Our Southern Relatives

Ju-ju enjoying the baby.

Chad, Serena, Julissa, Shara (holding beara), Jessia, Joanne & Mike in front of their house.

We had the girls in matching tops & skirts for Sunday.

The boys.

Julissa and Ayla were great buddies this time.

Jessia & Kaia.

I didn't get a good photo of Gramps & I just realized I don't have any of Serena outside of the family shot, but they were there too! Our trip was short & sweet. We don't get to see each other nearly enough, so we were thankful for this little bit of time together.

Dancing Queens

The younger girls loved playing dress-up & then singing & dancing. I've attached a video of them dancing below. It's pretty dark, but I think it gives you an idea of how funny it was watching them perform.

Hands up, baby hands up! Tell me if this song doesn't stick in your head the rest of the day.

Are We In The Air Yet?

Shouldn't we be at our cousin's house now?

Are we on the ground yet?

And, my personal favorite.

Is this a crashing plane?

In case you haven't figured it out yet we recently took a trip involving an airplane ride. Thanks to the generosity of Craig's brother we were able to make an impromptu trip down to their place. We talked on the phone Tuesday. We reserved tickets on Wednesday. We were at their home on Thursday! It's been almost two years since the cousins have seen each other, so this was a wonderful, wonderful gift for all of us. I was nervous about travelling so soon after my surgery, but it actually went very well. Just request a wheelchair the next time you reserve tickets & you'll be shocked at all the special treatment you get at the airport. Photos will be coming soon.

6 Below 0

That's what the temp is today. I think it was a bit colder than that yesterday when we decided to lock the keys in the car with Ayla strapped into her car seat. Yeah. Luckily the keys were in the ignition & the vehicle was actually running. It happened after we got to our church meeting. I knew we were early for a good reason. Somehow in the process of getting me, my crutches & braced leg into the building while carrying the baby in her car seat someone (probably me) managed to lock the doors. Our friend Kerry saved the day. How you might ask? By unlocking our Pontiac van with his Chevy truck keys! So, if this happens to you try using any available keys before calling the locksmith. You never know. In case you were wondering Ayla was a real trooper. She just calmly tried to free herself, but only managed to get the top part unbuckled. Alls well that ends well.

I Hate Sponge Bob

Last night we went to the "mare of a mallaca" as my dear daughter mistakenly called it. She seems to have the same unfortunate quirk that her father does. They often mix up their letters and words when speaking. It has caused endless amusement to me & others, but a bit of embarrassment on their part. Grandpa Mike had given us some wristbands that we needed to use by the end of the year. I think that's the first time the kids ever got to ride whatever they wanted & not worry about how many points would be used up. It was great fun. Thanks grandpa! The only annoyance was having to see Sponge Bob every where I looked. It was the stuff of nightmares for me. Plus every time your wristband is scanned you have to hear his idiotic laugh or whatever that odd Sponge Bob sound is supposed to be. I miss Camp Snoopy!!

It is super hard to get good photos in an amusement park. Here they are on their last ride of the evening.


I thought I'd share this adorable photo taken this morning. It looks like little miss learned something from Mr. Cole this past weekend!

Taking Over

This is where she is every morning. The middle of the bed! She's so sweet though. I wouldn't have it any other way. Last week we had to bottle feed her for one night. She went right back to her bassinet after her feeding. A friend told me this was my chance to make the switch, to get her out of our bed. I just can't do it.

It's Almost Official

In about an hour we won't be able to have any more kids. Yep, hubby is getting "fixed" today.

Tuesday Ramble

Today I had an MRI done on a knee that has been giving me trouble. It was only after I arrived at my appointment that I was told I'd need to dump my breast milk for 48 hours after the procedure! Apparently they want to inject a dye in me that will show up in my trouble spot if blood is going to that area. Umm, hello? My baby is like two months old & I don't know if she'll even take formula as I've never tried giving it to her. Luckily the appointment wasn't a total bust. They took some images today without the dye & on Friday I'll have some taken with it. So anytime you think of me during the next four days I'll probably be hooked up to the milk machine. Oh & I'm really dreading the nights we'll be bottle feeding. I generally have a baby on boob half the night every night. Now I'll actually have to get out of bed & warm up a bottle! Yikes! Wish me luck.

Micah's class wrote letters to Santa today. He couldn't wait to tell me what he asked for. He wants hockey equipment & a Lego kit for himself. He thought Ayla would like some more Polly Pockets. He very thoughtfully requested a meat grinder for his Dad. That way Craig can make his own ground venison. So, that leaves me & the baby. He didn't think the baby needed anything. OK, well what about mom? He couldn't think of one thing that I might like. I continued to prod him & he decided that something I would really love would be a new bowl for cooking! So. Apparently I'm the big fat mom that only cooks & cleans & has no outside interests. I know, I know, that's not what he meant, but I found it interesting that it was hard for him to come up with something. Maybe I do need some hobbies. Any suggestions?

Where Does The Time Go?

Hint: The photos will tell you what I like to spend my time on.

I've been asking myself that every night at about supper time. Then at the kids' bedtime I'm asking myself, "Why am I so tired & what did I do today?" My hubby is probably asking himself the same thing although he's wise enough not to say it out loud! So I've been thinking about it & decided to write myself this post. Next time I'm wondering I can look it up & answer my own questions. I've decided that the bulk of my time gets eaten up by two things. (Being on the computer is not one of them. I multitask when I'm here. Just look at my keyboard & you can see that I almost always eat when I'm here. My hubby was not happy to find that dried chocolate is the reason two keys were sticking together. I'm also nursing the baby as I write this. No wonder my neck & shoulders are sore.) Anyhoo, the biggest consumers of time in my life are; 1) All that has to happen in order to get the kids to & from school. 2) Getting everyone in the family fed & the cooking & cleaning that entails. I'll give you an abbreviated version of a typical day.

- I finish the baby's early morning feeding at about 6am

- 7am - 8:30 is entirely consumed by getting the kids up, dressed, fed & to school.

- If I'm lucky I have from 8:30 to 9:00 to fix & eat my own breakfast.

- It's 9:00 & time to feed the baby again.

- Now I have from the end of baby's feeding until about 11:00 to throw in a load of laundry, unload the dishwasher etc.

- From 11:15 to 11:40 I'm busy getting Ayla from school.

- It's almost noon. Time to get Ayla her lunch & feed the baby again.

- Thankfully from about 1:00 to 4:00 every day the baby is napping. This gives me time to fix, eat & clean up my own lunch. I also continue with laundry & whatever else has to be done.

- At 4:00 Micah gets off the bus. That means it's time to get the kids a snack. Usually the baby wakes up hungry during this time period as well.

- Between 4:30 & 5:00 I'm done feeding Kaia & it's time to move into the kitchen & prepare supper.

- After we eat we need to clean up the mess. I feel ready to go to bed by then, but I go ahead & finish cleaning the kitchen. Then it's time to get lunches & snacks ready for the next school & work day.

- 7:00 time to do homework with Micah & get him & Ayla off to bed.

- 8:00 the kids are in bed & often times I am heading that way shortly.

So you see, it's mostly all about food. I do have to confess to one thing though. Whenever the baby isn't eating or sleeping you can often find me just sitting. I can't seem to stop holding, kissing & snuggling with Kaia. She's talking & smiling now. I just can't resist trying to get those sounds & smiles from her as often as I can. So, that's our life right now. I'm tired & lots of things aren't done, but I can't say I regret one minute of it! I'm just realizing I didn't say much about Craig. He helps a lot when he's in the house. But, a great majority of his time is spent messing with our wood supply. It seems like there is always wood to cut, stack & split. Since this is how we stay warm, I'm not complaining!

Who could resist that sweet smile?

Nine Things I'm Thankful For

1. I'm really glad that we don't have any snow yet. I'm not looking forward to going out into it every morning to get the kiddos off to school.

2. I've been appreciating my family a lot lately. Both the immediate & extended members.

3. I'm happy that no one in my house seems to mind left-overs for supper.

4. It is wonderful to have a two month old that takes long naps during the day.

5. I have met so many people through blogging. I appreciate the new people in my life & acquaintances I've gotten to know better this way.

6. I love, love, love my baby sling. It is the best way to shop & cook supper. I really don't think it has made my back hurt any more than normal either. So there Motrin.

7. We're going to Sherilyn's for Thanksgiving this year. I can't wait to spend time with them & some dear friends from Iowa.

8. I have a full bottle of my favorite essential oil blend, Immupower. It doesn't seem like winter without it.

9. My hubby is in the kitchen tonight. He likes to cook his venison & the kids like to eat it. For that I am very grateful. The kids are great guinea pigs. Because of them I don't feel so pressured to try his creations.

What are you thankful for?

Fake Boob Spoof

I was requested to post this link so here it is. It's pretty funny!

Annoying Commercial Alert

Maybe I'm a day late and a dollar short, but I just watched this commercial. I guess the company has since pulled the commercial, but it still makes me mad. Does it bother anyone else out there?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmykFKjNpdY

Oh, & I know there is probably a much, much better way to link this to my blog. As of yet, I haven't had the time & patience to sit down & try to figure it out. Maybe one of you can teach me next time we're together. Shannon? Wanna teach me some stuff when we see you next month?

Too Funny Not To Share

That said, if you are easily offended don't read this. Today I had my postpartum checkup. This checkup includes a bit of time on the exam table with stirrups. You know the one I mean. I had the girls with me. Kaia of course was oblivious. Ayla was not. Afterwards Ayla looks at me with saucer eyes & says, "I don't like what she did Mom. It hurted my eyes." Ooops. Any babysitting volunteers for the next time I have an OB appointment?

It's After 8:00 And The Kids Are In Bed

I've finally got time to post some new photos. They are a bit old as you can tell. Anyway, here are the big kids on Halloween. Craig took them to the businesses in town while I went & got my birthday massage.

The kids love to snuggle with Kaia before school. This is a typical scene most weekday mornings.

My good friend Michelle came to visit for a few days. We were lame & didn't take many photos, so I don't have a good one of our kids playing together. Michelle's daughter is 10 months old & this is the first time we got to meet her. We had a very low-key visit just hanging out & talk, talk, talking. Every time we thought about doing something like taking a walk we'd realize that some one's baby was napping. We never did get their nap schedules synchronized......

Ayla took this photo of me nursing Kaia & I happen to love it. This is what most afternoons look like around here.

Today, I'm Glad..............

- that the kids wished me happy birthday as soon as they woke up.

- that Craig bought me a card & had the kids sign it.

- that when the kids were fighting this morning all I had to do was say, "It's my birthday" & then I got two prompt replies of "Sorry mama".

- I heard Micah explaining to Ayla how to be a good friend. She had been talking about a boy in her class that was sad, because no one would play with him.

- to have two kids in school & a sleeping baby. I have two new magazines to look at & the perfect excuse to be lazy & look at them. Hey, it's my birthday & I can lounge if I want to!

Personality

Yeah. It's not lacking in this child. Unfortunately her exuberance made this a pretty difficult photo shoot. I think we'll have to try again another day. I'm starting to think those school photographer's earn their money after all.

To Nap Or Not To Nap

That is the question. Today & every day. I. have. so. much. to. do. Like load upon load of laundry. A large pile of mail to go through & bills to be paid. Many thank you notes to write, address & mail. A very messy playroom. I know that's not really my problem, but it will never ever get cleaned unless I am involved in the process. Actually I want to weed out the coloring books, puzzles, games & art supplies. We have ridiculous amounts of all that stuff. Of course there is a ton of outside work to be done yet. And I have left-over mashed potatoes in the fridge which means that I really should make potato rolls. But, I really, really want to take a nap. My husband really, really wants to go hunting again tonight. And so, I think if he doesn't care about all that needs to be done then why should I?

Family Weekend

Reading our new Skippy Jon Jones book to the kiddos.

Mom with her grand kids.

Ayla & Lexie. The kids got along great this time. They are all finally at the age where they can play games & have lots of fun together. Lexie is my cousin Chad's daughter. It's fun to watch our kids play together & remember all the fun times we had when we were that age.

I just had to post this photo of Mom, because she looks so happy. Whenever the baby needed to be held she was right there. She was even bragging about how good she is at quieting her down. I asked her when she's planning to move in!

My brother and Aunt Tonia were here too. Other than the fact that Seth wasn't feeling well we had a nice relaxing weekend. It was cold enough for a couple of fires, but nice enough during the day for outside work. My husband was happy to hunt to his heart's content knowing that I had lots of extra help in the house. The weekend went far too fast. It always does when it includes time spent with loved ones. We can't wait to see you all again.

What Do You Think?

I just took this photo of Micah. I'm thinking of using it for his first grade picture, since I'm far too cheap to pay the school photographer.

Happy Boy

I just noticed that his back teeth are dirty. I remember that he hurriedly finished chewing something right before I took this photo...oops!

Too Tired To Do A Proper Post

Micah lost his first tooth this week. I do have photos of his now toothless grin. I promise to get one up as soon as I'm feeling more ambitious. He was so happy to join the missing tooth club. I have to admit that my first response was a sharp pang of sadness. After all he grew that tooth when he was a deliciously chubby & happy 4 month old. What happened to my first baby? How did he get so big so fast?
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Yesterday was a terrible day with the baby. She fussed all day long unless someone was holding her. Of course I happened to be busy yesterday. We had bible study here last night so I was trying to make my house somewhat presentable. Luckily Melanie offered to come over & hold her so I could get some stuff done without hauling baby around in the sling. The baby seems to have a problem with pooping. I'm guessing that's why she was fussy. She has a tendency to go days in between poops. My other kids went at least five times a day! I took her to the chiropractor two weeks ago & that helped. I guess it's time for another visit.
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I can squeeze into most of my pre-pregnancy clothes!!! Granted they don't fit correctly, but at least I can get them on. It felt so good to pack up all that maternity stuff. I guess that means I'm done having kids. I didn't feel the least bit nostalgic. I truly enjoyed separating the clothes into give away piles. Maybe it helps to think of a couple of friends experiencing the joy of their first pregnancies. I promise the clothes are coming soon, Ina. I just need to wash one more skirt!
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I can think of many more things to blather on about, but it's time to wake the kids up for school. Time to tell them over & over again to get dressed & quit fighting. Time to get them their cereal & re-fill their bowls until their little tummies are full. Time to make Micah's lunch & Ayla's snack. Time to try to fix Ayla's hair while she's eating, hoping that she's distracted enough to not fuss & pretend that it hurts. Time to change a diaper & get the baby into the car seat while praying that she stays sleeping through the process. Oh yeah & I guess I need to get out of my robe & maybe try to fix my wild curls a bit. Wish me luck!

The Girls

Can You Say Obsession?

I'm talking about my husband. He's obsessed. Or possessed. Or something. Every single Autumn all we hear about is hunting.

Now he has the kids just as obsessed. He's already working on the baby. She's not yet three weeks old & she has a camo outfit already. Even though I have two girls I'm outnumbered when it comes to this particular activity.

Pink boots. Gotta add a girly touch to the hunting ensemble, don'cha know?

A Few Of My Favorite Things

The first of our trees to change colors.

My sweet new cuddle bug.

Roasting veggies for supper. All of them fresh from our garden.

My nursing/reading corner in our bedroom.

The best apples our tree has produced yet.

Our ever growing piles of wood & building fires in our stove these past few chilly nights.

Kaia's First Week

Meeting Uncle Seth.

So cozy!

"Helping" Auntie Jenny make brownies!

Starting to wake up.

I also got a great photo of Craig & Jenny that I just can't share. They went on a 4-wheeler ride & got caught in a downpour. They were sopping wet when they came in. I was tempted to post the photo, but I figured Jenny wouldn't appreciate it too much. Seeing as how she was here helping with everything for two days I don't want to offend her! Thanks to everyone that came to visit & for all the help we've gotten.

Yet Another Post About Giving Birth

This is the last one I promise.

Those of you following along might realize this photo was taken on Monday night. The night we spent 6 hours at the hospital to find that after being there through the night & walking & walking waay to early in the morning that it just wasn't happening. At least not right then. We went home after I had only progressed to 4 cm. We got home at 7am & crashed until early afternoon. I took an hour long nap in the late afternoon & then made supper & got the kids ready for school the next day & bed as usual. Craig & I were in bed by 9:30 thinking that nothing was happening at all. By this point my contractions had all but stopped. Imagine my surprise when I rolled over at 12:30am & felt a small gush of water. I jumped out of bed & told Craig I thought my water just broke. I repeated myself 3 times as he kept asking me what over & over. Finally he got the picture & jumped out of bed too when I said, "I. THINK. MY. WATER. JUST. BROKE!!" I called my midwife & told her that it had indeed broken, but I wasn't having any contractions & that we were tired of making fruitless trips to the hospital. She strongly suggested we come in anyway, so we thought we'd slowly get ready & head in. When I was talking to my mother-in-law I had my first contraction. When I was talking to my doula I had my second & third. At this point we decided we better call the neighbors again & head out to the hospital. I continued to contract the whole way there with water gushing out at each contraction. Craig wheeled me up to maternity, not because of great pain, but because I didn't want a water trail left behind me!

Here I am 2 hours after my water broke. It looks real this time, doesn't it? I have to admit that an epidural crossed my mind. This was going to be my last birth. I deserved to at least try an epidural once, right? Marjan said, "Well you can get one, but you won't get to have a water birth then." Oh yeah. Speaking of water birth it didn't exactly happen. By the time the tub was filled & I got the go ahead the contractions were fast & furious. I was in the tub for 10 minutes when I was told I needed to get out, because the water was too hot & they needed to get the temperature down. I swear all I did was get on my knees to get out & I had to push right then. So, imagine how fun it was climbing out of the tub at that point! I spent two pushing contractions on my hands & knees on the bed & two on my back & Kaia was born. Two hours after arriving at the hospital! Good thing we got there when we did!

Kaia makes her debut.

Marjan gives her the first bath.

Meeting Micah and Ayla.