Having a new baby can be hard on some people. Getting to bed late and waking up early. And maybe waking up a few times in between. I don't mind most of it. I like how quiet and peaceful night time is. I'm a night owl and think that I always have been. Waking up early is NOT my thing.
I do enjoy the moments that I have with Miss AvaJ. I "top her off" right around 11pm or 12 am so that she'll let me sleep longer into the night. I get to hold her and tell her stories about Daddy. This is also when I get my letter writing to Farmboy done. It's really a nice time of night. Lonely, sometimes, but reflective and nice.
This particular night she slept about 6 to 7 hours straight which would have been heaven if I hadn't been up with HY all night. He had a "sick bug" as we call them in our house. And he's very proud to admit that he "puked"! He's feeling better now. We've all had it. But I think we're on the upside of it. Thankfully. I was so grateful that she slept thru this long night with my oldest not feeling well. It was tender mercy from above.
For years I've sung this song in primary and to my children, but I never really understood what it meant until I had one in my own yard. It's really a blessing of Utah Spring.
Sometimes it frustrating being a new mom. You can't really up and leave whenever you want. Taking a newborn out is tricky, especially in our ever changing wanna-be-Spring weather. So, I feel trapped in the house sometimes. But today I saw the Lord's hand in my life many times: Sleeping in. A trip to the library. The park. Dinner from a friend. A visit from sisters in the ward. A neighbor boy mowed the front yard just because. Pictures in the mail. Time to read books to the kids. Nonna running an errand for me. 2 loads of laundry done. A few more clean places in my house. 3 kids currently sleeping.
You can't ask for much more than that. Maybe tomorrow I'll even get a letter in the mail from Farmboy. I have lots of hope for that.
Today has been a much better day...thanks to the sun!
{daffodils from my front yard}
The past few days we've been cooped up in the house with crazy weather. Rain, Snow and a mix of both with terrible wind. It's felt more like Winter than Spring. But today we were granted a little piece of Spring. Thank goodness because I was just about to lose it.
Two weeks ago we shipped Farmboy off to Basic Training. It was a strange day knowing that we probably wouldn't be able to see him for 5 months. But I did alright. I had another "project" that I knew I had to focus on. Baby. And of course all the millions of other things I had to do to get ready for before the arrival.
Nonna moved in with me to help with the kiddos. What a blessing that has been. Then Grandma and Grandpa came to play with the kids and be there to help. I spent most my days before my due date going to work in the evenings and wondering if I would go into labor. I've never gone into labor on my own so I figured that babies just don't come...they are induced. {Clearly, mine are}.
About a week before my due date, I had a lot of pain and discomfort. I got home from teaching late that evening and told my mom. She was pretty sure we'd have a baby in the middle of the night. And because she's pretty much always right, I started to wonder myself. But, it didn't happen. But I did actually get down to business and pack a real bag for the hospital and make real plans for "just in case" I went into labor. But, I didn't. Which was a blessing because aside from having to cancel my English classes, I didn't know if Onehm would make it on time to take the pictures.
You see, once we knew that Farmboy was going to be absent for the birth of our 3rd baby, I talked with my best friend Onehm and she offered to take pictures of the labor and delivery so that we could mail them to Farmboy and help him feel apart of the day. It was a tricky plan and everything had to go just right for her to make it there on time. A sweet sweet friend of hers made it possible for her to fly in just at the right time. And I kept reminding myself of the blessing that Farmboy had given me just before he left for the Army: that everything for the labor and delivery would go the way I had planned. I kept trying to focus on that instead of worrying about the things I couldn't control.
Wed nite my English students had a big baby shower for me and I was so touched by their generosity. I went home to find Onehm had indeed made her flight and it was a go for the morning.
After my Tues morning appointment with my Dr., {almost dilated to a 3 and 80% effaced}--my instructions were to call the hospital at 6:30am to see if they could take me that morning for induction.
I couldn't sleep all night, it felt like I was waiting for Christmas morning. I made the call around 6:20am Thurs morning only to find that they were swamped with mothers. Not a room to be had for me. I was to call back at 8:30 then at 9:00. It was starting to feel like maybe we wouldn't be having this baby today. The sweet southern-accent nurse said "the flood gates had been opened that day" but that they'd get me in that day.
She did call back and we headed up to Salt Lake to begin the long waiting process. Aunt CC came to pick up Nonna, Onehm, and me---and we took the longest route to Salt Lake. Thank goodness I wasn't really in labor.
About 11:30am we were finally admitted and in Room #3. Changed. Met the nurses. Filled out papers. Got wrist bracelets.
The nurse informed me that Dr. had requested they break my water first to see if I'd progress without the Pitocin. So, water was broken and the little bit of discomfort led to the Epidural. I wasn't about to wait around for the pain to really kick in. I know I'm a pansy.
Nonna and Onehm went down to the cafeteria to get some lunch and and CC stayed with me to play a round of cards. But soon after the epidural I started to feel sick. Dizzy. Hot. Nausea. So cards would have to wait. {we never did get to play. thank goodness. she would have whipped me good. I would have blamed it on the needle in my arm, but...I never would have stood a chance with her skills and my lack of practice}. She was great to get me cool cloth and help me relax.
After a few hours, I just wasn't going anywhere. So the pitocin drip was started. And that's when the good contractions started. The nurses were taking bets on what time I'd have the baby and of course gender. {Nobody but onehm knew gender at that point}.
As good as the contractions looked, I still wasn't progressing super fast--only a 7. The nurse and Dr. Macy came in {probably around 6:15pm} and said the baby was posterior {just like with my first} and they thought that giving me a roll would help baby roll as well. That was done and I assumed to be there for a few more hours--which was fine. I was there with my favorite women and watching Blind Side. But just a few minutes later, something was odd. Pressure! A lot of pressure. So I debated what to do...I told someone.
Aunt CC ran into the hall to tell the nurses. Cheers. They rushed in. And sure enough, Ready to roll. Everything went in fast motion then. Dr. Macy broke down the bed and all of sudden there we were. Nonna and CC hold my hands on each side and a swarm of women all around me.
It was the most incredible energy I've every felt in the delivery room. Laughter. And women buzzing about working and making jokes. It was this incredible feeling of joy and calm all at the same time. And Dr. Macy said, " okay how do you want to do this...do you want to laugh, cough, cry, vomit?"....and I said, "let's laugh!" and so we did! And a few minutes later after 2 pushes and half---Dr. Macy said,
" It's a GIRL!"
Smiles and cheers. And our girl party was complete. There were Eight women in that room. Nine including the newest arrival.
Ava J
She had the greatest welcome any baby I've ever known. It was well deserved. She's special.
Calls were made. Family came. HY and Mini-E were brought to the hospital that evening to see Miss Ava j. They were delighted. HY kept saying " look at her tiny feet. tiny nose. tiny....bottom" We all giggled with delight. Mini-E hugged and kissed her. It was the most fun.
When things settled down, and everyone left for the evening {except for Nonna who stayed on the pull out}, I made a call to the Red Cross around 11pm. They said that they would get the message to Farmboy in 2-72hours about the birth of our baby girl.
I never imaged that I'd get a call from him around 4:30 the next morning. I woke up, unexpectedly around 4:00am. And noticed my phone glowing. A missed call. From Farmboy! I was devastated that I'd missed it. But soon, he called back. We spoke for about an hour. He talked about how his Drill Sargent had come in and woken him up around midnight. Yelling and screaming---he assumed he was in big trouble. Then, "Your wife had her baby"...and you can call her in the morning.
A tender mercy to be able to talk to him for as long as we did. Ava j. talked a bit as well to her daddy. Hopefully they'll meet soon. Until then, we will miss him and pray for him every day.
The last few months, Farmboy and I have had to tighten our belts (as probably all of us have had to). It's not fun, but it makes us more aware of the tender mercies of God much more than we would have. We have seen a number of these blessings just recently. I would be totally ungrateful if I didn't share them & express my gratitude to the Lord for all our answered prayers.
This last Sunday, there was a knock at the door. We knew exactly what it was--a brother from the ward collecting Fast Offerings. Farmboy and I both decided to give a generous fast (every bit of cash we had at the moment). We knew that if we gave generously, the Lord would bless us this month. I secretly wondered how He would, but knew that He would.
But yesterday, I knew that our prayers had been answered (at least for a moment). My mom offered to take us to Costco to build up our year supply of food. I graciously accepted! It was such a blessing. Thank you Nonna. You'll never know the relief it has brought to my mind and heart. And the increase in faith I have in the Lord, that He knows our needs and blesses us when we do what we are asked to do!
Who knows how many weeks I'm behind on this 52 blessings thing, but I can't give up! Just like this little girl. I posted that she's started walking. In the past 2 weeks (of course since I've been gone and working) she's decided to walk & even run now. And for me, that's been a blessing--at least for now. Before she would cry because she couldn't keep up with us & wanted to be carried all the time. And I'm just not a carry you all the time mother. So, now that she walks, she can get to where she's going much easier. Everyone seems happier. Of course, HY can tease her much more easily now. He knocks her down every chance he gets. And as of last night, he lures her into a room and then shuts her in. Ah, the blessings of having a brother! credits{natalie x-mas flower (recolored), fall leaf (recolored) Shabby Princess Sweet Serenity Alpha, TCO paper, Miss Viv Denim Paper, Tangie tag & mat} The other blessing that came into my life about 38 days ago is this blog. Okay, it's not totally the blog, but the opportunity to take pictures. I love taking pictures, but I'm not terrific, probably like a lot of you. I wanted to improve my skills and so I asked Tina if she'd be apart of this with me. Of course, she accepted. I've had so much fun & I think* I've gotten better with my photos and use of photoshop. It has made scrapbooking even that much better. I really love some of the photos that I've taken. And that was pretty rare before. So, thank you Miss Tina for being so encouraging & letting me place my amateur photos next to yours. It's an honor & a blessing.
This girl has been a blessing in my life for over 15 years. She's the epitomy of love, caring, & friendship. She's been my best friend through thick & thin, happy & sad, laughter & tears. She inspires me to be a better person. She's one of God's gifts to me & anyone who knows her.
I love you my dear friend! You bless my life more than you realize.
Confession: I've always struggled to be consistant with reading the scriptures. It's one of those things that I KNOW I SHOULD do, but sometimes I get lazy.
It's funny though, with my word this year being HOPE, I've found that the more consistant I am with reading the scriptures or praying that the more HOPE I have. The easier it is to hold on to that hope. These 2 are directly correlated.
So, there you go. More scripture study= more HOPE.
Credits {A time to remember paper, Weeds & Wildflower Welcome Spring flower, Natali-Christmas Frame, nlw rubber bands}
Last Thursday I had a few spare minutes to check out some blogs. I normally head on over to Tina's blog & just see what some of her friends are doing. I didn't get very far down the list when I found this blog & this post. It was an idea that I just HAD to borrow. So I went to Hobby Lobby that night. I was on a mission to find a big frame & some letters. About $20 later, I had this:
The frame was banged up a bit (but I like that) & the letters just needed a bit of spray paint.
When I hung everything on the wall, it didn't quite turn out the same. I have a few spots that still need to be filled. I think I'll head back to Hobby Lobby today & find few fillers. Any suggestions?
I feel so blessed to have the home that I do. We live in a wonderful neighborhood with great neightbors! I love that we are the first to live here so I know all the dirt is ours.
Most importantly: I love the sounds that I hear when I come home.
Yesterday I was looking through a few blogs. And thinking (which one should never do) about how unPERFECT my life is. Now, I'm no dummie---I know that people don't put the entire truth about their lives on their blogs. I mean, who wants their dirty laundry out there for everyone to see? Not me! But, I started thinking about all the stuff that makes life hard & I came to the conculsion that---I'm grateful for it. Not all of it (yet), but some of it--I'm grateful for. Why? Because it makes me stronger, it makes me appreciate the good in life, it makes me cherish the happy-picture perfect moments (however fleeting they may be). So as I sit here --not having showered yet & eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (that I can't stand) as my first "real" meal of the day.... here's "My not so PERFECT life" that I consider a blessing. Credits: {Yin 2 page Template, Papier Dreams & embellishment, Tangie stitch letters, Sprinzo glitter pait stroke}
Currently: my kitchen floor is swept & MOPPED, I played cars with HY, my kids are sleeping (or were until I started typing that), I'm on my 7th load of laundry & I'm considering dinner.
Yesterday, Farmboy's parents came to visit our family. They brought Uncle A with them. This is the first time that he's seen HY in over 2 years(he's been on a mission) & the first time he's met Mini-E.
I am so grateful for these 2 individuals. They are such fun grandparents. They love to get on the ground & play with my kids. I am so grateful for the love they show them. What a great blessing they are.
Today, they took my little ones and I got to spend some time alone. I accomplished more than I thought I would. It's been a dream! So I made this page in honor of them!
Only a week behind on my 52 blessings (I'm pretty sure this is NOT the way they were meant to be posted...but alas, I AM doing them). Today's blessing is one that may sound a little strange to some of you, but here goes. I am grateful for the blessing of 50 degree weather! For 2 days now, we've had SuNShInE! And that my dears is what I call a miracle in these parts. I took my 2 babes to the park--2 Days in a ROW. As you can see they LOVED it. We were so bundled up that we nearly sweat to death. Today, we've got another storm brewing--but for just a moment I could see the buds of spring shooting up. It was a blessing to say the least!
My sisters are some of the greatest blessings in my life. I do wish that Aunt Runnie lived a lot closer to us. We would have so much fun it would be sickening. No matter how far away we live, we still manage to stay close with our hearts. Template found here by Onehm { Retrodiva-Be mine Kit, random shabby princess flower: recolored}
I know I'm really far behind with the 52 Blessings (like 4 weeks behind). But this girl inspired me to be better. And this post brought me to my knees in thanks for the blessing that I have in this life. Thank you for reminding me who I am & what I want to be.
Recently, I've been reminded how fragile life is. My good friend lost her mother just this past week. Today is the funeral & more than anything, I wish that I could be there with her to help bare some of the burden. What do we have if we don't have each other?
It has made me reflect on my own good mother. She is a gift for heaven to many people, but especially to her children & especially to me.
Idea Scraplifted from Onehm--but with permission from Tangie Baxter lift challenge.
{paper & embellishments dsf-retrodiva}
Text: She may appear to be common but she mystifies.
Here she is in her silliest smile. I get to see this face every day. Now, that's what I call a blessing. Don't get me wrong, she doesn't always show her sweet side (she loves to cry & get her way)--but she loves to flash this happy face to flirt, get attention, or just plain make you laugh. If you don't believe me, check out these 3 men's faces as she flashes them her charm:
(uncle R-d baby & Uncle R-d Honey & Baby O)
Our little Mini-E has started to show her true colors. Maybe it's because she's almost 1 & so she knows we can't take her back now. Seriously, she is just what our family needs. She makes us laugh if things get too serious. Thank goodness for almost 1 year olds.
I've noticed that a few of my friends are doing 52 weeks of Gratitute. I wanted to participate but I was having a hard time with the order. So, instead of worrying about the order, I'm just gonna do them...MY way. Here's the First....or I guess I should say....Here's ONE of the things that I am grateful for:
I've been working on a few Christmas cards for family & friends. Here's what I did for my sister, Runnie & her beautiful family. Don't they look fabulous? They really truely are! Aunt Runnie does so many nice things for so many people. She really is a service oriented gal. She's made blessing outfits for my 2 kids, sewn my lovely curtains, & created Halloween costumes on a moment's notice. She's incredibly talented & sensationally funny. I just wish that she lived much...much closer. Here are a couple of blessing/bareavement outfits.
She does incredible work--& asks nothing in return.
What a service. She's a gift to everyone who knows her.
Grandma Suz has been patiently awaiting these pictures. So, I put Mini -E back in her blessing dress and placed her on the very special blanket handmade by Grandma Suz. Here are a few of my favorites: Lovin' the bonnet (Aunt Runnie made this beautiful dress) Cutie Patutie I call this: "Whachu talking about Willis?" Here's the "F" that Aunt Runnie had embroidered. So gorgeous.
