Things in the Parker home have been super great and we're so excited for Christmas with the best present ever!
Hadley has been such a good baby. She is a little more testier than Jaycee was, but overall I can't complain. The first couple days home were rough with feedings and feeling like she was eating ALL THE TIME! Finally we decided she probably needs a binkie cuz she just wants to suck. So Craig saved the day and went up to the store to get her binkies and gas drops. We met with her dr and she had lost weight from 7lb 2oz to 6lb 9oz but she wasn't too worried. Also her color and everything else looked great! Right now she's eating every 3 hours and at night I don't wake her up and she lets me know when she's ready. She'll usually go about 5 hours between at night. It has been such a blessing and difference! I'm a little picky about my sleep, but I can handle a 5 hour stretch. Jaycee adores her sissy and loves to hold her. Craig says she looks completely opposite from Jaycee but I disagree. They look similiar but she does have differences. Hadley doesn't has as much hair and it's straight (Jaycee's was full and curly), her nose is more pointy (we think she has my nose and Jaycee has Craig's), her eyes are wide and big (def from Craig), she is skin and bones besides her chubby cheeks-she's got the tiniest little chicken legs, and she def has a scream/cry that she'll let you know she's not happy. We just feel so lucky to have 2 sweet little girls and especially her to welcome us for Christmas.
I've been feeling great! It's strange. I expected lots of pain, tiredness and blues. It's been opposite. I haven't had hardly any pain, just cramps that Ibuprofen helps. I've been happy-go-lucky and I don't know if it's cuz I have Jaycee here or what. And the whole sleep thing I get about 7 hours a night which is plenty and occasionally I'll sneak in a nap with the girlies. I guess the biggest thing is I cry a lot. I get emotional over a lot of things pretty easy. But I can handle crying. People tell me I feel so good because I went natural and if that's the case, it was totally worth it! Should be interesting to see what I do with the next pregnancy.
We're so excited for Christmas and to Skype with family tonight and tomorrow. Jaycee is "so esited" as she says. She's really digging into this whole Christmas season. Pictures to come of the big day and of our sweet girls.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Baby Has Arrived! PART 2
.......
Monday morning I had woken up with more disappointment that I was indeed still pregnant and also only 5 days to my due date. Craig and I talked about how at my appt the next morning he was going to come with me and we would talk to Dr. B about an induce date or stripping my membranes. I spent most the day as a usual day...taking care of Jaycee, cleaning, and mostly just relaxing. I was still having contractions but didn't bother to time them because what would be the point if I went to the hospital again to be sent home. I watched a few episodes of gray's anatomy and even got to sneak in a 30 minute nap. About 4 I got up and started to make dinner. I noticed between 4 and 6 since I'd been up doing things that my contractions were coming more frequent and were still really intense as they had been all day. But I went in last night and they made me feel stupid like I wasn't in labor, so I had that set in my head that I wasn't in labor and these contractions were normal. I remember as I was making dinner I had to bend over the counter to breath through my contractions. I also remember telling Craig how painful the contractions were and way worst than even when I was in labor with Jaycee.
After dinner for FHE we wanted to go to a light show that was about 10 minutes from our house. As we were driving over I teased how it would be crappy if my water broke because we were driving in the opposite direction. Craig would hit the bumps in the road and man it hurt! I had to hold the "O Crap" handle the whole ride and was glad when we got to the lights and stop the car. We were there for about 30 minutes enjoying and laughing. It's funny too if you look at Craig's facebook he posted a video of the light show and in the background you can hear me breathing through a contraction. Ouch they hurt!!!!
We got home and wanted to enjoy the rest of the night with watching Elf. We had been home for about 20 minutes. Craig and I were sitting on the couch playing with our phones when it felt like I had to pee....again! (The last week I had to pee all day long it seemed like) I stood up to go in the bathroom and as I got up I felt a "Pop" and walked over the the bathroom. Fluid was running down my leg and all over the bathroom floor. I just stood there knowing that my water broke and I didn't pee my pants. The first thing I tell Craig---my water broke! Go get my phone charger. ha ha. Craig yelled to Jaycee to go get her shoes. Jaycee was super excited and was running to go get her shoes. She must have been so confused because then I told her to grab my phone. She actually was such a good helper and hurried. We had talked to her a lot about when mommy goes to the hospital. I pulled my pants up-wet and all, I didn't care-and grabbed my phone. I called Julie and she reminded me that we had to hurry since we had a drive and now my contractions were going to be more intense. We rushed and sped to Julies. We then got on the freeway and I was just waiting for the contractions to start again. They had start coming and we still had 20 miles to drive. Craig was going 90!!!!! I had to remind him to slow down and be careful. He was so kind to let me squeeze his hand through the contractions and deal with me freaking out. He had to remind me to relax and calm down, but all I could think about was about my sister Aimee's delivery with her baby Oaklee. Finally we pulled into the hospital! Craig jumped out of the car to grab a wheelchair to find that the doors were locked. Oh shit! He jumped back in the car and my contractions were getting worst. We drove around back to Emergency and he once again went and got a wheelchair. In between my contractions I was laughing at how silly looking we must be as we're scurring to find the elevators to get to labor and delivery. We get to the front desk and no one was there. I even called to tell them on that way that I was coming. Craig was ticked! He ran up the halls to find someone and then just called the front desk to have someone come. They came fast and took me to my room. At this point the contractions were hurting so bad and I could tell this was coming fast. I was a little annoyed because the nurses were just taking their dear, sweet time. I got in my room and they tell me to give them a pee sample. Are you serious?!!! I can hardly even walk let alone get on the toilet and pee. I ripped off my bottoms and in between contractions gave them a mess in a bottle. ha ha-serves you right! I then get on the bed and feeling these contractions and trying my best to breathe through them and try to relax. She hooked me up to the monitor and I tell her-I need my epidural. (1st time I tell them) She says she needs to check me first and an IV started. The thought of her "checking me" sounded so painful especially with these contractions. She waited in between and confirmed that I was a 7! The first thought was that I prob couldn't get an epidural. Now my contractions were getting even worst! In one of them I was screaming a little bit and thought that I should try to be quite, but then I didn't care. Oh I screamed! They got my IV started and at that point I again said...I need the epidural (2nd time) The dr came in to check me too....now I was an 8! It had only been maybe 5 minutes since the other nurse checked. Right after he checked me the nurses started bringing everything in to prep for the baby to come. I'm sure there was fear in my eyes knowing in the back of my mind that I had to do this natural. There was no time. But I wasn't prepared for it! Poor Craig. He was being such a good cheerleader and putting the fan on me through one contraction, then the next I'd tell him it's bugging me. I'm sure he was so confused. One of the nurses had her hand on my stomach and I remember slapping it off. I wasn't so nice. After about another 5 minutes of contractions and I mean PAINFUL contractions I felt the urge to push. I guess a nurse had told me not to push yet, but I didn't hear her. They yelled for the dr to come back in and I was ready to get this baby out. The nurse was so sweet to encourage me as I yelled that I couldn't do it. I had to focus on the ceiling and just grip through the pain. Well my body said it was time to push. I remember feeling a bowel movement and could feel her head right ready. I started pushing too fast so the dr told me to slow them down and to ease the baby out. When I would push too hard it was a burning sensation so I was glad that he told me to slow it down. He was a very patient dr and helped to ease her out. Craig also reminded me that if I just get her out the pain will be over. After pushing for just a few minutes she plopped right out. Ahhh.....that was so much better. They then hooked up oxytocin to my IV to deliver the placenta and to help my uterus to go back down. It was so weird to feel the umbilican cord and I could even fill the pressure of Craig cutting it. I delivered the placenta and all done. The best news the doctor told me....NO STITCHES OR TEARING. Yay! I still felt really crampy as expected and still was having contractions from my uterus but I could handle that-no problem.
When she came out she took a minute to breathe and they had to suction her out a lot and finally she screamed. I could see Craig take a deep breath of relief once she screamed. They were about to weigh her and we all guessed. I was thinking close to 8 pounds because of the ultrasounds guessing she was big. She weighed in at 7 lb. 2 oz. and 21 inches long. She was beautiful. As they were weighing her I looked at Craig and said...Crap what's her name?!!! She didn't look like the names so I had to go on a feeling. We pretty much narrowed it to Avery or Hadley but we both knew she was our Hadi May.
So here's a rough time frame from the night:
Water broke 9:10
Get things together, drive to Julie's (5 miles away) and drop off Jaycee 9:30
Drive and arrive at hospital 9:55
Go to different door and up to Labor & Delivery 10:00
Hadley May Parker born at 10:36
After she was born the dr and nurse tell me to be careful with the next baby or I'll be delivering in the car---um duh-I came in last night in labor. Craig and I just rolled our eyes and glad that we are done dealing with Maine health care.
Monday morning I had woken up with more disappointment that I was indeed still pregnant and also only 5 days to my due date. Craig and I talked about how at my appt the next morning he was going to come with me and we would talk to Dr. B about an induce date or stripping my membranes. I spent most the day as a usual day...taking care of Jaycee, cleaning, and mostly just relaxing. I was still having contractions but didn't bother to time them because what would be the point if I went to the hospital again to be sent home. I watched a few episodes of gray's anatomy and even got to sneak in a 30 minute nap. About 4 I got up and started to make dinner. I noticed between 4 and 6 since I'd been up doing things that my contractions were coming more frequent and were still really intense as they had been all day. But I went in last night and they made me feel stupid like I wasn't in labor, so I had that set in my head that I wasn't in labor and these contractions were normal. I remember as I was making dinner I had to bend over the counter to breath through my contractions. I also remember telling Craig how painful the contractions were and way worst than even when I was in labor with Jaycee.
After dinner for FHE we wanted to go to a light show that was about 10 minutes from our house. As we were driving over I teased how it would be crappy if my water broke because we were driving in the opposite direction. Craig would hit the bumps in the road and man it hurt! I had to hold the "O Crap" handle the whole ride and was glad when we got to the lights and stop the car. We were there for about 30 minutes enjoying and laughing. It's funny too if you look at Craig's facebook he posted a video of the light show and in the background you can hear me breathing through a contraction. Ouch they hurt!!!!
We got home and wanted to enjoy the rest of the night with watching Elf. We had been home for about 20 minutes. Craig and I were sitting on the couch playing with our phones when it felt like I had to pee....again! (The last week I had to pee all day long it seemed like) I stood up to go in the bathroom and as I got up I felt a "Pop" and walked over the the bathroom. Fluid was running down my leg and all over the bathroom floor. I just stood there knowing that my water broke and I didn't pee my pants. The first thing I tell Craig---my water broke! Go get my phone charger. ha ha. Craig yelled to Jaycee to go get her shoes. Jaycee was super excited and was running to go get her shoes. She must have been so confused because then I told her to grab my phone. She actually was such a good helper and hurried. We had talked to her a lot about when mommy goes to the hospital. I pulled my pants up-wet and all, I didn't care-and grabbed my phone. I called Julie and she reminded me that we had to hurry since we had a drive and now my contractions were going to be more intense. We rushed and sped to Julies. We then got on the freeway and I was just waiting for the contractions to start again. They had start coming and we still had 20 miles to drive. Craig was going 90!!!!! I had to remind him to slow down and be careful. He was so kind to let me squeeze his hand through the contractions and deal with me freaking out. He had to remind me to relax and calm down, but all I could think about was about my sister Aimee's delivery with her baby Oaklee. Finally we pulled into the hospital! Craig jumped out of the car to grab a wheelchair to find that the doors were locked. Oh shit! He jumped back in the car and my contractions were getting worst. We drove around back to Emergency and he once again went and got a wheelchair. In between my contractions I was laughing at how silly looking we must be as we're scurring to find the elevators to get to labor and delivery. We get to the front desk and no one was there. I even called to tell them on that way that I was coming. Craig was ticked! He ran up the halls to find someone and then just called the front desk to have someone come. They came fast and took me to my room. At this point the contractions were hurting so bad and I could tell this was coming fast. I was a little annoyed because the nurses were just taking their dear, sweet time. I got in my room and they tell me to give them a pee sample. Are you serious?!!! I can hardly even walk let alone get on the toilet and pee. I ripped off my bottoms and in between contractions gave them a mess in a bottle. ha ha-serves you right! I then get on the bed and feeling these contractions and trying my best to breathe through them and try to relax. She hooked me up to the monitor and I tell her-I need my epidural. (1st time I tell them) She says she needs to check me first and an IV started. The thought of her "checking me" sounded so painful especially with these contractions. She waited in between and confirmed that I was a 7! The first thought was that I prob couldn't get an epidural. Now my contractions were getting even worst! In one of them I was screaming a little bit and thought that I should try to be quite, but then I didn't care. Oh I screamed! They got my IV started and at that point I again said...I need the epidural (2nd time) The dr came in to check me too....now I was an 8! It had only been maybe 5 minutes since the other nurse checked. Right after he checked me the nurses started bringing everything in to prep for the baby to come. I'm sure there was fear in my eyes knowing in the back of my mind that I had to do this natural. There was no time. But I wasn't prepared for it! Poor Craig. He was being such a good cheerleader and putting the fan on me through one contraction, then the next I'd tell him it's bugging me. I'm sure he was so confused. One of the nurses had her hand on my stomach and I remember slapping it off. I wasn't so nice. After about another 5 minutes of contractions and I mean PAINFUL contractions I felt the urge to push. I guess a nurse had told me not to push yet, but I didn't hear her. They yelled for the dr to come back in and I was ready to get this baby out. The nurse was so sweet to encourage me as I yelled that I couldn't do it. I had to focus on the ceiling and just grip through the pain. Well my body said it was time to push. I remember feeling a bowel movement and could feel her head right ready. I started pushing too fast so the dr told me to slow them down and to ease the baby out. When I would push too hard it was a burning sensation so I was glad that he told me to slow it down. He was a very patient dr and helped to ease her out. Craig also reminded me that if I just get her out the pain will be over. After pushing for just a few minutes she plopped right out. Ahhh.....that was so much better. They then hooked up oxytocin to my IV to deliver the placenta and to help my uterus to go back down. It was so weird to feel the umbilican cord and I could even fill the pressure of Craig cutting it. I delivered the placenta and all done. The best news the doctor told me....NO STITCHES OR TEARING. Yay! I still felt really crampy as expected and still was having contractions from my uterus but I could handle that-no problem.
When she came out she took a minute to breathe and they had to suction her out a lot and finally she screamed. I could see Craig take a deep breath of relief once she screamed. They were about to weigh her and we all guessed. I was thinking close to 8 pounds because of the ultrasounds guessing she was big. She weighed in at 7 lb. 2 oz. and 21 inches long. She was beautiful. As they were weighing her I looked at Craig and said...Crap what's her name?!!! She didn't look like the names so I had to go on a feeling. We pretty much narrowed it to Avery or Hadley but we both knew she was our Hadi May.
So here's a rough time frame from the night:
Water broke 9:10
Get things together, drive to Julie's (5 miles away) and drop off Jaycee 9:30
Drive and arrive at hospital 9:55
Go to different door and up to Labor & Delivery 10:00
Hadley May Parker born at 10:36
After she was born the dr and nurse tell me to be careful with the next baby or I'll be delivering in the car---um duh-I came in last night in labor. Craig and I just rolled our eyes and glad that we are done dealing with Maine health care.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Baby Has Arrived! PART 1
This post many family members have waited for. With a new baby it's hard to find extra time between everything to post on my blog, so know that you are loved for taking the time to write this....he he
K so here's how it all happened. Early Sunday morning 12/11 I woke up about 1:00 am with pretty bad contractions. They were the Braxton Hicks but a little stronger than they'd been for the past two weeks. I must had woken Craig up with my moaning but he was super excited and anxious to start timing the contractions. I had come downstairs because I was so uncomfortable in my bed. I laid on the couch and Craig came down and laid on the floor and we timed them for almost 2 hours. Craig wanted me to call my friend Julie to take Jaycee over, but I felt it might be too early. At about 3 I finally fell asleep then woke up about an hour later and the contractions had died down. Craig and I were a little bummed. We then went up back to bed.
After a few more hours of sleep it was time to wake up and get ready for church. We had someone coming over to look at the 4 wheeler so we weren't in a hurry. When I woke up I felt like crap! I had so much pressure down below and could hardly walk. Everyone at church made sure to comment on how I should be at home, but I was stubborn and wanted gravity to help me out. We got out of church and headed home and I was so glad. We ate lunch and then Craig had to go help a lady from church for a bit. The whole time he was gone I was having really bad contractions. They were more intense than the night before but the timing wasn't consistent. If I was sitting down they were coming about every 5 minutes and if I got up to walk around they were coming every 3 minutes. I for sure thought it was time and waited anxiously for Craig to get home. We packed up a few things and I called my friend Julie to bring Jaycee over. She is a nurse so I asked her what she thought if I should go in and she agreed that I was prob in labor. We dropped of Jaycee at my friends house which is about 5 minutes west and then had to drive 25 miles south of her house to the hospital. We walked in and the nurses walked me to a room and got me hooked up to the monitors. I was on the machine for about 20 minutes and indeed my contractions were coming every 3-7 minutes. The nurse then came to "check me" and see what my progress was. She had a "trainee" with her so they both checked and confirmed that I was still "thick" As they put it. But they did feel the baby's head-that's just crazy weird. After the nurses left the room and told me to go home I broke down and cried. I felt so stupid! I had dropped Jaycee off and had text my sisters and got myself excited to be going into labor to be let down. I didn't want to walk out for I was crying and embarrassed. Craig and I were really annoyed by the nurses because they had told me before since it's my second baby to come in if my contractions were 5-7 min apart which they were. They told us as we left to plan on going to my Tues morning apt as scheduled and not to come in unless my water broke. Well thanks a lot! I was also bummed because Dr. B who I had been seeing was on-call and would be delivering.
I cried the whole way home and was so embarrased to go back and pick Jaycee up so I had Craig drop me off at home so I could take a shower. He went and picked her up while I gathered my thoughts. At least I knew the baby was okay and that it was coming close. The night actually ended up fine. The only thing was that since I had gotten home I was still having really bad contractions and didn't know how I could possibly sleep through the pain. I ended up falling asleep but woke up many times in the night with pain and breathing through contractions.
.........TO BE CONTINUED......
K so here's how it all happened. Early Sunday morning 12/11 I woke up about 1:00 am with pretty bad contractions. They were the Braxton Hicks but a little stronger than they'd been for the past two weeks. I must had woken Craig up with my moaning but he was super excited and anxious to start timing the contractions. I had come downstairs because I was so uncomfortable in my bed. I laid on the couch and Craig came down and laid on the floor and we timed them for almost 2 hours. Craig wanted me to call my friend Julie to take Jaycee over, but I felt it might be too early. At about 3 I finally fell asleep then woke up about an hour later and the contractions had died down. Craig and I were a little bummed. We then went up back to bed.
After a few more hours of sleep it was time to wake up and get ready for church. We had someone coming over to look at the 4 wheeler so we weren't in a hurry. When I woke up I felt like crap! I had so much pressure down below and could hardly walk. Everyone at church made sure to comment on how I should be at home, but I was stubborn and wanted gravity to help me out. We got out of church and headed home and I was so glad. We ate lunch and then Craig had to go help a lady from church for a bit. The whole time he was gone I was having really bad contractions. They were more intense than the night before but the timing wasn't consistent. If I was sitting down they were coming about every 5 minutes and if I got up to walk around they were coming every 3 minutes. I for sure thought it was time and waited anxiously for Craig to get home. We packed up a few things and I called my friend Julie to bring Jaycee over. She is a nurse so I asked her what she thought if I should go in and she agreed that I was prob in labor. We dropped of Jaycee at my friends house which is about 5 minutes west and then had to drive 25 miles south of her house to the hospital. We walked in and the nurses walked me to a room and got me hooked up to the monitors. I was on the machine for about 20 minutes and indeed my contractions were coming every 3-7 minutes. The nurse then came to "check me" and see what my progress was. She had a "trainee" with her so they both checked and confirmed that I was still "thick" As they put it. But they did feel the baby's head-that's just crazy weird. After the nurses left the room and told me to go home I broke down and cried. I felt so stupid! I had dropped Jaycee off and had text my sisters and got myself excited to be going into labor to be let down. I didn't want to walk out for I was crying and embarrassed. Craig and I were really annoyed by the nurses because they had told me before since it's my second baby to come in if my contractions were 5-7 min apart which they were. They told us as we left to plan on going to my Tues morning apt as scheduled and not to come in unless my water broke. Well thanks a lot! I was also bummed because Dr. B who I had been seeing was on-call and would be delivering.
I cried the whole way home and was so embarrased to go back and pick Jaycee up so I had Craig drop me off at home so I could take a shower. He went and picked her up while I gathered my thoughts. At least I knew the baby was okay and that it was coming close. The night actually ended up fine. The only thing was that since I had gotten home I was still having really bad contractions and didn't know how I could possibly sleep through the pain. I ended up falling asleep but woke up many times in the night with pain and breathing through contractions.
.........TO BE CONTINUED......
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Lately
This month is going by so fast when I realize it's only 17 days until Christmas; but then again SO LONG since this baby will NOT make her appearance yet.
We actually set up all our Christmas stuff the week of Thanksgiving since we went out of town for the weekend. Jaycee had so much fun helping Craig put the tree up and she loved putting the ornaments on. It's pretty funny because there's a spot on the tree where about 1/3 of all the ornaments are because that's where she could reach. I didn't change it-even though I'm usually OCD about things like that-I just think it's too cute. We plan on starting to wrap presents today while we watch mommy's favorite Christmas movie Elf. Jaycee has been obsessed with Polar Express and has learned that Santa is bringing her presents. If you ask her she'll even tell you that she wants him to bring her a pink kitchen and a baby doll. We haven't done much else for Christmas but hope to do more the next couple weeks. We'll for sure need to make cookies; decorate a gingerbread house; go see Christmas lights; What are some of your favorite things to do during this time of year?
I do feel bad for little Jaycee and for my dear, sweet hubby. He's had to deal with such a roller coaster woman! I feel like I'm already in post-pardom mode. One day I'm super happy and just fine with this baby staying in me. One day I'm super emotional and just cry. One day I'm frustrated that I can have contractions all day long and the minute I lay down to go to bed they stop. Sometimes I'm stressed with my calling and feeling like I have so much to do. Also stressed because my "friend" who was going to watch Jaycee while I'm in labor, informed me that she's going out of town 12-14. My other friend wants to watch her but she works so if it's in the day time I pretty much have no one that's close. I do have another person I could ask but she lives 30 miles in the opposite direction of the hospital! So I just pray that this baby will come already! Sheesh. It's emotionally draining. I know she'll come but it's just hard because I compare it to Jaycee which was 12 days earlier. Also because I wanted to have her here so we can get that out of the way and enjoy our little family with the holidays. I feel like I'm putting things on hold until the day comes. It consumes my mind ALL DAY LONG! I'll read things like "eat spicy food" and I've officially have tried everything. I do notice a lot of contractions when I go for my walks but the past 2 days have been raining and today is snow and wind....brrrrr... I even walked 1.5 miles yesterday in the rain. Picture it: a 9 month pregnant woman in capris (it was prob 40 degrees out but I was hot), raincoat that's too tight because I'm huge, my cankles, my tennis shoes on that I have to loosen them so much that there's no shoelace to tie so its tied in a knot, my earphones in, and holding an umbrella in the rain. Ya I'm that desperate! Uggghh!
So in all my down times especially yesterday, our home teachers wanted to come visit. I was not feeling up to it and just in the pits all day. But I didn't want to cancel and had a feeling it'd be good for me. They delivered a message that I needed to hear. That through these holiday seasons I need to be grateful! So while I'm complaining and crying I should be thanking my Heavenly Father that I can even get pregnant, still can feel her kicking, and the fact that I already have a sweet little girl to love. I could feel the spirit in our home and it calmed me. That's one thing I love about the gospel. It truly puts things into perspective. We had a fun night talking and visiting and listening to Jaycee talk to them. She has quite the personality. Especially when she feels comfortable with someone. So therefore, while I'm struggling to overcome this hard time-I'm gonna think about my blessings and remember how I felt last night.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
25 more days until Santa comes!
Are we excited................YES!!!!!
Jaycee hasn't quite grasped the concept of making a list but she does know that Santa is bringing her presents...thanks to Polar Express. On Thanksgiving weekend, Bray, Hay and her all made Christmas lists of what they want. They looked through ads, cut out pictures and glued onto a paper. Jaycee found a barbie, kitchen, backyardigans toy, another barbie thing and a dog that she put on her paper. Pretty sure she doesn't know that she's asking Santa for those things, but just that she liked them. Last night we were at Sams Club and wanted to walk (yes I'm liking the idea of lots of walking) so we took her down the toy aisle. She loved the little toy train and I was so excited she loved the little kitchen...that's what I've heard Santa might be bringing ;) Craig and I were so excited to see her face light up and realized how fun it is going to be to have her wake up Christmas morning to her new things. I find it true that they say that holidays are more fun with kids.
Are we excited................YES!!!!!
Jaycee hasn't quite grasped the concept of making a list but she does know that Santa is bringing her presents...thanks to Polar Express. On Thanksgiving weekend, Bray, Hay and her all made Christmas lists of what they want. They looked through ads, cut out pictures and glued onto a paper. Jaycee found a barbie, kitchen, backyardigans toy, another barbie thing and a dog that she put on her paper. Pretty sure she doesn't know that she's asking Santa for those things, but just that she liked them. Last night we were at Sams Club and wanted to walk (yes I'm liking the idea of lots of walking) so we took her down the toy aisle. She loved the little toy train and I was so excited she loved the little kitchen...that's what I've heard Santa might be bringing ;) Craig and I were so excited to see her face light up and realized how fun it is going to be to have her wake up Christmas morning to her new things. I find it true that they say that holidays are more fun with kids.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Thanks All Month Long!
I'm thankful for Thanksgiving Day and the weekend we've had with the Allen family! We had so much fun talking, playing games, eating good food, playing outside with wonderful weather, shopping, and mostly enjoying family close to us.
The girlies getting ready for food.
The boys cooking the turkey and making fun of themselves. How's that turkey Dathan?
Jaycee and Haylie playing outside. Jaycee just HAD to wear her snow boots.
Putting the turkey in...let's get cookin....
Playing in Dathan's mound of leaves
We loved playing in all the leaves. So much fun
Mommy and Jaycee playing. That was hard to get up after falling into the leaves.
Jaycee playing with her "faster dad" Don't know where she came up with that but that's what she likes to call him.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thanks All Month Long!
#16- I'm thankful for my bed. I never knew how much I love my bed until I spent a week away from it. When we go out of town I dread the idea that I won't get to sleep in our bed. Even being 9 months pregnant I still can get comfortable and get a good nights' sleep.
#17-I'm thankful for food. What would we do without yummy, delicious food! I can't wait to eat sweet potatoes and turkey tomorrow! Love Thanksgiving dinner.
#18-I'm grateful for talents. I feel very blessed that I was born with different talents and that I get to explore those talents. It gives me something fun to do and also I get to share those talents. It's fun to see the talents of other people and see how they use their talents.
#19-I'm thankful for my memory. One of my favorite things to do is think back on how Craig and I started dating, our engagement, wedding day, and everything up until now. It puts a smile on my face. I would be so sad if I couldn't remember things about my life that have given me enjoyment. I'm also thankful I have my memory to remind me each day how blessed I am right now. We've all been through hard times and my memory allows me to be thankful I made it through those times.
#20-I'm thankful for books....I'm talking books of all sorts! Children books for Jaycee, sudoku books for me, intense books for Craig, Book of Mormon for all the world! I love a good book and I love being engaged in the story. Reading is a favorite thing in our home.
#21-I'm thankful for funny things and laughter. Sometimes life gets hard...actually a lot of times. I'm always grateful there's a funny movie, a funny show-we love the Office, someone who can make me laugh, and things around me to remind me to not be so serious. My favorite is when I get laughing so hard I cry or my cheeks hurt. That's the best!
#22-I'm grateful for airplanes. With living on the opposite side of the country we don't get to see family. But with the help of airplanes we've been able to have family come see us and we also got to visit them. How wonderful it is to take a 6 hour flight to see someone vs. a 36 hour drive. It's been fun to have family come see us in Maine and to show them how different it is up in New England.
#23-I'm thankful for snow and rain. Yes, I am! I thought it'd be appropriate for today because we have a nice snow storm going on right now. I love the pretty, white snow. Nothing better to make it seems more festive to the holiday season. I love how excited Jaycee gets when it snows, even though she can't play in it today because of her cold. I'm a little sad that in Oregon we won't have snow, but I also love rain so it's okay. I love a rainy day. I like how beautiful it makes everything around so lush and green. And always a rainbow after a good rain storm is always a pretty sight.
#17-I'm thankful for food. What would we do without yummy, delicious food! I can't wait to eat sweet potatoes and turkey tomorrow! Love Thanksgiving dinner.
#18-I'm grateful for talents. I feel very blessed that I was born with different talents and that I get to explore those talents. It gives me something fun to do and also I get to share those talents. It's fun to see the talents of other people and see how they use their talents.
#19-I'm thankful for my memory. One of my favorite things to do is think back on how Craig and I started dating, our engagement, wedding day, and everything up until now. It puts a smile on my face. I would be so sad if I couldn't remember things about my life that have given me enjoyment. I'm also thankful I have my memory to remind me each day how blessed I am right now. We've all been through hard times and my memory allows me to be thankful I made it through those times.
#20-I'm thankful for books....I'm talking books of all sorts! Children books for Jaycee, sudoku books for me, intense books for Craig, Book of Mormon for all the world! I love a good book and I love being engaged in the story. Reading is a favorite thing in our home.
#21-I'm thankful for funny things and laughter. Sometimes life gets hard...actually a lot of times. I'm always grateful there's a funny movie, a funny show-we love the Office, someone who can make me laugh, and things around me to remind me to not be so serious. My favorite is when I get laughing so hard I cry or my cheeks hurt. That's the best!
#22-I'm grateful for airplanes. With living on the opposite side of the country we don't get to see family. But with the help of airplanes we've been able to have family come see us and we also got to visit them. How wonderful it is to take a 6 hour flight to see someone vs. a 36 hour drive. It's been fun to have family come see us in Maine and to show them how different it is up in New England.
#23-I'm thankful for snow and rain. Yes, I am! I thought it'd be appropriate for today because we have a nice snow storm going on right now. I love the pretty, white snow. Nothing better to make it seems more festive to the holiday season. I love how excited Jaycee gets when it snows, even though she can't play in it today because of her cold. I'm a little sad that in Oregon we won't have snow, but I also love rain so it's okay. I love a rainy day. I like how beautiful it makes everything around so lush and green. And always a rainbow after a good rain storm is always a pretty sight.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thanks All Month Long!
#10-I'm thankful for water. I love all things pertaining to water from drinking it to playing in it to using it. I couldn't survive without water!
#11-I'm thankful for holidays. I love decorating and doing fun things to get ready for holidays. Just the other day, Jaycee and I made a count down chain to Thanksgiving and Christmas. We're so excited. I love that I have my little family to celebrate each holiday and make the most of the day.
#12-I'm grateful for church members. This one has been HUGE for me lately. I've had to depend on my church family to help watch Jaycee while I go to appointments. Also with moving to Oregon I've had church members from previous wards helping with information and about knowing the area. There's always a church member willing to help in the time of need. Yesterday I was a little stressed because I had to find 2 teachers for primary and willing members stepped up to help out. It truly is a great thing to belong to the church.
#13-I'm grateful for my body. I may not be a super model but I'm ME :) I have a healthy body and I can move without pain. I can carry a baby full term. I can do things with my family like hiking or biking. I was made just perfect to me.
#14-I'm grateful for music. I love music! I can't function without having music on. It's just too quiet. I love listening to Jaycee learn and sing songs. I love jamming out in the house with music on while cleaning. I love the feeling of spiritual music in my home. I love watching x-factor and the music that the contestants sing. I'm grateful I was blessed with talents to make music on the piano or singing.
#15-I'm grateful for loving sisters! I never knew growing up how much I'd love the fact that I have 3 sisters that are my best friends. Each one of them is different but each one brings a different happiness to me. Dalynne is ALWAYS so concerned and caring about me and my family. She has shown so much support with us moving away and has made so much effort to still talk to me. She is always bubbly and happy and is such an example of a good mommy.
Dawn is the giver. Dawn would give up anything for my happiness. She is so selfless! She's always concerned about her family and making sure everyone is okay. Dawn and I have so many memories of growing up that I just think back on and laugh. I love how we get along and seems so easy to be me.
Aimee is my best friend sister. We've been together for soo soo long. Everyone though we looked like twins growing up and I was fine acting like she was my twin. Aimee is so fun to do things together with especially our days of going next door to exercise.
I feel so grateful for these 3 ladies and what they mean to me. I'm so excited that Jaycee too will have a sister to be her best buddy with.
#11-I'm thankful for holidays. I love decorating and doing fun things to get ready for holidays. Just the other day, Jaycee and I made a count down chain to Thanksgiving and Christmas. We're so excited. I love that I have my little family to celebrate each holiday and make the most of the day.
#12-I'm grateful for church members. This one has been HUGE for me lately. I've had to depend on my church family to help watch Jaycee while I go to appointments. Also with moving to Oregon I've had church members from previous wards helping with information and about knowing the area. There's always a church member willing to help in the time of need. Yesterday I was a little stressed because I had to find 2 teachers for primary and willing members stepped up to help out. It truly is a great thing to belong to the church.
#13-I'm grateful for my body. I may not be a super model but I'm ME :) I have a healthy body and I can move without pain. I can carry a baby full term. I can do things with my family like hiking or biking. I was made just perfect to me.
#14-I'm grateful for music. I love music! I can't function without having music on. It's just too quiet. I love listening to Jaycee learn and sing songs. I love jamming out in the house with music on while cleaning. I love the feeling of spiritual music in my home. I love watching x-factor and the music that the contestants sing. I'm grateful I was blessed with talents to make music on the piano or singing.
#15-I'm grateful for loving sisters! I never knew growing up how much I'd love the fact that I have 3 sisters that are my best friends. Each one of them is different but each one brings a different happiness to me. Dalynne is ALWAYS so concerned and caring about me and my family. She has shown so much support with us moving away and has made so much effort to still talk to me. She is always bubbly and happy and is such an example of a good mommy.
Dawn is the giver. Dawn would give up anything for my happiness. She is so selfless! She's always concerned about her family and making sure everyone is okay. Dawn and I have so many memories of growing up that I just think back on and laugh. I love how we get along and seems so easy to be me.
Aimee is my best friend sister. We've been together for soo soo long. Everyone though we looked like twins growing up and I was fine acting like she was my twin. Aimee is so fun to do things together with especially our days of going next door to exercise.
I feel so grateful for these 3 ladies and what they mean to me. I'm so excited that Jaycee too will have a sister to be her best buddy with.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Thanks All Month Long!
#6-I'm thankful for modern technology. I love that I can communicate with friends and family clear across the states. Also our favorite is playing Mario Kart with my sis and nephew. It'll be fun to see what happens in the years to come with technology.
#7-I'm thankful for medicine! We are so lucky to live in this time with the advances in medicine. Although there hasn't been a cure for cancer YET, how thankful I am for what we do have. These past months I've been especially thankful for Tylenol and Zofran. Also in the next few weeks I'll be especially grateful for epidural medication :)
#8-I'm grateful for a good paying job. Craig worked so hard to get all his schooling done and it truly paid off. I'm thankful I get to stay home with my Jaycee and new baby. Also thankful that we have good insurance and can pay for dependable cars and sometime soon...a house!
#9-These are in no order---if so this would probably be number one. I'm thankful for my testimony of the gospel and that I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints!!! What an experience it's been to move outside of Utah and especially where the church is barely even heard of. I've loved going to teach with the missionaries and to feel the Spirit in the homes of those that are learning of the Church. In fact a young guy, I think he's 20 or so, got baptized a couple months ago and he got up yesterday in church and bore his testimony. He faced a lot of difficulty with his parents not respecting his decisions and wouldn't even let the missionaries over to their house to teach. He's come so far and has been such an example to me. I love going to the lessons that I've come to hear since I was little, and these investigators eyes just sparkle with excitement to hear. Another girl we went and taught last year-we were in her house and the missionaries were teaching her about the prophet Joseph Smith and the First Vision. As Sis Hatch repeated what Heavenly Father said to Joseph Smith, you could feel the spirit so strong in the room. I started crying and so did the investigator. She had never heard of Joseph Smith. The missionaries asked how it made her feel..."It gives me hope." These are the kind of experiences I never even got to have when I lived in Utah. I feel so thankful I was born into the church and that my parents overcame many trials and kept us going to church. When I was little, I'll admit that I didn't like going every Sunday, but how thankful I am for it now. It gives me peace to know that with our big move to Oregon coming up in June, that Heavenly Father will help everything happen as he did before. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I truly know with MY WHOLE HEART that I belong to the true church upon this Earth.
#7-I'm thankful for medicine! We are so lucky to live in this time with the advances in medicine. Although there hasn't been a cure for cancer YET, how thankful I am for what we do have. These past months I've been especially thankful for Tylenol and Zofran. Also in the next few weeks I'll be especially grateful for epidural medication :)
#8-I'm grateful for a good paying job. Craig worked so hard to get all his schooling done and it truly paid off. I'm thankful I get to stay home with my Jaycee and new baby. Also thankful that we have good insurance and can pay for dependable cars and sometime soon...a house!
#9-These are in no order---if so this would probably be number one. I'm thankful for my testimony of the gospel and that I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints!!! What an experience it's been to move outside of Utah and especially where the church is barely even heard of. I've loved going to teach with the missionaries and to feel the Spirit in the homes of those that are learning of the Church. In fact a young guy, I think he's 20 or so, got baptized a couple months ago and he got up yesterday in church and bore his testimony. He faced a lot of difficulty with his parents not respecting his decisions and wouldn't even let the missionaries over to their house to teach. He's come so far and has been such an example to me. I love going to the lessons that I've come to hear since I was little, and these investigators eyes just sparkle with excitement to hear. Another girl we went and taught last year-we were in her house and the missionaries were teaching her about the prophet Joseph Smith and the First Vision. As Sis Hatch repeated what Heavenly Father said to Joseph Smith, you could feel the spirit so strong in the room. I started crying and so did the investigator. She had never heard of Joseph Smith. The missionaries asked how it made her feel..."It gives me hope." These are the kind of experiences I never even got to have when I lived in Utah. I feel so thankful I was born into the church and that my parents overcame many trials and kept us going to church. When I was little, I'll admit that I didn't like going every Sunday, but how thankful I am for it now. It gives me peace to know that with our big move to Oregon coming up in June, that Heavenly Father will help everything happen as he did before. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I truly know with MY WHOLE HEART that I belong to the true church upon this Earth.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Thanks All Month Long!
#5-I'M THANKFUL WE'RE MOVING IN 6-8 MONTHS! That's right. We're packing our bags. Craig had a meeting today and we got the green light to move. We'll be leaving between the months of May to August depending on Craig's work projects. I've been very grateful that we moved and had the opportunity to live in Maine and learn SO MUCH. But I feel even more grateful that Craig gets to work for this great company and only 11 hours away from our family in Utah. Sheesh...I'm So Excited! When the time gets closer we'll be having all the little details talked about so for now we just now it's going to be in that time frame of 2012!
Thanks All Month Long!
I'm a little behind and want to post my thanks...
#1-My number one thanks is to my hubby & best fried Craig!
I could write a whole book on how grateful I am for Craig in my life. I grow more in love with him EVERY DAY and I'll always look up to him! He always knows how to make me smile and gives the best hugs ever. He's been there for me through so many good times and many hard times too. I think that's what makes us grow closer together. I'm grateful for all he does to support our family, for the love he give to our whole family, for his testimony of the gospel that helps strengthen mine, for his incredible good looks :) , for him being my ultimate best friend, for his compassion, and mostly for choosing me to marry him! I feel so lucky to have him for all eternity!
#2-I'm thankful for my mom!
My Mom is my the one person I hope to grow up to be just like her! I know I'll never come close to all she's done. She's a remarkable woman for sure! My sis nailed it on the head with her thanks to my mom. She cares about all her children and has shown that from the time we were born. When all my siblings got married she accepted each in-law as her own and shows each of them love as if they were missing from the family the whole time. I want to be just like that with my own kids and in-laws! My mom is such an example of a hard worker and sacrificing her own needs & wants for others. When there's a bad day a hug or phone call from my mom can make all the difference. My mom is always letting Jaycee know she's thinking about her even though Jaycee hasn't quite had the time to get to know her. I just love my mom and all she did for me growing up and does for me now.
#3-I'm thankful for my dad!
I don't give my dad enough credit for all he did for me. I even feel really bad because I hardly ever talk to him. But I do want him to know that I'm thankful for him. I didn't get a ton of time with him growing up because of the Navy, but I know he was gone and working hard to provide for our family of 8! My dad taught me what it is and means to be a hard worker. I value my dad's soft spot for his kids, grandkids and also for "the other wives" haha...aka our cats. Although I do miss my cat Stasia. My dad can be a tough cookie, but he has a huge, soft heart. I'm thankful my dad taught me the value of money and how to get the best deal ha ha. I'm also thankful for my dad's testimony. He doesn't share it often, but when he does it means so much to me to hear. I love my dad!
#4-I'm thankful for my children!
Jaycee LeeAnn is one of my favorite people ever. She can make me laugh, smile, cry all in one day! She has quite the little personality and we are best buds. I love that I get to be home with her every day and see her grow. I never imagined the love I could have for her could be so strong. Every night I have to give her a kiss on the cheek and thank my Heavenly Father for her in my life.
Although I haven't got to meet this little angel I'm so excited she's coming soon. I'm thankful I can provide for her and she gives her thanks by letting me know everyday that she's okay. I'm so thankful my body is able to bring her to this earth.
#1-My number one thanks is to my hubby & best fried Craig!
I could write a whole book on how grateful I am for Craig in my life. I grow more in love with him EVERY DAY and I'll always look up to him! He always knows how to make me smile and gives the best hugs ever. He's been there for me through so many good times and many hard times too. I think that's what makes us grow closer together. I'm grateful for all he does to support our family, for the love he give to our whole family, for his testimony of the gospel that helps strengthen mine, for his incredible good looks :) , for him being my ultimate best friend, for his compassion, and mostly for choosing me to marry him! I feel so lucky to have him for all eternity!
#2-I'm thankful for my mom!
My Mom is my the one person I hope to grow up to be just like her! I know I'll never come close to all she's done. She's a remarkable woman for sure! My sis nailed it on the head with her thanks to my mom. She cares about all her children and has shown that from the time we were born. When all my siblings got married she accepted each in-law as her own and shows each of them love as if they were missing from the family the whole time. I want to be just like that with my own kids and in-laws! My mom is such an example of a hard worker and sacrificing her own needs & wants for others. When there's a bad day a hug or phone call from my mom can make all the difference. My mom is always letting Jaycee know she's thinking about her even though Jaycee hasn't quite had the time to get to know her. I just love my mom and all she did for me growing up and does for me now.
#3-I'm thankful for my dad!
#4-I'm thankful for my children!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Supposedly only 39 days until my DUE DATE! Don't see that happening. I see her coming early especially with things happening with my pregnancy that could mean taking her early. It looks like the next 5 weeks are gonna start being VERY busy. I'm considering finding a rental house in Waterville so I can be right next to the hospital :) hehe For more details check out the baby blog
Craig, Jaycee and I are all ready for her to come!
Craig, Jaycee and I are all ready for her to come!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy, Happy Halloween!
We love HALLOWEEN! Jaycee and I went to the YMCA in the morning for a preschool/toddler party and trick or treating. Jaycee had a rough time waking up to get dressed and there on time, so it resulted in her being really shy all morning. It was such a fun time for her and was excited she got to do something fun on halloween day....NOT LIKE SHE NEEDED MORE CANDY!
The first person gave her a pack of Oreo's...although she was too scared to go get them from him
When she saw this buzz costume she asked me "Mom, where's Woody?" I laughed. She also like the ppl dressed up at The Cat in the Hat, and Thing 1 & Thing 2.
After the trick or treating we had snacks and played. Green frosting on a cupcake is a bad idea. She still is such a cutie even with green all over. Oh, and she loves to smile for the camera now so she made me keep taking pictures of her green face.
On the way home we stopped at the store to get a few things for dinner, and grabbed lunch. We were excited to take daddy lunch and eat in his office. We got naps in the afternoon, a few other things done and then headed out for yet MORE CANDY!
Jaycee was so polite and would say thank you at every door. She also had to tell everyone that her wings didn't fit with her coat on. We let her check out all her candy when we got home and I told her she could have something....she chose her play dough to play with. What 2 year old does that!
Dinner for the night! Mummy hot dogs, chips, orange jello and drinks in our fun cups.
Happy Halloween to all of you!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Sat-ur-day is a Special Day
Saturday came and went WAY TOO FAST! We had such a busy day until the fun began. We're expected to get hit with a lot of snow, so we had some winterizing to do outside. Last night the weather was bitter cold and windy. As a result we had leaves everywhere! We raked and cleaned up outside until about one. Then we headed to a neighbor's house to help with wood. Out here in Maine a lot of people use wood to heat their homes, especially with how expensive heating oil is. (Right now it's $3.39/gal and usually 100 gallons last about 1 month in the winter...do the math!!!!) Needless to say, there's a lot of wood service projects which require stacking, splitting, moving, etc. Jaycee and I just did little pieces and stacked while Craig did the heavy pieces. Jaycee was such a good helper! By the time we got home, cleaned up and a quick nap...it was time....TRUNK-OR-TREAT!!!! The branch did have games & activities for 1 1/2 hour before the dinner for all the kids, but we didn't make it because Jaycee fell asleep. We did enjoy the potluck finger food dinner & trick-or-treating. Jaycee was so excited to wear her fairy costume...especially her wings...and quickly understood that she's getting lots of candy. It was so fun to actually take my own child trick or treating and to see how excited she was. She was such a good listener and didn't eat any candy until the end when she asked for a piece. We really lucked out on such a good daughter.
Friday Nights
We had a weekend full of fun, so why not start early on Friday.
Jaycee and I started the fun day/night by picking out pumpkins and then making pumpkin squares. Jaycee loves to help me cook. We ordered pizza for dinner at a local pizza place and it was actually really good and cheap. Mmmmm....I love pizza! When Jaycee decided to finally wake up, she was so excited to do her pumpkin so we did. She had fun cutting, cleaning them out, and helped tell me what she wanted her pumpkin to look like. She was so proud. Jaycee insisted on us taking them outside to light them. We then had our dessert we made earlier and ended the night watching "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events". It was a fun movie to set the halloween spirit and to end the night. Love Friday nights!
Jaycee and I started the fun day/night by picking out pumpkins and then making pumpkin squares. Jaycee loves to help me cook. We ordered pizza for dinner at a local pizza place and it was actually really good and cheap. Mmmmm....I love pizza! When Jaycee decided to finally wake up, she was so excited to do her pumpkin so we did. She had fun cutting, cleaning them out, and helped tell me what she wanted her pumpkin to look like. She was so proud. Jaycee insisted on us taking them outside to light them. We then had our dessert we made earlier and ended the night watching "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events". It was a fun movie to set the halloween spirit and to end the night. Love Friday nights!
I finally updated a pic of me. Feelin large full of baby at 33 weeks...
Cleaning out her pumpkin she picked out
Mommy and Jaycee havin fun with pumpkins....ooowy and gooey
Hi Craig!
Finished product! Daddy's and Jaycee's on top, mine on bottom
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