Making her cotton ball snowman.
Painting Christmas ornaments.
Silly boy! Notice the paint on his lips.......
Friday, December 31, 2010
Christmas Crafts
Here are just 2 of the crafts the kids this Christmas. Brenna made a snowman and they painted ornaments. They also made reindeer, wreaths, and colored Christmas pictures, but I didn't take any pictures of those crafts.
Making her cotton ball snowman.
Painting Christmas ornaments.
Silly boy! Notice the paint on his lips.......
Making her cotton ball snowman.
Painting Christmas ornaments.
Silly boy! Notice the paint on his lips.......
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Falling down the stairs........
When we were looking at this house to buy (over 2 years ago) one of my biggest concerns was having a child fall down the stairs. And a couple weekends ago that happened. It was absolutely terrifying. Here's the story.
Lola, 60 lb-clumsy dog, had ran upstairs. Well she's not allowed upstairs because she tears things up. So I ran up after her, and Collier followed me up. I didn't think much of it. He's great on the stairs, goes up and down them all the time. When I got to the second landing, Collier was at the first landing (so 13 stairs). I yelled at Lola, and she came running and turned the corner and before I could do anything she bumped Collier backwards. Him falling down the stairs probably lasted 3 seconds, but to me it felt like a lifetime. It was so slow motion, and there was absolutely nothing I could do. I watched him roll head over heels down the steps several times, and I screamed bloody murder. Brenna was about 6 or so steps up, and I'm very glad he didn't hit her and knock her down as well. I felt awful for Brenna because she was so upset. Once Collier hit the floor I rushed to him. He was screaming. Okay....that's good. That means he's still alive (I know that sounds awful but it was a long and hard fall). I gathered him up immediately and started cuddling him and checking him over. I called Mimi who is a nurse, and after her calming me down and assuring me he was probably fine, I was able to breathe a little. I called Wyatt to come home though, since I thought an ER trip was necessary. He might have been acting okay, but I'm not a nurse/doctor and had no idea if he had any head trauma (most of the fall/tumbles were on his head).
Once we got to the ER we had to wait around an hour or so. This was very unusual because it usually isn't that busy (at least anytime we've been). When we got there we knew the little guy was okay. He was acting like a monster. Messing up the Christmas tree, running and hiding from us, and tormenting his sister and cousin. :-) Once we got back to the room they looked him over real quick and said it looked like he was just fine. The doctor said they could do a CT scan if I really wanted it, but they would have to sedate him. In my opinion and the doctor's it wasn't worth the risk of sedating him. At the point if he had any head trauma it would definitely be showing. So then we went home!!
I can't put into words how blessed we are. This accident could have become very serious. It's scary to think about what could have happened. I'm just glad we have some angels watching over us. :-) They kept my little guy safe. :-)
Lola, 60 lb-clumsy dog, had ran upstairs. Well she's not allowed upstairs because she tears things up. So I ran up after her, and Collier followed me up. I didn't think much of it. He's great on the stairs, goes up and down them all the time. When I got to the second landing, Collier was at the first landing (so 13 stairs). I yelled at Lola, and she came running and turned the corner and before I could do anything she bumped Collier backwards. Him falling down the stairs probably lasted 3 seconds, but to me it felt like a lifetime. It was so slow motion, and there was absolutely nothing I could do. I watched him roll head over heels down the steps several times, and I screamed bloody murder. Brenna was about 6 or so steps up, and I'm very glad he didn't hit her and knock her down as well. I felt awful for Brenna because she was so upset. Once Collier hit the floor I rushed to him. He was screaming. Okay....that's good. That means he's still alive (I know that sounds awful but it was a long and hard fall). I gathered him up immediately and started cuddling him and checking him over. I called Mimi who is a nurse, and after her calming me down and assuring me he was probably fine, I was able to breathe a little. I called Wyatt to come home though, since I thought an ER trip was necessary. He might have been acting okay, but I'm not a nurse/doctor and had no idea if he had any head trauma (most of the fall/tumbles were on his head).
Once we got to the ER we had to wait around an hour or so. This was very unusual because it usually isn't that busy (at least anytime we've been). When we got there we knew the little guy was okay. He was acting like a monster. Messing up the Christmas tree, running and hiding from us, and tormenting his sister and cousin. :-) Once we got back to the room they looked him over real quick and said it looked like he was just fine. The doctor said they could do a CT scan if I really wanted it, but they would have to sedate him. In my opinion and the doctor's it wasn't worth the risk of sedating him. At the point if he had any head trauma it would definitely be showing. So then we went home!!
I can't put into words how blessed we are. This accident could have become very serious. It's scary to think about what could have happened. I'm just glad we have some angels watching over us. :-) They kept my little guy safe. :-)
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Christmas Tree
We put up our Christmas tree tonight. Brenna has been harassing me for probably a month about the tree. So she was extremely excited when I said we were going to do it tonight. Brenna loved putting all of our "SPECIAL" ornaments on the tree. The special ones are the ones they have made or their hallmark ones that we buy each year.
Here are some of the pictures. They're not the best because I'm using Julie's old camera (and it's old...lol). Mine decided to quit working at Halloween. (Luckily, I'm getting a new one for Christmas!) Also, there's only a couple because my computer wouldn't upload must of them.
The kiddos together. Very lucky I even got this picture. Collier kept kicking and hitting Brenna every time she got in a picture.
Him and Chancey are like best buds!
Yea...she has a dress on. No one tells Brenna she can't wear a dress, even in the dead of winter.
Their 2010 hallmark ornaments! Bubby kept carrying his around and didn't want to put it on the tree. Finally he set it down, and I grabbed it, and hung it up.
We've also been trying to do a Christmas activity each day.
Day 1: We wrote a letter to Santa.
Day 2: We decorated the windows with Christmas decorations.
Day 3: We went to Disney on Ice. Technically, its not a Christmas activity, but DOI always comes a couple weeks before Christmas, so for our family it has kind of become a little Christmas/Winter tradition.
Day 4: We made Rudolph pictures with or feet cutouts and hand prints. I'll have to take a picture of them.
Day 5: We made chocolate covered pretzels and put up the Christmas tree.
Activities for the upcoming week involve:
1. Coloring Christmas pictures
2. Watching Christmas movies
3. Making ornaments
4. Make a Christmas tree picture
5. Drive around and look at Christmas lights.
We probably won't do something every single day, unfortunately there isn't always enough time, but I'm definitely trying to incorporate Christmas as much as possible.
Here are some of the pictures. They're not the best because I'm using Julie's old camera (and it's old...lol). Mine decided to quit working at Halloween. (Luckily, I'm getting a new one for Christmas!) Also, there's only a couple because my computer wouldn't upload must of them.
The kiddos together. Very lucky I even got this picture. Collier kept kicking and hitting Brenna every time she got in a picture.
Him and Chancey are like best buds!
Yea...she has a dress on. No one tells Brenna she can't wear a dress, even in the dead of winter.
Their 2010 hallmark ornaments! Bubby kept carrying his around and didn't want to put it on the tree. Finally he set it down, and I grabbed it, and hung it up.
We've also been trying to do a Christmas activity each day.
Day 1: We wrote a letter to Santa.
Day 2: We decorated the windows with Christmas decorations.
Day 3: We went to Disney on Ice. Technically, its not a Christmas activity, but DOI always comes a couple weeks before Christmas, so for our family it has kind of become a little Christmas/Winter tradition.
Day 4: We made Rudolph pictures with or feet cutouts and hand prints. I'll have to take a picture of them.
Day 5: We made chocolate covered pretzels and put up the Christmas tree.
Activities for the upcoming week involve:
1. Coloring Christmas pictures
2. Watching Christmas movies
3. Making ornaments
4. Make a Christmas tree picture
5. Drive around and look at Christmas lights.
We probably won't do something every single day, unfortunately there isn't always enough time, but I'm definitely trying to incorporate Christmas as much as possible.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
A new blog
The point in this blog is to keep a journal for the kids. 40 years from now I don't want to have all these pictures, and struggle memorying what we were doing, where we were, or how old the kids are. I plan on printing this for them when they are older. The problem is that I started this blog shortly after Collier was born. So I don't have the written memories of pregnancy with Brenna, Brenna's first couple of years, my pregnancy with Collier, and Collier's birth. So I have started a new blog where I am slowly going to add all of that info in there. That way I can't print that information and make a complete record of the kids' lives. So here is the blog title for those who might be interested. :-) Obviously, it won't be as detailed since I can't remember as much as I can now...lol. But I plan on posting pictures and milestones. I'll probably take a lot of stuff out of B's baby book too.
http://thebeginningyears.blogspot.com/
http://thebeginningyears.blogspot.com/
Breastfeeding
So...I usually don't post about these types of things. I try to keep this blog about my children and their daily activities, but I felt the need to vent and maybe when my children are older this vent session will help them in some way.
When I first got pregnant with Brenna I was asked if I was going to breastfeed. My immediate reaction was NO!! I was 19 and very uncomfortable with the idea of latching a child on to my breast, and the thought of doing this in public mortified me. There was no way it was going to happen. My own mother, who formula fed, said she thought I should give it a try. My brother was always sick as a child and had severe ADHD and other issues. I think my Mom felt guilt for my brother's issues and her not breastfeeding might have been the cause (her words). So anyways, when my Mom told me too think about it, I partially did, but I was still not comfortable with the idea. I had NEVER seen a child being breastfed. I didn't know any mother who breastfed. I had no education on the subject.
When I was about 5 months pregnant, Wyatt told me that his cousin Kristen BF and that they were talking to him about it and all the benefits. First of all, I was interested because Wyatt was. Second of all, I was interested because another young Mom did it. Not only did she BF, but she was proud of it! Hmmm...Maybe this was a possibility?! Then I saw CNN with Angelina Jolie and she BF. Now I am VERY embarrassed to admit that a celebrity is what encouraged to me BF, but it was part of it. So now I knew BF was an option. I still wasn't convinced.
At my 38 week appointment, I met the woman who would eventually deliver both of my children. I woman that I admire a lot, and that I wish I knew one a more intimate level. Okay, yes she's seen my "who-hoo" and hell she's even cut me open. So I guess I do know her on an intimate level, but I wish I was friends with her. I wish I could just hang out with her and she could give me loads of information on parenting. I admire her. She asked me if I was going to breastfeed. I had already told the nurse probably not, but she asked me as well. Again, I said probably not. I remember her telling me something about ABC's....lol..and about how the baby already knows how to breastfeed and that I really should consider it. She kind of lectured me on the subject and tested my information on the subject. I realized I knew nothing, and that it was something I should do. I don't know what exactly made me change my mind, but at the point I decided to breastfeed.
A little over 2 weeks later Brenna was born via emergency c-section (that's another post). I remember the first time I fed her like it was yesterday. The nurse showed me how. And she latched on and it HURT. Every time I nursed her a nurse would have to be in the room because the latch was so messed up and because I was in so much pain. I remember one morning (probably the first morning we were home) I woke up so engorged I couldn't even latch her on. My Mom went to buy a breast pump so I could pump some milk, so Brenna could latch on. I remember sitting there crying holding my screaming child that I was unable to feed. I didn't know I could hand express the milk to relieve some pressure. The hospital had given us free formula, so I that's what I fed her. She gobbled it up, she was hungry. After that I struggled to breast feed her. She would literally "eat" all the time. She never latched well. I was in pain, my nipples were bleeding. So I started pumping all the time. I remember at my 1 week appt, Dr. Pagadala asked how breastfeeding was going. I told her I was pumping and giving her the milk. She said that won't last, its way to hard, you need to put the baby on the breast. I tried that night to put her on the breast. Again, the pain was unbearable. Dr. Pagadala was right. Pumping wouldn't last, I wouldn't trust my body, and the milk in the bottle after a pumping session would become less and less. The amount of formula Brenna was getting would become more and more. It was depressing, I had failed. She was only months old and I had already failed her.
Brenna thrived on formula, never had spit up issues, constipation, anything unusual. She's always been extremely smart, well above her age group. She continues to be very healthy and smart. I don't think formula harmed her at all. Although, I still have guilt. But as a parent I have guilt about a lot of things.
On to Collier. I knew he would breastfeed. I knew it would be successful. No bottles or formula was to be brought into our home. I didn't even have a pump the first 5 months. Why? Because that's where I went wrong with Brenna. Without a pump or formula, I had no choice to breastfeed Collier ALL the time. I breastfed him in public. It empowered me, I felt brave! We had a perfect breastfeeding relationship. His latch was perfect, I was never sore. Never. He was a pro. I had some issues with family. I remember my father in law telling me that your not suppose to put your tits in a baby's mouth. Yea...it bothered me. But we just kept nursing, ignoring rude comments...uneducated comments. When I started school back up Collier would start having a formula bottle her and there. I was fine with that. Since I had not pumped for the first 5 months, I had no back up milk, so that was the trade I had to make. Also, his sister was primarily Bf, and she is great. Slightly before a year he weaned. We didn't do self weaning, but I didn't cut him off cold turkey either. It was more of an "encouraged wean". However, when he started normal milk, he started have a slight "allergic reaction". The doctor advised us to put him on soy or lactose milk. At the same time we found out Brenna was lactose intolerant (she had some issues for a while that I finally put the pieces together). I'm sure if I would have BF him a little longer he would have probably had a better introduction to milk.
So there you have it my history with breastfeeding. I wouldn't say I'm a lactavist or anything like that. I would say that I'm a proud mother who made educated decisions about the health of my children. I have friends who have formula fed and who have breast fed, I don't think better of one group as opposed to the other one. What I do feel is anger and sadness that in today's society WOMEN...MOTHERS...are still making rude and hurtful comments about those who breastfeed. Now...I will say that I know some people who make rude and know it all comments about those who formula feed as well. But I guess those don't usually bother me as much. Like I previously said Brenna was primarily formula fed, and she's pretty much as close to perfect as you can get. And I'm not just saying that because she's my daughter. Socially and academically she is ahead of where she needs to be. Also, health wise she's just fine. So...formula did just fine for her. For some reason I guess I do get a little defensive when I see people make comments about breast feeding, and I think the reason is, is that I feel like their attacking my judgment and parenting skills. I feel like they're saying I'm harming my child. When in reality, I'm doing what is natural.
On FB I saw where a little mini debate that had started about breastfeeding. And some women were saying so many hurtful things. Why have women let society do this? Why have women let them feel like if they use their body for the natural intended things they are some kind of sicko and bad mother. Why? But some women (usually the same women who claim bf is inappropriate) are perfectly fine with teenage girls wearing inappropriate clothing, or have no problem with how the society has objectified women. Do we really need a celebrity list of who has the best lips, breasts, or legs?! What about if that time and energy was spent on actually educating young women about breastfeeding and child birth. What if we has women actually took pride in what our bodies can do. Women shouldn't feel ashamed at what we can do, and we certainly shouldn't hide the fact out in public. When I was trying to breast feed Brenna, I refused to feed her out in public. I would go and hide in a bathroom or car to breast feed her. Or I gave her pumped milk. The "best" part was when I left my screaming newborn with my mother in HyVee so I could run and hide and pump in the bathroom. Yes....I did that. I let society to that to me. Now with Collier that was NOT going to happen. I breastfed him in public and each time I became more and more confident in my skills. And luckily, I never got a rude comment or stare. Half the time I don't think people were even aware of what I was doing. The important thing is that I took a stand against our society. I put the people's feelings around me aside, and did what worked for my and my son. I'm hoping that more women will do that.
Oh....and one of my "favorite" comments I hear from women about breastfeeding is, "I don't know if I could do that. I'm just to uncomfortable, my breast are sexual." Really? I can assure you that anytime I fed my kids, the LAST thing I was thinking about was sex. I'm pretty sure that I along with other women, I was thinking about my child. I was thinking about how amazing my child was, I was soaking up the cuddling moments.
Oh..and another little story. When Collier was circumcised he wouldn't eat. A nurse actually brought in a bottle of formula for me give him. Really!? Because if he won't latch onto the breast, that means he's going to latch on to a piece of latex/silicone!?! Does that make sense? Luckily, I had done my research, and I knew it was completely normal for him to not eat after that. ( Would you want to eat after that?) I told my Mom where the nurse could hear me, that she better not even bring that formula over to my baby. And if she did I would throw it at her (give me a break I was in pain). The nurse was smart and left the room....lol. It's just ridiculous to me that she would do that. Actually it's idiotic, and sad since she was a member of the health care profession. Luckily, I had an amazing (and young) nurse who came in, and with her help and encouragement Collier started nursing a couple hours later. :-)
Well...that's my story. I hope I didn't offend any of my mom friends who have formula fed. Like I said I have no issues with it. I am a formula feeding mommy too. What I have issues with is ignorant people who make rude comments about a subject that they really have no business even talking about. And I have issues with the way society has OVER sexualized the female body, and because of that women are afraid, ashamed, and uncomfortable with breastfeeding. I hope in the future women will no longer allow that to happen.
When I first got pregnant with Brenna I was asked if I was going to breastfeed. My immediate reaction was NO!! I was 19 and very uncomfortable with the idea of latching a child on to my breast, and the thought of doing this in public mortified me. There was no way it was going to happen. My own mother, who formula fed, said she thought I should give it a try. My brother was always sick as a child and had severe ADHD and other issues. I think my Mom felt guilt for my brother's issues and her not breastfeeding might have been the cause (her words). So anyways, when my Mom told me too think about it, I partially did, but I was still not comfortable with the idea. I had NEVER seen a child being breastfed. I didn't know any mother who breastfed. I had no education on the subject.
When I was about 5 months pregnant, Wyatt told me that his cousin Kristen BF and that they were talking to him about it and all the benefits. First of all, I was interested because Wyatt was. Second of all, I was interested because another young Mom did it. Not only did she BF, but she was proud of it! Hmmm...Maybe this was a possibility?! Then I saw CNN with Angelina Jolie and she BF. Now I am VERY embarrassed to admit that a celebrity is what encouraged to me BF, but it was part of it. So now I knew BF was an option. I still wasn't convinced.
At my 38 week appointment, I met the woman who would eventually deliver both of my children. I woman that I admire a lot, and that I wish I knew one a more intimate level. Okay, yes she's seen my "who-hoo" and hell she's even cut me open. So I guess I do know her on an intimate level, but I wish I was friends with her. I wish I could just hang out with her and she could give me loads of information on parenting. I admire her. She asked me if I was going to breastfeed. I had already told the nurse probably not, but she asked me as well. Again, I said probably not. I remember her telling me something about ABC's....lol..and about how the baby already knows how to breastfeed and that I really should consider it. She kind of lectured me on the subject and tested my information on the subject. I realized I knew nothing, and that it was something I should do. I don't know what exactly made me change my mind, but at the point I decided to breastfeed.
A little over 2 weeks later Brenna was born via emergency c-section (that's another post). I remember the first time I fed her like it was yesterday. The nurse showed me how. And she latched on and it HURT. Every time I nursed her a nurse would have to be in the room because the latch was so messed up and because I was in so much pain. I remember one morning (probably the first morning we were home) I woke up so engorged I couldn't even latch her on. My Mom went to buy a breast pump so I could pump some milk, so Brenna could latch on. I remember sitting there crying holding my screaming child that I was unable to feed. I didn't know I could hand express the milk to relieve some pressure. The hospital had given us free formula, so I that's what I fed her. She gobbled it up, she was hungry. After that I struggled to breast feed her. She would literally "eat" all the time. She never latched well. I was in pain, my nipples were bleeding. So I started pumping all the time. I remember at my 1 week appt, Dr. Pagadala asked how breastfeeding was going. I told her I was pumping and giving her the milk. She said that won't last, its way to hard, you need to put the baby on the breast. I tried that night to put her on the breast. Again, the pain was unbearable. Dr. Pagadala was right. Pumping wouldn't last, I wouldn't trust my body, and the milk in the bottle after a pumping session would become less and less. The amount of formula Brenna was getting would become more and more. It was depressing, I had failed. She was only months old and I had already failed her.
Brenna thrived on formula, never had spit up issues, constipation, anything unusual. She's always been extremely smart, well above her age group. She continues to be very healthy and smart. I don't think formula harmed her at all. Although, I still have guilt. But as a parent I have guilt about a lot of things.
On to Collier. I knew he would breastfeed. I knew it would be successful. No bottles or formula was to be brought into our home. I didn't even have a pump the first 5 months. Why? Because that's where I went wrong with Brenna. Without a pump or formula, I had no choice to breastfeed Collier ALL the time. I breastfed him in public. It empowered me, I felt brave! We had a perfect breastfeeding relationship. His latch was perfect, I was never sore. Never. He was a pro. I had some issues with family. I remember my father in law telling me that your not suppose to put your tits in a baby's mouth. Yea...it bothered me. But we just kept nursing, ignoring rude comments...uneducated comments. When I started school back up Collier would start having a formula bottle her and there. I was fine with that. Since I had not pumped for the first 5 months, I had no back up milk, so that was the trade I had to make. Also, his sister was primarily Bf, and she is great. Slightly before a year he weaned. We didn't do self weaning, but I didn't cut him off cold turkey either. It was more of an "encouraged wean". However, when he started normal milk, he started have a slight "allergic reaction". The doctor advised us to put him on soy or lactose milk. At the same time we found out Brenna was lactose intolerant (she had some issues for a while that I finally put the pieces together). I'm sure if I would have BF him a little longer he would have probably had a better introduction to milk.
So there you have it my history with breastfeeding. I wouldn't say I'm a lactavist or anything like that. I would say that I'm a proud mother who made educated decisions about the health of my children. I have friends who have formula fed and who have breast fed, I don't think better of one group as opposed to the other one. What I do feel is anger and sadness that in today's society WOMEN...MOTHERS...are still making rude and hurtful comments about those who breastfeed. Now...I will say that I know some people who make rude and know it all comments about those who formula feed as well. But I guess those don't usually bother me as much. Like I previously said Brenna was primarily formula fed, and she's pretty much as close to perfect as you can get. And I'm not just saying that because she's my daughter. Socially and academically she is ahead of where she needs to be. Also, health wise she's just fine. So...formula did just fine for her. For some reason I guess I do get a little defensive when I see people make comments about breast feeding, and I think the reason is, is that I feel like their attacking my judgment and parenting skills. I feel like they're saying I'm harming my child. When in reality, I'm doing what is natural.
On FB I saw where a little mini debate that had started about breastfeeding. And some women were saying so many hurtful things. Why have women let society do this? Why have women let them feel like if they use their body for the natural intended things they are some kind of sicko and bad mother. Why? But some women (usually the same women who claim bf is inappropriate) are perfectly fine with teenage girls wearing inappropriate clothing, or have no problem with how the society has objectified women. Do we really need a celebrity list of who has the best lips, breasts, or legs?! What about if that time and energy was spent on actually educating young women about breastfeeding and child birth. What if we has women actually took pride in what our bodies can do. Women shouldn't feel ashamed at what we can do, and we certainly shouldn't hide the fact out in public. When I was trying to breast feed Brenna, I refused to feed her out in public. I would go and hide in a bathroom or car to breast feed her. Or I gave her pumped milk. The "best" part was when I left my screaming newborn with my mother in HyVee so I could run and hide and pump in the bathroom. Yes....I did that. I let society to that to me. Now with Collier that was NOT going to happen. I breastfed him in public and each time I became more and more confident in my skills. And luckily, I never got a rude comment or stare. Half the time I don't think people were even aware of what I was doing. The important thing is that I took a stand against our society. I put the people's feelings around me aside, and did what worked for my and my son. I'm hoping that more women will do that.
Oh....and one of my "favorite" comments I hear from women about breastfeeding is, "I don't know if I could do that. I'm just to uncomfortable, my breast are sexual." Really? I can assure you that anytime I fed my kids, the LAST thing I was thinking about was sex. I'm pretty sure that I along with other women, I was thinking about my child. I was thinking about how amazing my child was, I was soaking up the cuddling moments.
Oh..and another little story. When Collier was circumcised he wouldn't eat. A nurse actually brought in a bottle of formula for me give him. Really!? Because if he won't latch onto the breast, that means he's going to latch on to a piece of latex/silicone!?! Does that make sense? Luckily, I had done my research, and I knew it was completely normal for him to not eat after that. ( Would you want to eat after that?) I told my Mom where the nurse could hear me, that she better not even bring that formula over to my baby. And if she did I would throw it at her (give me a break I was in pain). The nurse was smart and left the room....lol. It's just ridiculous to me that she would do that. Actually it's idiotic, and sad since she was a member of the health care profession. Luckily, I had an amazing (and young) nurse who came in, and with her help and encouragement Collier started nursing a couple hours later. :-)
Well...that's my story. I hope I didn't offend any of my mom friends who have formula fed. Like I said I have no issues with it. I am a formula feeding mommy too. What I have issues with is ignorant people who make rude comments about a subject that they really have no business even talking about. And I have issues with the way society has OVER sexualized the female body, and because of that women are afraid, ashamed, and uncomfortable with breastfeeding. I hope in the future women will no longer allow that to happen.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
A letter to Santa
Dear Santa,
I've been a good girl. I've been nice and thankful. I've been nice for teachers, and nice to my brother. I've been nice to my Mommy and Daddy. I watered my plants and ate all my food at school. I also make good pictures for my Mommy. For Christmas I want toys. I want a really big barbie house, and some new barbies. I want a barbie that lights up. I also want a new Ariel, Tinkerbell dress, and new crown.
My brother wants a new dump truck, and he can just play with my toys that I get.
Love,
Brenna Fisher
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Halloween!
The Fisher version of Princess and the frog! :)
We had a fun Halloween this year. Since Halloween fell on a Sunday, we were able to go to Mimi and Poppy's house on that Saturday, and then we went trick or treating around Joy on Sunday. We also visited Uncle Rod's and Great Grandma Fisher's house.
We had a fun Halloween this year. Since Halloween fell on a Sunday, we were able to go to Mimi and Poppy's house on that Saturday, and then we went trick or treating around Joy on Sunday. We also visited Uncle Rod's and Great Grandma Fisher's house.
Brenna is 4!
This year we had B's party at the park. It was a beautiful day, and we really enjoyed the day with family and friends. (Although it was bittersweet because a very important person was not there, although she was there in spirit). I think the park is definitely the way to go! The kids had a blast, and I had very little clean up. :-)
After her party she came home to a nice suprise from Aunt Tatie.
Our little Minnie Mouse!
Blowing out candles!
Iron Man 2!! Her fave!
The little brother!
The girls!
The birthday girl with her cake. The cake didn't turn out as expected, but B was impressed.
*If I remember correctly she weighs 33 lbs and is 37 inches tall. She's a little thing!
*She wears a 3-4t in shirts, 4t pants, and a size 8 for shoes.
*She is in love with super heroes. She loves watching Iron Man, Spiderman, Jackie (a Jackie Chan cartoon), and Avatar.
*She still loves everything Princess, and she has recently really got into Barbies.
*She is a rock star when it comes to the alphabet and writing. She is still working on numbers and understanding the whole number concept. She absolutely LOVES to learn. She is always asking to do her "homework".
*She loves music. Taylor is still her fave, but she will listen to pretty much anything if she can dance to it. She still calls Taylor her girl, and she says that Lady Gaga is my girl...haha.
*She loves having her picture taking, and she immediately strikes a pose when you get the camera out.
*Her favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese and popcorn...lol.
*She is absolutely fool of personality. She is sassy one minute, being the class clown the next, and then she is a little cuddling sweetheart too.
Brenna,
You are an absolute joy, and I don't think I could be more proud to be your Mother. The things you say make me laugh and smile, and I love your sassy and silly attitude. You are beyond smart, and I'm so proud that you have such a drive for learning. You are a great big sister, and you take pride in your role. I hope you continue to have such a big heart and kind spirit. You are a true blessing, and I love you very much.
Hugs and Kisses,
Mommy
After her party she came home to a nice suprise from Aunt Tatie.
Our little Minnie Mouse!
Blowing out candles!
Iron Man 2!! Her fave!
The little brother!
The girls!
The birthday girl with her cake. The cake didn't turn out as expected, but B was impressed.
*If I remember correctly she weighs 33 lbs and is 37 inches tall. She's a little thing!
*She wears a 3-4t in shirts, 4t pants, and a size 8 for shoes.
*She is in love with super heroes. She loves watching Iron Man, Spiderman, Jackie (a Jackie Chan cartoon), and Avatar.
*She still loves everything Princess, and she has recently really got into Barbies.
*She is a rock star when it comes to the alphabet and writing. She is still working on numbers and understanding the whole number concept. She absolutely LOVES to learn. She is always asking to do her "homework".
*She loves music. Taylor is still her fave, but she will listen to pretty much anything if she can dance to it. She still calls Taylor her girl, and she says that Lady Gaga is my girl...haha.
*She loves having her picture taking, and she immediately strikes a pose when you get the camera out.
*Her favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese and popcorn...lol.
*She is absolutely fool of personality. She is sassy one minute, being the class clown the next, and then she is a little cuddling sweetheart too.
Brenna,
You are an absolute joy, and I don't think I could be more proud to be your Mother. The things you say make me laugh and smile, and I love your sassy and silly attitude. You are beyond smart, and I'm so proud that you have such a drive for learning. You are a great big sister, and you take pride in your role. I hope you continue to have such a big heart and kind spirit. You are a true blessing, and I love you very much.
Hugs and Kisses,
Mommy
Talking
Just a quick little post about the kids. I had some things that I wanted documented. :-) (Side note--not sure what's going on with the different fonts...I can't get it to all match.)
These days I hear a lot of talking from these kids! Obviously, Brenna talking isn't anything new, but the complexity of her conversations is growing and she understands way more than most kids her age (I think so anyway). She has a crazy memory, and I'm just amazed at the things she says.
Collier is a little talking fool! I'm also amazed by this because Brenna didn't really start talking until she was 2. And she literally woke up one day and started having full conversations. I also have 2 nephews that didn't speak this much. Obviously, the fact that he has little kids around him has helped. Collier can say pretty much anything. He is literally picking up a new word everyday. He is also starting to say sentences. Some new words are Mimi, Papa, Ray-Ray (his cousin), meanie, mine, juice, lay down (today he said "lay down Mama"). Those are just the new words of that I can remember of the top of my head. Before I know he's going to be talking as much as Sissy.
"Mom, you know I'm not gonna be 4 for ever." I said, "yes, I know this." Then she said, "Pretty soon I'm gonna be 5, then 6, then 7, then 8, then I'm gonna be big and be a Mommy." I said, "I know someday your going to grow all up." Then she said, "But I'll be your baby girl for always!"
The following is just some little things, I have posted on FB that B has said. I wanted them here in the blog, so I just did a quick copy and paste.
"Mom, you know I'm not gonna be 4 for ever." I said, "yes, I know this." Then she said, "Pretty soon I'm gonna be 5, then 6, then 7, then 8, then I'm gonna be big and be a Mommy." I said, "I know someday your going to grow all up." Then she said, "But I'll be your baby girl for always!"
Conversation I had with B. Me: Brenna go pick up your toys! B: But whose going to help me? Me: I'm not helping you, but I can guarantee I will help you throw them away if you don't go pick them up. B: I'm not helping throw my toys away. Me: I'll throw them away by myself. B: You don't throw them away, you just put them... on the front porch. See Mom **walking to the window** I can see them out there.
A Brenna Random: "Hey Mom, don't forget to get the deers some food." Me: Ummm...okay. B: "You know the Christmas deers?" Hahah! Someone's excited for Christmas!
She told him that she doesn't like the Bears, she loves the packers. haha! First the Vikings now the Packers, she sure does know how to break her Dad's heart. ;-) She told her Dad in a very serious tone, "Dad, I don't like bears. They have big teeth and they wil...l bite me!" Haha. Such a silly girl!
Brenna just said, "Wyatt, I really like the purple team. I want them to win, because purple is my favorite color!" I love purple and pink!" She was talking about the Vikings..lol. Wyatt's a hardcore Bear's fan....lol. (Oh..and yes she thinks she needs to call her Dad, Wyatt..drives me nuts!)
Miss B is sad. She said she wants a big sister and she doesn't think it's fair that Bubby gets a big sister and she doesn't....hahah. I told her I couldn't help her out with that one. I asked her if she wanted a baby sister and she said, "NO MOM! I told you no more babies!" hahah!
Brenna was just showing Collier pictures of him when he was a baby. She said, "That's you Bubbers. I was so proud of you, and you're my baby brother forever!" I could cry! Such a sweet little girl and proud big sister.
I was just looking at pictures of my children, thinking how precious they are. Then.....I hear a very sassy girl say, "MOM! Get in here and wipe my booty!"
Just argued with Brenna about "Super Why's" real name being Wyatt. I said it wasn't, she was just hearing things. I looked it up online, she's right. She said, "see mom, I'm right, you're wrong." Guess I should leave the cartoon trivia to her.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Julie.....
I don't know if this post even makes sense. I've been writing a little bit here and there for the last month. I just feel it's important write this up, so my children can read about Julie when they are older.
On October 10, 2010 my dear friend and sister-in-law lost her battle with Stage 4b cervical cancer. She had been sick most of the spring and summer. In September, she was told the cancer had reached her lungs, and she was put on hospice care. She left us a couple weeks later.
This has been extremely hard on our family. Brenna absolutely adored her Aunt Julie, and we know she held a special place in her heart. Collier wasn't as close to her, but that's because he's younger and didn't spend as much time with her. He definitely knew who she was though.
My first memories of Julie are actually as "Alex's mom". Alex, her son, is the same age as me, and I remember seeing her at school functions. Later, I actually met her as "Wyatt's Sister-in-law", little did I know that she would become a very important person in my life. Julie and I didn't become close until I became pregnant with Brenna. She was so excited that the family would have a little baby around. She started buying things for us, inviting us over for supper or camping, and generally just taking an interest in our lives. When Brenna was born, they instantly bonded. Julie would cover over on her lunch break to watch Brenna so I could get a shower, do a little housework, or homework. She generally just wanted to help. That was one of her best qualities, she always took such an initiative to help others. When Brenna was 3 months old I went back to school, and found myself needing a babysitter, so I asked Julie. She was so excited to have her weekly "dates" with Brenna.
For 2.5 years, Julie watched Brenna once a week. Sometimes I wouldn't even have class, but she still wanted her. I never worried when she had my kids. I ALWAYS knew she took such good care of them, and that she truly loved them. Through out these years, we became amazing friends. In some ways she was a best friend to me. I could tell her anything. Complain to her about anything, or just sit around and laugh. In some ways she was a big sister to me. Guiding me through rough times in my life, and enjoying the good times with me.
When Collier was born, she kept Brenna over night and brought her up that morning. I was extremely picky about who I wanted at the hospital when Collier was born. Brenna's birth was so rough and hectic, so I didn't want a lot of people at the hospital (my attempts at trying to keep things calm). Julie, however, was someone I wanted there. **Side note--she wasn't there. The doctor took forever, and she had to go to work.** When both my kids were born she came and cleaned my house and did all my laundry. For those who don't REALLY know me, have no idea how much I hate laundry. She did ALL of my laundry, it was a LOT....lol. But again, Julie always had to find a way to help out.
When I was in the hospital with my gall bladder issues, she came over to help Wyatt watch the kids. Again...always helping out. At holiday gatherings or parties, Julie was always the first one to show up. She'd come in and say, "What do you need me to do"? She was always the last one to leave too, because she had to help you clean up.
When Julie got sick again, I tried to help out as much as possible. I remember her crying at times, because she was never the one to need help. I always told her not to worry about it, she had done so much for me. I told her it was my pay for her watching the kids. She always kind of laughed at that.
In August I started my new job. I remember I was stressed about who was going to watch the kids. Here she was sick with cancer, and she said, "As soon as I feel better, I'll watch them for you." At that time, we both thought she would get better, but I remember telling her the last thing you need to worry about is my babysitter issues. But she actually felt bad that she couldn't help. It was like it was impossible for her to put herself first. Not many people have that quality, and she unknowinly did. She didn't realize how amazing and selfless she was.
When I started working, I wasn't able to help her out as much. I did and still do feel horribly guilty about that. I went from seeing her 2x a day, too once a week. I know she understood, she kept telling me to worry about me, but it wasn't the time to worry about me. I know she was really proud of me when I did get a job, but I wish I could have gotten the job later. If I would have known, that those would be the last couple of months with her, I wouldn't have taken the job.
The morning she died, I was in absolute shock. Absolutely heartbroken. I knew that since she was on hospice, she was dying. I got that. NEVER did I think it would happen so soon. I'm glad that she's no longer in pain, but I also have my selfish moments and wish she was still here. Family gatherings are really hard. Every time I go to her house, I get teary eyed. I get sad when people say "Rod's house", instead of "Rod and Julie's". Everyday Brenna tells me that she missed Aunt Julie, and I can say is say, so do I. I'm hoping that since Brenna is 4 she will remember her Aunt Julie. All I can do is talk to her about her, look at pictures, tell her stories, etc. I hope she is forever influenced by her Aunt Julie, and I hope she takes pride in knowing such a wonderful person.
Some of my best memories of Julie are:
**When Brenna was a baby we had went grocery shopping and on the way home Brenna was SCREAMING. So I did what I knew to do, break out singing....haha. I started singing "Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird" song, and Brenna stopped crying. If I stopped singing, she instantly started up again. By the time we got home, Julie and I were both singing...lol! Little Miss B kept quiet though!
**The first spring we lived in our house now, I was pregnant. Me and yard work don't really get along well, especially being 8-9 months pregnant. All of a sudden one day, Julie came over and started doing yard work. Apparently, she thought my yard was screaming for someone to help it. Wyatt and I thought she was absolutely crazy. But before to long she had us out there working too.
**One time when I had taken her over for a chemo treatment. The nurse asked her, if I was her daughter. Julie said, "Yea..she mine as well be."
**Some of my greatest memories, are of Julie being with my children. She always was one to get down and play with the kids. She didn't just watch them for you, she played with them, it was fun for her. I don't know how many times I went to pick Brenna up and she had made something. She might have colored, baked, "helped" in the garden, etc. Brenna used to beg to go to Aunt Julie's house, and for obvious reasons.
Julie,
I miss you greatly, but I am thankful for our friendship. I cherish the memories that I have, and I know someday those memories will bring a smile to my face instead of tears. I thank you for being such a great friend to me. And more importantly, thank you for being such an amazing person to my children. We love you very much.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
I'm thankful for.......
Thanksgiving is here again! Each year, it seems like I have more and more to be thankful for. I've really been trying to count my blessings ALL year long, but Since it's Thanksgiving, I think it's a great time to actually write them all out.
1. Healthy Kids. I think in everyday life it's easy to forget how big of a miracle it is that your children are healthy. It's not a given that we will have healthy children, and it's definitely something to thank God for everyday. Not only are my kids healthy, but they are smart and funny. My kids are an absolute blessing! They always make me so proud!
2. Wyatt. Okay..he drives me absolutely batty and I could probably strangle him 80% of the time.....but I love him. :-) I am so blessed to have such an amazing father for my children. To say he's amazing is an understatement. He's a 100% hands on dad! He gets up every morning with the kids (I'm at work) and takes care of them. I NEVER have to worry about them when they are with him. To me that should be a given, but I'm finding out that most dads we know aren't like him. I'm proud to say that he's my baby daddy. ;-)And again, he drives me nuts, but he's good to me. He accepts and loves me even at my worse. I don't even know if I like myself at my worse...lol...so that's saying a lot. ;-)
3. My parents. Okay..again...they drive me crazy. Usually after a couple hours with them, I'm ready to hide somewhere. Plus,their daily calls and treating me like a 12 year old can get old, but I love them. They're great. Once I had kids, I was able to truly understand how much they love me. And I'm pretty sure they love my kids like 10x more, so I'm grateful that we have such supportive people in our lives.
4. Great friends. Need I say more?!? Everyone needs great friends. I have friends that understand my busy and crazy life. They get me. They get my humor and sillyness. They laugh with me and they're also there to listen when I'm a crying hot mess.
5. Wyatt's job. Wyatt was laid off this time last year, so it's great that he is working now. Very, very, grateful that he works a job that he likes and is able to provide for us.
6. My job. I have a job that I like, and I get to work with a great group of people I get to be "Miranda" for 5 hours a day, and then I get to come home and be "Mommy". I absolutely love working part-time, and I'm so grateful that I work for a company that understands I am Mommy first. :-)
7. And of course I'm thankful for a warm house to live in and warm food in our bellies.
1. Healthy Kids. I think in everyday life it's easy to forget how big of a miracle it is that your children are healthy. It's not a given that we will have healthy children, and it's definitely something to thank God for everyday. Not only are my kids healthy, but they are smart and funny. My kids are an absolute blessing! They always make me so proud!
2. Wyatt. Okay..he drives me absolutely batty and I could probably strangle him 80% of the time.....but I love him. :-) I am so blessed to have such an amazing father for my children. To say he's amazing is an understatement. He's a 100% hands on dad! He gets up every morning with the kids (I'm at work) and takes care of them. I NEVER have to worry about them when they are with him. To me that should be a given, but I'm finding out that most dads we know aren't like him. I'm proud to say that he's my baby daddy. ;-)And again, he drives me nuts, but he's good to me. He accepts and loves me even at my worse. I don't even know if I like myself at my worse...lol...so that's saying a lot. ;-)
3. My parents. Okay..again...they drive me crazy. Usually after a couple hours with them, I'm ready to hide somewhere. Plus,their daily calls and treating me like a 12 year old can get old, but I love them. They're great. Once I had kids, I was able to truly understand how much they love me. And I'm pretty sure they love my kids like 10x more, so I'm grateful that we have such supportive people in our lives.
4. Great friends. Need I say more?!? Everyone needs great friends. I have friends that understand my busy and crazy life. They get me. They get my humor and sillyness. They laugh with me and they're also there to listen when I'm a crying hot mess.
5. Wyatt's job. Wyatt was laid off this time last year, so it's great that he is working now. Very, very, grateful that he works a job that he likes and is able to provide for us.
6. My job. I have a job that I like, and I get to work with a great group of people I get to be "Miranda" for 5 hours a day, and then I get to come home and be "Mommy". I absolutely love working part-time, and I'm so grateful that I work for a company that understands I am Mommy first. :-)
7. And of course I'm thankful for a warm house to live in and warm food in our bellies.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Collier is 18 months!!!
Well...he's almost 19 months...like I said before I'm a little delayed on the blogging!! I've also been in denial that my baby is going to be 2 before I know it. :-(
He has learned so much in the last couple months. He TALKS a lot, much more than Brenna did. He's not really putting words together yet, not on a normal basis anyways, but he says a lot of single words. His newest words are brrr, help, Mimi, Grandma, and owwww. He says owww all the time...lol. He constantly yells, MOM! MOM! MOM! LOL! I'm at his beck and call. He also calls Wyatt, Mom. I find this hilarious and weird all at the same time. Dada was it first word, so he knows how to say it but doesn't care too, I suppose? He still continues to be extremely ornery and a little crazy. It's very normal for me to find him standing on the dining room table or end table. He loves to dance and give kisses. He is definitely a cuddler. He loves to yell at the dogs, and give Chancey kisses. He is always sneaking up the stairs. I've noticed if I pretend to not notice he only goes up a couple stairs and comes right back down. If I make a big deal out of it and chase, then he runs up the stairs. He still LOVES Yo Gabba Gabba, but he also likes Barney, Dinosaur train, and Blue's Clues. He LOVES books! Brown Bear, Brown Bear is with out a doubt his favorite book, he constantly brings it to me to read to him. The following are just some random little facts about C-man.
*Still wearing 2T clothes, size 5 diapers, and size 6 shoes.
*Got his molars at 17 months.
*Is obsessed with his blanket and sippy cup, he must have them in his hands when he goes to bed.
*He weighs about 25.6 lbs and I believe he was 32 inches in height.
*He loves to color. :-)
*He still loves to eat! Cottage cheese his probably his favorite food.
*He doesn't really play with a lot of toys. He likes to find random things like the pots and pans, shoes, dvds, etc to play with. He does really like his blocks though.
*He loves to wrestle with his Sister. I'm not over exaggerating when I say they wrestle like they're 5 and 7, not 4 and 1. They are both pretty rough.
*He loves to have his picture taken, and he says "cheese".
*He likes to pretend to talk on the phone.
*And last but not least he loves his sister. They play so well together, and he copies everything she does. :-)
Collier you are such a joy, and we love you very much!
He has learned so much in the last couple months. He TALKS a lot, much more than Brenna did. He's not really putting words together yet, not on a normal basis anyways, but he says a lot of single words. His newest words are brrr, help, Mimi, Grandma, and owwww. He says owww all the time...lol. He constantly yells, MOM! MOM! MOM! LOL! I'm at his beck and call. He also calls Wyatt, Mom. I find this hilarious and weird all at the same time. Dada was it first word, so he knows how to say it but doesn't care too, I suppose? He still continues to be extremely ornery and a little crazy. It's very normal for me to find him standing on the dining room table or end table. He loves to dance and give kisses. He is definitely a cuddler. He loves to yell at the dogs, and give Chancey kisses. He is always sneaking up the stairs. I've noticed if I pretend to not notice he only goes up a couple stairs and comes right back down. If I make a big deal out of it and chase, then he runs up the stairs. He still LOVES Yo Gabba Gabba, but he also likes Barney, Dinosaur train, and Blue's Clues. He LOVES books! Brown Bear, Brown Bear is with out a doubt his favorite book, he constantly brings it to me to read to him. The following are just some random little facts about C-man.
*Still wearing 2T clothes, size 5 diapers, and size 6 shoes.
*Got his molars at 17 months.
*Is obsessed with his blanket and sippy cup, he must have them in his hands when he goes to bed.
*He weighs about 25.6 lbs and I believe he was 32 inches in height.
*He loves to color. :-)
*He still loves to eat! Cottage cheese his probably his favorite food.
*He doesn't really play with a lot of toys. He likes to find random things like the pots and pans, shoes, dvds, etc to play with. He does really like his blocks though.
*He loves to wrestle with his Sister. I'm not over exaggerating when I say they wrestle like they're 5 and 7, not 4 and 1. They are both pretty rough.
*He loves to have his picture taken, and he says "cheese".
*He likes to pretend to talk on the phone.
*And last but not least he loves his sister. They play so well together, and he copies everything she does. :-)
Collier you are such a joy, and we love you very much!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Colbrese Wedding!!
What a fun night this was! I was extremely honored to take part in Katie and John's Wedding adventure, and even more honored that my children were asked to take part in it as well. Brenna had talked about her role as flower girl for months!! This was a huge deal to her...lol! Collier wasn't really impressed with his role, and screamed the whole way down the aisle...haha. He was still absolutely adorable. Here are some pictures from that night! The pictures with ** were taken by the VERY talented Azure Kitts!
(The pictures are out of order, but you get the idea).
** Me painting B's toes!
**My beautiful little girl!
Little Bubs!
** Love this one!
**Beautiful Girls!
** Breathtaking!
The kids at the rehearsal dinner!
B's dress and accessories!
She was really excited to get her hair done.
So pretty!
Love this girl!
My little man!
Me with the beautiful couple!
My family!
Congratulations Katie and John!!
(The pictures are out of order, but you get the idea).
** Me painting B's toes!
**My beautiful little girl!
Little Bubs!
** Love this one!
**Beautiful Girls!
** Breathtaking!
The kids at the rehearsal dinner!
B's dress and accessories!
She was really excited to get her hair done.
So pretty!
Love this girl!
My little man!
Me with the beautiful couple!
My family!
Congratulations Katie and John!!
Collin's 2nd Birthday Party
I started posting this blog MONTHS ago, but blogger wouldn't cooperate, and I haven't tried again. I'm way behind on this whole blogging thing!
July 3rd, Collin turned 2! We had a small little party at my house. It was a lot of fun and the kids had a blast! Brenna, Collier, and of course Collin, was here! And our other nephew, Ray came over too! So 4 kids 3 and younger! Here are some of the pictures from that night!
The birthday Boy!!
Ray!
He is such a camera ham!
Opening up presents!
The cake!
July 3rd, Collin turned 2! We had a small little party at my house. It was a lot of fun and the kids had a blast! Brenna, Collier, and of course Collin, was here! And our other nephew, Ray came over too! So 4 kids 3 and younger! Here are some of the pictures from that night!
The birthday Boy!!
Ray!
He is such a camera ham!
Opening up presents!
The cake!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
A working Mom!
I'm officially a "working" Mom!
I started last week as a contract specialist for RK Dixon, in Davenport. The position was originally full-time, but after talking to my boss about babysitter issues I am now working part-time. My hours are perfect! I work 7-12pm. The first week was REALLY hard. I seriously felt like my heart had been ripped out. I missed the kids SO MUCH! I knew I would miss them, but I had no idea how much. Now that I'm working the short hours, I really don't even miss them. Well....of course I miss them, but I don't have the urge to cry every five minutes (yes it was that bad).
I am so happy I am working for this company. To be honest I was more interested in finding a great company, rather then a great position, if that makes sense. I wanted to find a company that understands I'm a MOM FIRST. RK Dixon definitely seems to understand that, and actually appreciate that I have a life and other priorities.
The kids seem to be doing just fine with this adjustment. They spend mornings with Daddy, and then I get home just in time for Wyatt to go to work. We're not getting a lot of time all 4 of us. It just means we have to make weekends really count. The first week when I was getting home until 6 was rough on the kids. In those 3 days, Brenna really started acting up. One of the best things is that they will talk to me in a year and re-evalute the situation. If I feel the need to stay part-time I have that option. Pretty lucky!
Anywho...just wanted to update on the job situation. I still have so many pictures to post. Not enough time in the day. :-(
I started last week as a contract specialist for RK Dixon, in Davenport. The position was originally full-time, but after talking to my boss about babysitter issues I am now working part-time. My hours are perfect! I work 7-12pm. The first week was REALLY hard. I seriously felt like my heart had been ripped out. I missed the kids SO MUCH! I knew I would miss them, but I had no idea how much. Now that I'm working the short hours, I really don't even miss them. Well....of course I miss them, but I don't have the urge to cry every five minutes (yes it was that bad).
I am so happy I am working for this company. To be honest I was more interested in finding a great company, rather then a great position, if that makes sense. I wanted to find a company that understands I'm a MOM FIRST. RK Dixon definitely seems to understand that, and actually appreciate that I have a life and other priorities.
The kids seem to be doing just fine with this adjustment. They spend mornings with Daddy, and then I get home just in time for Wyatt to go to work. We're not getting a lot of time all 4 of us. It just means we have to make weekends really count. The first week when I was getting home until 6 was rough on the kids. In those 3 days, Brenna really started acting up. One of the best things is that they will talk to me in a year and re-evalute the situation. If I feel the need to stay part-time I have that option. Pretty lucky!
Anywho...just wanted to update on the job situation. I still have so many pictures to post. Not enough time in the day. :-(
Monday, August 9, 2010
Where I'm suppose to be.........
Sometimes people get lost and just don't know where they belong. I have been searching for the last couple months for a job. I've sent in probably 2-3 applications/resumes a week, and I've only got ONE phone call. This phone call did result in an interview. I thought the interview went fairly well, but it seems like I didn't get the job. I'm not really disappointed that I didn't get that job. I'm disappointed that I can't seem to get a job. Then it hit me, I do have a a job. I'm a mother, and right now that's all that really matters. Even though part of me REALLY wants a career right now, part of me loves spending this special time with these babies. I love waking up with them, being home when Brenna gets home from school, doing household chores with the radio cranked up and my kiddos dancing widly, craft time, watching toon-toons with them, etc. I love our days right now. I don't know if I'm ready to give this up yet, and maybe God knows that. The right job will come around, the job that fits perfectly into OUR lives. I just need reassured sometimes, and I need reassured that I'm where I'm suppose to be.
I wish we had playgroups around here. It's such a small area, and there aren't any playgroups set up or MOPS groups. I think sometimes the reason I want to work is so I can socialize with grown-ups. When I was going to WIU, I went to school. I got to talk fellow students and professors. I was Miranda for a couple hours a day. Now that I'm doing my MBA all online, I'm always Mommy. So I have to do something about this. I'm thinking voluntery might be an option. I'm also going to put Brenna in a dance/tumbling class. I don't know if this will help me, but I know Miss B will love it. I'm also going to look at something for Collier. I have no idea what I'm looking for, for him, but something.
I only have about a year, before I HAVE to work, so I've decided I'm going to make this the most amazing year ever. I'm going to enjoy everyday with these kiddos. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my time with them, but like most Mothers I also have my whiney days when they're driving me NUTS. I'm going to avoid complaining about those days. All days are going to be AMAZING days. :-)
I still have A LOT of pictures to post from July and now August. Maybe the kids will got to bed at a decent time tonight, and I can finally get the new pictures posted. :-)
I wish we had playgroups around here. It's such a small area, and there aren't any playgroups set up or MOPS groups. I think sometimes the reason I want to work is so I can socialize with grown-ups. When I was going to WIU, I went to school. I got to talk fellow students and professors. I was Miranda for a couple hours a day. Now that I'm doing my MBA all online, I'm always Mommy. So I have to do something about this. I'm thinking voluntery might be an option. I'm also going to put Brenna in a dance/tumbling class. I don't know if this will help me, but I know Miss B will love it. I'm also going to look at something for Collier. I have no idea what I'm looking for, for him, but something.
I only have about a year, before I HAVE to work, so I've decided I'm going to make this the most amazing year ever. I'm going to enjoy everyday with these kiddos. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my time with them, but like most Mothers I also have my whiney days when they're driving me NUTS. I'm going to avoid complaining about those days. All days are going to be AMAZING days. :-)
I still have A LOT of pictures to post from July and now August. Maybe the kids will got to bed at a decent time tonight, and I can finally get the new pictures posted. :-)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Lots of blogging to catch up on!
Geez...I've gotten behind on this. I still need to blog about the 4th, Collin's birthday, and the fair. My goal is to get it it done this weekend. I figured if I wrote this on here, I would HAVE to get my butt in gear and get the blogging done.:-)
So....look for some new blog posts this weekend! :-)
So....look for some new blog posts this weekend! :-)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Am I a good mother?
This is a question I ask myself everyday.
Some days I with out a doubt say, "Yes, I'm a great mother!"
Some days, like today, I am defeated and I say....no.
I love to read blogs. I love reading my friend's blogs and seeing the great pictures and hearing the fun stories. I also will read blogs of people that I have no idea who they are. Sometimes these blogs are about children who have passed away, and how the family is coping. Or the blog might be about people who lost their infant child, or their life with a terminally ill child. These blogs are....heartbreaking blogs. Blogs that make me bawl my eyes out and subsequently question my parenting.
I am so blessed to have healthy children. I would like to think that I never take my children for granted. But I suppose I do. Well..I guess I don't take my children for granted, but I do take their health for granted. Having healthy children isn't a given. I wish it was.
So when I read these blogs, the guilt of having a healthy child sets in. I think of these parents and know that they would give ANYTHING to hold or hug their child again. Or to see them smile or hear their laugh. And then I wonder did I hug my children enough today, did I enjoy their laughter, and share kisses with them. How many times did I read to them? Did I yell at them? Did I take the time to listen to Brenna's silly stories or cuddle with Collier. Was I a good Mom? Was I a good enough mom for these amazing children?
I just hope that my kids know how I truly love them. My love for them is unexplainable. And they will only truly understand this love when they have children. All parents know that this love can not be explained or understood, it can only be felt.
I just hope my children always know how proud I am to be their mom. I am truly enjoying every minute of this crazy ride, and I hope they are too! I hope they look back on the childhood and have great memories. I hope I'm teaching them great things, and showing them how to be a great person. I hope they're proud of me. I hope they think I was a good mother...well shoot..the best mother. :-)
These songs sum up how I feel!
Brett Dennen - The One Who Loves You the Most
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XwSRzNCYIA
The Beatles- In my life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI0Q8ytD44Y
Dixie Chicks- Lullaby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFOac8zybPE
For Collier:
Dixie Chicks- Godspeed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqaBof47pmY
For Brenna:
Taylor Swift-Best Days
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCZnjo1bZTU
(I know Taylor wrote this for her mom, but it reminds me so much of Brenna!)
This post may have made no sense, but I felt it was important to write, and I feel the guilt subsiding. All I can do is to cherish these little babies every day.
Some days I with out a doubt say, "Yes, I'm a great mother!"
Some days, like today, I am defeated and I say....no.
I love to read blogs. I love reading my friend's blogs and seeing the great pictures and hearing the fun stories. I also will read blogs of people that I have no idea who they are. Sometimes these blogs are about children who have passed away, and how the family is coping. Or the blog might be about people who lost their infant child, or their life with a terminally ill child. These blogs are....heartbreaking blogs. Blogs that make me bawl my eyes out and subsequently question my parenting.
I am so blessed to have healthy children. I would like to think that I never take my children for granted. But I suppose I do. Well..I guess I don't take my children for granted, but I do take their health for granted. Having healthy children isn't a given. I wish it was.
So when I read these blogs, the guilt of having a healthy child sets in. I think of these parents and know that they would give ANYTHING to hold or hug their child again. Or to see them smile or hear their laugh. And then I wonder did I hug my children enough today, did I enjoy their laughter, and share kisses with them. How many times did I read to them? Did I yell at them? Did I take the time to listen to Brenna's silly stories or cuddle with Collier. Was I a good Mom? Was I a good enough mom for these amazing children?
I just hope that my kids know how I truly love them. My love for them is unexplainable. And they will only truly understand this love when they have children. All parents know that this love can not be explained or understood, it can only be felt.
I just hope my children always know how proud I am to be their mom. I am truly enjoying every minute of this crazy ride, and I hope they are too! I hope they look back on the childhood and have great memories. I hope I'm teaching them great things, and showing them how to be a great person. I hope they're proud of me. I hope they think I was a good mother...well shoot..the best mother. :-)
These songs sum up how I feel!
Brett Dennen - The One Who Loves You the Most
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XwSRzNCYIA
The Beatles- In my life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI0Q8ytD44Y
Dixie Chicks- Lullaby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFOac8zybPE
For Collier:
Dixie Chicks- Godspeed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqaBof47pmY
For Brenna:
Taylor Swift-Best Days
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCZnjo1bZTU
(I know Taylor wrote this for her mom, but it reminds me so much of Brenna!)
This post may have made no sense, but I felt it was important to write, and I feel the guilt subsiding. All I can do is to cherish these little babies every day.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Growing, Growing, Growing!
These kiddos are growing way to fast!! (I know I say that all the time, but its true!)
Collier turned 15 months last Saturday. He continues to be a very busy little boy! Some of his favorite things are to play (spill)in the dog food and water, put things in the toliet, throw things in the garbage, dig in the garbage! Can you say ornery!?!? He's a little beast! He also really likes playing with his blocks, balls (toy balls, but granted he likes playing with himself too ;-), the shopping cart, and wagon. He is obsessed with giving the animals kisses. He pretty much strangles them, holds them down, and "kisses" them.
Some nights he will sleep though the night, but he almost always comes to bed for cuddles. And like I've said before I really don't mind. He still weighs 22lbs which is what he's weighed for the last 5 months. He has grown in height so I'm not really worried about it. He's very attached to his blanket and sippy cup. When he's tired he grabs the two and comes to you whining. Very cute! He is also sitting on the potty, he hasn't gone in the potty yet, we're just working on getting comfortable with the potty. Which I think we've accomplished that since he has to get on the potty every time he's in the bathroom.
Now on to Miss Brenna! Brenna will be 4 in 3.5 months! :( How did this happen?!?!
She has been learning so much! Right now she is really focused on letters and sounds. She can write:
Brenna
Mom
Dad
Miranda
Bubby
Lola
Carly
Collin
Mimi
She's also really interested in letter sounds and phonics. When she's talking she'll say "M-M-M-Mom, what are you d-d-d-oing?" LOL! It kind of sounds like stuttering, but I know that she's just sounding the words out. And then she'll say doing starts with D! Or Mom starts with M!
She continues to love everything Minnie! The Princesses are still some of her favorites too! She loves helping me cook and do laundry. She also likes to help clean, but it better be "fun" cleaning and not asking her to pick up her toys.
She's really enjoys learning and her little brain just gobbles everything up right now! She's also really into music! She can tell you who sings any song, as long as its by a girl! Taylor continues to be her favorite, but she likes Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and Kellie Pickler too!
Collier turned 15 months last Saturday. He continues to be a very busy little boy! Some of his favorite things are to play (spill)in the dog food and water, put things in the toliet, throw things in the garbage, dig in the garbage! Can you say ornery!?!? He's a little beast! He also really likes playing with his blocks, balls (toy balls, but granted he likes playing with himself too ;-), the shopping cart, and wagon. He is obsessed with giving the animals kisses. He pretty much strangles them, holds them down, and "kisses" them.
Some nights he will sleep though the night, but he almost always comes to bed for cuddles. And like I've said before I really don't mind. He still weighs 22lbs which is what he's weighed for the last 5 months. He has grown in height so I'm not really worried about it. He's very attached to his blanket and sippy cup. When he's tired he grabs the two and comes to you whining. Very cute! He is also sitting on the potty, he hasn't gone in the potty yet, we're just working on getting comfortable with the potty. Which I think we've accomplished that since he has to get on the potty every time he's in the bathroom.
Now on to Miss Brenna! Brenna will be 4 in 3.5 months! :( How did this happen?!?!
She has been learning so much! Right now she is really focused on letters and sounds. She can write:
Brenna
Mom
Dad
Miranda
Bubby
Lola
Carly
Collin
Mimi
She's also really interested in letter sounds and phonics. When she's talking she'll say "M-M-M-Mom, what are you d-d-d-oing?" LOL! It kind of sounds like stuttering, but I know that she's just sounding the words out. And then she'll say doing starts with D! Or Mom starts with M!
She continues to love everything Minnie! The Princesses are still some of her favorites too! She loves helping me cook and do laundry. She also likes to help clean, but it better be "fun" cleaning and not asking her to pick up her toys.
She's really enjoys learning and her little brain just gobbles everything up right now! She's also really into music! She can tell you who sings any song, as long as its by a girl! Taylor continues to be her favorite, but she likes Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and Kellie Pickler too!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Niabi Zoo
The day after we went to the sprinker park, we went to the zoo! Our friend Sam had free tickets for the "In the Wild" Festival, and she invited us to go! We had a blast even though it was one of the hottest days ever! Not only did we get to see all the animals but there was also games, firetrucks, and bounce houses for the kids. It was a lot of fun! :-)
Collier's favorite part for sure was feeding the fish, ducks, and goats! He laughed and laughed when the goat licked his hands! He also loved the ducks and swans. I was so nervous they were going to bite him, but they just nibbled.;-) Brenna is always a fan of the petting zoo and the pony rides.
Collier's favorite part for sure was feeding the fish, ducks, and goats! He laughed and laughed when the goat licked his hands! He also loved the ducks and swans. I was so nervous they were going to bite him, but they just nibbled.;-) Brenna is always a fan of the petting zoo and the pony rides.
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