the doors to our bathroom to keep Eden and Evie in our bedroom. I then realized that something was really wrong. It could not be a stomach bug. I was in too much pain. I tried to call my family physician but they were not taking any more patients for the day. Grady's mom came over and we headed to the ER.
The registration nurse took my vitals once we arrived. She mentioned kidney stones. I had never had a kidney stone but my step dad had them frequently years ago. She sat me back in the waiting room. I got so sick that they took me back quickly, gave me some dilaudad and took me for a CT scan.
A kidney stone was my diagnosis. They sent me home with meds and a barf bucket. I was so drugged that I don't remember the ride home or much of anything else that night. I woke up the next morning and passed the stone at about 9 a.m. Whew!
Okay. So, it was exactly six weeks to the day after having Emmaline that I delivered my first kidney stone. It was huge! I mean like eight pen points put together, really rough, and stone-ish. I have to say it was more painful than laboring for twelve hours and naturally delivering Emmaline (who was like a million billion pen points put together). I have never experienced so much pain and I hope that I never have to again!
I went home and quickly nursed Emmaline to sleep and fell asleep myself in bed. Grady tried to talk me into going to the doctor. I refused. I didn't want to get sick again in the car and thought I could sleep it off before having to get the girls from school. Well, I didn't sleep it off. I came downstairs to see the girls (Grady had to pick them up) and I began to feel really sick again. Grady was on a conference call when I began yelling to him from the living room. When I got no response from him I did my best to get upstairs as to be as comfortable as possible while throwing up. I had one baby in tow and two toddlers following close behind. It's not fun being sick, on the bathroom floor with a one year old hanging off my back! Actually, it's quite miserable!!!
While I was laying in the bathroom floor trying to get up, Grady came to my rescue. He closed the doors to our bathroom to keep Eden and Evie in our bedroom. I then realized that something was really wrong. It could not be a stomach bug. I was in too much pain. I tried to call my family physician but they were not taking any more patients for the day. Grady's mom came over and we headed to the ER.
The registration nurse took my vitals once we arrived. She mentioned kidney stones. I had never had a kidney stone but my step dad had them frequently years ago. She sat me back in the waiting room. I got so sick that they took me back quickly, gave me some dilaudad and took me for a CT scan.
A kidney stone was my diagnosis. They sent me home with meds and a barf bucket. I was so drugged that I don't remember the ride home or much of anything else that night. I woke up the next morning and passed the stone at about 9 a.m. Whew!
Okay. So, it was exactly six weeks to the day after having Emmaline that I delivered my first kidney stone. It was huge! I mean like eight pen points put together, really rough, and stone-ish. I have to say it was more painful than laboring for twelve hours and naturally delivering Emmaline (who was like a million billion pen points put together). I have never experienced so much pain and I hope that I never have to again!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Laughs or Gas?
Emmaline just giggled in her sleep for the first time. I'm not sure if was a dream or the gas, but it was really cute!
Evie is having horrible meltdowns right now. Grady took her on a daddy/daughter date tonight to chic-fil-a. It made a big difference! Now that she is the biggest sis she gets less attention. Breaks my heart!!! I know God is in control of birth order and uses it as a way to shape each one of us for his purposes. I trust that. Evie is strong-willed and funny. She is determined and is making her mark in our young family.
Eden is our "wild hair". That's the nickname Evie gave to her a few months back. She is super sweet! Tonight she was told to give Ms. Brittany a hug goodbye. Eden ran from one side of the room to the other and hugged Brittany's neck super tight. She sat by me on the couch, sucking her thumb, nestling her head into my neck tonight. Oh my goodness, I love that child! She steals my heart with her most contagious smile!
Each child of mine steals my heart!
Evie is having horrible meltdowns right now. Grady took her on a daddy/daughter date tonight to chic-fil-a. It made a big difference! Now that she is the biggest sis she gets less attention. Breaks my heart!!! I know God is in control of birth order and uses it as a way to shape each one of us for his purposes. I trust that. Evie is strong-willed and funny. She is determined and is making her mark in our young family.
Eden is our "wild hair". That's the nickname Evie gave to her a few months back. She is super sweet! Tonight she was told to give Ms. Brittany a hug goodbye. Eden ran from one side of the room to the other and hugged Brittany's neck super tight. She sat by me on the couch, sucking her thumb, nestling her head into my neck tonight. Oh my goodness, I love that child! She steals my heart with her most contagious smile!
Each child of mine steals my heart!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Lullabye Radio and Grunts
Emmaline has been listening to Lullabye Radio since day 2 of her little life. I put it on in the hospital while she was sleeping next to me and I was doing homework. Every night we sleep with this station and makes us both sleep like a baby. Emmaline doesn't cry when she gets hungry. She grunts like a grown man. It is funny and so different than Evie and Eden were when they got hungry. They were screaming as soon as they woke up hungry. It takes a lot for Emmaline to cry for milk. Last night she gave me an almost 6 hour stretch! She's almost five weeks old. Thank you, Lord for this little laid back blessing!
On the other hand, my two older ones are in competition on who can be held by me the most. I am worn out by this game. They are in MDO right now. A much needed break for me! Evie cried off and on for two hours about what she had to wear. Eden melted down as we went into school and hit her head on the floor throwing her tantrum. Whew! I need some R&R and a vacation!
I'm really trying to love this stage. We did it to ourselves by having them super close together. I know I'll appreciate it in the future when they are all playing together in the playroom or doing other stuff together that siblings with more years in between them would not be so apt to do. I just have to keep this vision in mind as I struggle to carry three babies into church, MDO, and a few other places by myself. And I don't even do it that often. I had to do it today and I am spent! This is my reality right now.
On the other hand, my two older ones are in competition on who can be held by me the most. I am worn out by this game. They are in MDO right now. A much needed break for me! Evie cried off and on for two hours about what she had to wear. Eden melted down as we went into school and hit her head on the floor throwing her tantrum. Whew! I need some R&R and a vacation!
I'm really trying to love this stage. We did it to ourselves by having them super close together. I know I'll appreciate it in the future when they are all playing together in the playroom or doing other stuff together that siblings with more years in between them would not be so apt to do. I just have to keep this vision in mind as I struggle to carry three babies into church, MDO, and a few other places by myself. And I don't even do it that often. I had to do it today and I am spent! This is my reality right now.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Emmaline is here!
I'm sad I havent blogged more in the past few months. I barely have time to brush my teeth much less jump on the computer to write down a few moments about life at this stage.
Emmaline arrived on October 5 at 1:12 a.m. She weighed 7.15 and was 21 inches long. I went into labor at 12:30 October 4 but did not realize I was in labor. I picked the girls up from school, my niece from Poppy's house, and went home. I was having contractions 15 to 45 minutes apart. At 5:30 I got a little concerned when I couldn't go up the stairs without stopping and sitting down during the contractions. Thankfully, Grady made our dinner. We sat down to eat dinner at 6 and after dinner I put Eden down for bed. She was a mess that afternoon and needed to go to bed early. Gavie Ann had a soccer game at 7 so I packed up Evie and Zoe to go to the park to watch. I went to get my mind off the contractions. I was still thinking it was false labor. By the end of the game I had to close my eyes and grip my chair arms tight to get through the contraction! I put Zoe and evie in the car after the game. As we were about to pull out of the parking spot, I had to scream a little during a contraction. I still thought it was false labor. We made it home (only 2 minutes from the house) and while putting Evs to bed I began having them so strong that I had evie go downstairs to get daddy. At 9:45 they began coming 10 minutes apart. I laid in bed for the next hour. We decided to go to the hospital at 10:45. When I got there at 11:30 i was dilated to an eight. I was taken up to labor and delivery. Mom and Courtney came in and there was little time to decide on an epidural. I progressed quickly and was at a 9 by the time I got up to the fourth floor. Mom and Court helped me to decide not to do the epidural. I pushed for about 30 minutes. It was the hardest thing I've ever done! I had Grady open up his pandora app on his phone and put it on enya station. Then I changed my mind. I needed some P&P. So we went to Matt Redman. I don't remember the music but I do remember squeezing my mom's arm so hard that I think I bruised her. I remember rolling my eyes at everything Grady said. He was great.... I just couldn't handle any noise except for my own screams through each contraction and pushing. I felt like I would die at each one. Dramatic, I know. Finally, after 5 sets of pushes little Emmaline made it out. I was greatly relieved and exhausted! I couldn't stop shaking. I shook for an hour and didn't hold her for a while.
She came out beautiful and absolutely perfect. I had wanted to do natural childbirth but was too afraid to do it on my own. This was such a gift. I'm thankful for my naïveté in thinking I was in false labor. I'm thankful the Lord gave me grace to do it. I loved the experience. I recovered so much easier. And I think this is our last baby so to get to experience delivery this way was incredible!
Emmaline has been my easiest baby yet! She is calm and laid back. She is a great sleeper! I'm very grateful for her! I'm in love all over again.
Evie and Eden are adjusting. Today was hard. Evie calls her " my baby Emmawine". Eden calls her "baby". They all want me to hold them at the same time. Sigh... This is the hardest part.
Evie is:
Almost 3 years old
Talks all the time
Is desire and opinionated
Likes to put on 10 outfits a day
Eats very slowing
Loves princess anything
Eden:
Almost 2 years old
Is a lot more gentle with Emmaline than we thought she would be
Has a hard time apologizing when she wrongs me, Evie or Grady
Loves to love
Eats her plate of food and will eat everyone's leftovers!
Has a potbelly
Emmaline:
Likes to eat, sleep, poop, and listen to her wild sisters
Smiles at her Daddy the most
Smiles at Momma
Loves looking at the ceiling fan and shadows
Loves to be in the moby wrap
Sleeps great in the car
I love having 3 girls. I feel a little psycho and probably am in need of some therapy right now but life is good and sweet. I feel blessed, overwhelmed, exhausted, and glad to be where we are!
Emmaline arrived on October 5 at 1:12 a.m. She weighed 7.15 and was 21 inches long. I went into labor at 12:30 October 4 but did not realize I was in labor. I picked the girls up from school, my niece from Poppy's house, and went home. I was having contractions 15 to 45 minutes apart. At 5:30 I got a little concerned when I couldn't go up the stairs without stopping and sitting down during the contractions. Thankfully, Grady made our dinner. We sat down to eat dinner at 6 and after dinner I put Eden down for bed. She was a mess that afternoon and needed to go to bed early. Gavie Ann had a soccer game at 7 so I packed up Evie and Zoe to go to the park to watch. I went to get my mind off the contractions. I was still thinking it was false labor. By the end of the game I had to close my eyes and grip my chair arms tight to get through the contraction! I put Zoe and evie in the car after the game. As we were about to pull out of the parking spot, I had to scream a little during a contraction. I still thought it was false labor. We made it home (only 2 minutes from the house) and while putting Evs to bed I began having them so strong that I had evie go downstairs to get daddy. At 9:45 they began coming 10 minutes apart. I laid in bed for the next hour. We decided to go to the hospital at 10:45. When I got there at 11:30 i was dilated to an eight. I was taken up to labor and delivery. Mom and Courtney came in and there was little time to decide on an epidural. I progressed quickly and was at a 9 by the time I got up to the fourth floor. Mom and Court helped me to decide not to do the epidural. I pushed for about 30 minutes. It was the hardest thing I've ever done! I had Grady open up his pandora app on his phone and put it on enya station. Then I changed my mind. I needed some P&P. So we went to Matt Redman. I don't remember the music but I do remember squeezing my mom's arm so hard that I think I bruised her. I remember rolling my eyes at everything Grady said. He was great.... I just couldn't handle any noise except for my own screams through each contraction and pushing. I felt like I would die at each one. Dramatic, I know. Finally, after 5 sets of pushes little Emmaline made it out. I was greatly relieved and exhausted! I couldn't stop shaking. I shook for an hour and didn't hold her for a while.
She came out beautiful and absolutely perfect. I had wanted to do natural childbirth but was too afraid to do it on my own. This was such a gift. I'm thankful for my naïveté in thinking I was in false labor. I'm thankful the Lord gave me grace to do it. I loved the experience. I recovered so much easier. And I think this is our last baby so to get to experience delivery this way was incredible!
Emmaline has been my easiest baby yet! She is calm and laid back. She is a great sleeper! I'm very grateful for her! I'm in love all over again.
Evie and Eden are adjusting. Today was hard. Evie calls her " my baby Emmawine". Eden calls her "baby". They all want me to hold them at the same time. Sigh... This is the hardest part.
Evie is:
Almost 3 years old
Talks all the time
Is desire and opinionated
Likes to put on 10 outfits a day
Eats very slowing
Loves princess anything
Eden:
Almost 2 years old
Is a lot more gentle with Emmaline than we thought she would be
Has a hard time apologizing when she wrongs me, Evie or Grady
Loves to love
Eats her plate of food and will eat everyone's leftovers!
Has a potbelly
Emmaline:
Likes to eat, sleep, poop, and listen to her wild sisters
Smiles at her Daddy the most
Smiles at Momma
Loves looking at the ceiling fan and shadows
Loves to be in the moby wrap
Sleeps great in the car
I love having 3 girls. I feel a little psycho and probably am in need of some therapy right now but life is good and sweet. I feel blessed, overwhelmed, exhausted, and glad to be where we are!
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