Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Pam, it's been two years since you left us though it hardly seems that long. How do the days add up so quickly? So much has changed since you left us and so much remains the same. There is a new addition to our family. Hayden is the baby you kept begging us to have. He looks just like David but I like to think there is a little of me in there somewhere. When I think about him not ever getting to meet his granny Pam my heart breaks. I know how happy our having a baby would have made you. I'm sorry we didn't do it sooner so that you could enjoy him too.
We finally made that big move we always talked about, the one you were sure we would never make. It's a lot like Oregon here. You would love it.
The one thing that will never change is how much we miss you. It's easier than it was. I go days at a time without thinking about you, but you are always there in the back of my mind. I hear Elvis on the radio or see a scrapbook page or card you made for us and that is all it takes for the memories to flood in. I hope that wherever you are now you are happy and at peace. If everything I believe about life after death is true, you are.
The video I made for Pam's memorial. Long and boring to anyone but me. :)
We finally made that big move we always talked about, the one you were sure we would never make. It's a lot like Oregon here. You would love it.
The one thing that will never change is how much we miss you. It's easier than it was. I go days at a time without thinking about you, but you are always there in the back of my mind. I hear Elvis on the radio or see a scrapbook page or card you made for us and that is all it takes for the memories to flood in. I hope that wherever you are now you are happy and at peace. If everything I believe about life after death is true, you are.
The video I made for Pam's memorial. Long and boring to anyone but me. :)
2 months post partum
and my abs are like jello! I had no idea a c-section could reap such havoc on the ab muscles. Obviously if you think about it it makes perfect sense, but I never planed on a c-section and so never gave it much thought. The first few days in the hospital were the worst. I couldn't lift myself up out of the bed without help. The morphine and magnesium might have had a little do do with that. :) Recently I've noticed that sitting up in bed is still a little difficult. Tonight I put my abs to the test with some stability ball work and crunches and the verdict is in. They are still here, but just barely hanging on. I pushed myself as hard as I could and was able to complete about half the number of crunches I was able to do before I got pregnant. That is not acceptable! I immediately youtubed some ab workouts and will be doing them every other day until my abs return full force! I also have a gazillion stretch marks despite using belly butter every day during pregnancy. The strange thing is that I have way more now than I did when I was pregnant. I don't understand that, but there isn't much I can do about them so I'm not going to worry about them. On a happy note something about pregnancy made my butt disappear. David was the first to notice. Go figure! It also helps that we have two sets of stairs to go up and down. Our wood burning stove is in the basement so I have to traipse up and down the stairs every 2-3 hours to put wood in the fire. Our washer and dryer are also down there so I make the trip for laundry too.
It may seem odd to be thinking healthy before Thanksgiving. I'm not saying I'll be avoiding the pumpkin pie or anything. I just want to get a jump start on those resolutions I know I'll be making and I had to wait the 6 weeks after delivery and get the okay from the doctors before I did anything too physical. The doctor gave me the go so I'm going for it.
It may seem odd to be thinking healthy before Thanksgiving. I'm not saying I'll be avoiding the pumpkin pie or anything. I just want to get a jump start on those resolutions I know I'll be making and I had to wait the 6 weeks after delivery and get the okay from the doctors before I did anything too physical. The doctor gave me the go so I'm going for it.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Things I'm missing/Things I'm grateful for.
Missing:
Being pregnant. I know it sounds crazy to almost everyone, but I really miss being pregnant. Perhaps it's the way my pregnancy ended that has me wanting to do it again or maybe it's the thought of not being able do it again. Whatever the reason it is completely crazy and not crazy all at once. Hayden is so beautiful and amazing. Who wouldn't want another one?
California. I knew it would happen eventually. I'd give anything to be able to drive to the beach.
Our Holiday Traditions. It turns out that all the things I thought we were doing just to bide our time while in California became deep and meaningful traditions. The sad part is, I didn't realize this until I wasn't able to do them. The annual tree lighting festival where we saw Santa and sipped warm apple cider, Christmas in the Park, the Festival of Lights, and our Thanksgiving with friends will all be missed this year. Their true meaning is suddenly more clear to me than ever.
Starbucks. The coffee and chocolate Cherri sent me helped, but nothing compares to a hot peppermint mocha.
Things I'm grateful for.
Family those we are close to and those that are far away. It will be wonderful to spend this Thanksgiving with so many aunts, uncles, and cousins. We are all squeezing into my grandma's tiny house.
A wood burning stove. Gas warms the house faster, but nothing beats the smell of a fire!
Snow. I'm sure I'll be sick of it soon, but for now the blanket of white covering everything is new and beautiful.
Quiet. California was almost never quiet. We lived on a busy street and the car noise was so loud I could barely sleep. Cars almost never pass our house at night now. Quiet is a beautiful thing.
Being pregnant. I know it sounds crazy to almost everyone, but I really miss being pregnant. Perhaps it's the way my pregnancy ended that has me wanting to do it again or maybe it's the thought of not being able do it again. Whatever the reason it is completely crazy and not crazy all at once. Hayden is so beautiful and amazing. Who wouldn't want another one?
California. I knew it would happen eventually. I'd give anything to be able to drive to the beach.
Our Holiday Traditions. It turns out that all the things I thought we were doing just to bide our time while in California became deep and meaningful traditions. The sad part is, I didn't realize this until I wasn't able to do them. The annual tree lighting festival where we saw Santa and sipped warm apple cider, Christmas in the Park, the Festival of Lights, and our Thanksgiving with friends will all be missed this year. Their true meaning is suddenly more clear to me than ever.
Starbucks. The coffee and chocolate Cherri sent me helped, but nothing compares to a hot peppermint mocha.
Things I'm grateful for.
Family those we are close to and those that are far away. It will be wonderful to spend this Thanksgiving with so many aunts, uncles, and cousins. We are all squeezing into my grandma's tiny house.
A wood burning stove. Gas warms the house faster, but nothing beats the smell of a fire!
Snow. I'm sure I'll be sick of it soon, but for now the blanket of white covering everything is new and beautiful.
Quiet. California was almost never quiet. We lived on a busy street and the car noise was so loud I could barely sleep. Cars almost never pass our house at night now. Quiet is a beautiful thing.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
10 items for $10 or less!
These days I'm loving searching Etsy for beautiful unique Christmas gift ideas. Our budget isn't big, but I love to give and the handmade goods on Etsy provide an affordable yet meaningful way to give while supporting fellow handmade artisans. Plus it's just exciting to see what others are making.
The following is my list of interesting, pretty, and/or yummy gifts for under $10!
And if you have some extra cash to spare this holiday season take a look at this "little" gem.
The following is my list of interesting, pretty, and/or yummy gifts for under $10!
Asian Floral -- Mighty Mini Pouch $5.00
Sun and Moon Mason Jar Night Light
Currently sold out :( but still really neat!
Chocolate Brown Sequined Scarf $10.00
Jasmine Scented Handmade Caramels $10
Live Beautiful JOURNAL My Mind's Eye $8.00
Pick 3 Marshmallow Sampler Packs $9.00
This seller has a fun blog too!
Sun and Moon Mason Jar Night Light
Currently sold out :( but still really neat!
Chocolate Brown Sequined Scarf $10.00
Jasmine Scented Handmade Caramels $10
Live Beautiful JOURNAL My Mind's Eye $8.00
Pick 3 Marshmallow Sampler Packs $9.00
This seller has a fun blog too!
And if you have some extra cash to spare this holiday season take a look at this "little" gem.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
He's the cutest little guy ever and he's growing so fast!
Some highlights from the past few weeks:
*He and I dance every day. I hold him close and we sway to It's A Beautiful Life by Fisher which I posted a few posts ago. Call me crazy but I think he knows it is our dancing song. One of the commercials that plays it came on while he was in his play pen getting ready for a nap and he started laughing and cooing like crazy!
*I was watching a Little Einstein video on the computer and two little owls hooted and he cooed back at them.
*He loves having his butt massaged after a bath. He smiles and laughs while I do it.
*I've been peed on once. That's pretty good from what I hear.
*He loves bath time and is now using his little bath without the frog holder that he needed when we first brought him home.
*He hates the car seat and cries every time we put him in it.
*The doctor thinks he'll have a few teeth by 3 months! He already has little teeth buds! YIKES! He's trying to keep up with Alyssa I guess! :)
Some highlights from the past few weeks:
*He and I dance every day. I hold him close and we sway to It's A Beautiful Life by Fisher which I posted a few posts ago. Call me crazy but I think he knows it is our dancing song. One of the commercials that plays it came on while he was in his play pen getting ready for a nap and he started laughing and cooing like crazy!
*I was watching a Little Einstein video on the computer and two little owls hooted and he cooed back at them.
*He loves having his butt massaged after a bath. He smiles and laughs while I do it.
*I've been peed on once. That's pretty good from what I hear.
*He loves bath time and is now using his little bath without the frog holder that he needed when we first brought him home.
*He hates the car seat and cries every time we put him in it.
*The doctor thinks he'll have a few teeth by 3 months! He already has little teeth buds! YIKES! He's trying to keep up with Alyssa I guess! :)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Wanna win this printer?
I know I do! For three chances to win, head on over to Simple Mom
Thank you Kelli for the heads up!!
While you are over there check out all the amazing advise she has to offer! I was especially inspired by Menu Planning and 12 weeks to an enjoyable Christmas, but there are a ton of other really great posts! Stop waisting time reading this. Go check her out!
Monday, November 10, 2008
The weather is turning cold here. The few leaves that have managed to cling to the trees are withered and gray, and it is dark by 5 o'clock. Already, I'm wondering if I will survive winter without pulling my hair out or worse gaining an obscene amount of weight. Maybe that isn't worse I'm pretty used to be fat, but I've never been bald. Luckily I have Hayden to occupy my time and he's a great occupier. I've dubbed him "Little Tyrant". It's his way or the highway. I wonder if he knows he has competition for the title. Erin is quite the little tyrant these days as well. It's a good thing I love them both to pieces!
In random news, I managed to pump a full ounce today! To me this is akin to winning the lottery! I've been taking brewers yeast, More Milk, and eating tons of oatmeal along with pumping like crazy just be able to pump that much! Hayden is getting more than that when he breast feeds, but not much more. I still have to supplement every feeding with a bottle, but seeing progress motivates me to soldier on.
I went to an arts and crafts show with my Aunt on Thursday. It was so much fun. The towns around here do things a little differently. Instead of going to a big hall full of booths, the artist open up their homes and you meet them where they live. We picked up a map from the local bank and hopscotched our way from one house to the next sipping apple cider and drooling over crafts. I picked up a few Christmas gifts and enjoyed spending time with my Aunt. It feels strange to be all grown up around her.
Hayden had is one month doctor's visit on Friday and the little man has grown to a whopping 11lbs 9oz and 23 1/2 inches! There is no stopping the little tape worm as David refers to him. He's also entered the oh-so-cute stage of coos and smiles! While laying half naked on the examination table he decided to kick his little legs like mad and he and I had a coo off. He cooed and then I cooed then he cooed and I cooed. You get the picture right? The whole thing ended in him letting out a loud baby laugh which was almost immediately followed by baby cries when they gave him his shot. Poor baby! Luckily the crying didn't last long. He ate a little which was probably more about comfort than huger and then he went off to dream land.
In all my spare time AKA when David is home and willing to watch Hayden for a few hours I managed to make this purse.
What do you think? I'm pretty impressed with myself. :)
I want to listen to this song every day! Maybe that will get me through the cold winter days! If you watch TLC like I do, you've heard it a million times already. :)
In random news, I managed to pump a full ounce today! To me this is akin to winning the lottery! I've been taking brewers yeast, More Milk, and eating tons of oatmeal along with pumping like crazy just be able to pump that much! Hayden is getting more than that when he breast feeds, but not much more. I still have to supplement every feeding with a bottle, but seeing progress motivates me to soldier on.
I went to an arts and crafts show with my Aunt on Thursday. It was so much fun. The towns around here do things a little differently. Instead of going to a big hall full of booths, the artist open up their homes and you meet them where they live. We picked up a map from the local bank and hopscotched our way from one house to the next sipping apple cider and drooling over crafts. I picked up a few Christmas gifts and enjoyed spending time with my Aunt. It feels strange to be all grown up around her.
Hayden had is one month doctor's visit on Friday and the little man has grown to a whopping 11lbs 9oz and 23 1/2 inches! There is no stopping the little tape worm as David refers to him. He's also entered the oh-so-cute stage of coos and smiles! While laying half naked on the examination table he decided to kick his little legs like mad and he and I had a coo off. He cooed and then I cooed then he cooed and I cooed. You get the picture right? The whole thing ended in him letting out a loud baby laugh which was almost immediately followed by baby cries when they gave him his shot. Poor baby! Luckily the crying didn't last long. He ate a little which was probably more about comfort than huger and then he went off to dream land.
In all my spare time AKA when David is home and willing to watch Hayden for a few hours I managed to make this purse.
What do you think? I'm pretty impressed with myself. :)
I want to listen to this song every day! Maybe that will get me through the cold winter days! If you watch TLC like I do, you've heard it a million times already. :)
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
I watched Barack give his acceptance speech while Hayden smiled and cooed in my arms. Despite my apathy over the current political climate, I couldn't help but be moved by the magnitude of this historic event.
I did not vote in yesterday's election. There was a glitch in the system and my registration was not received. If I had voted, it would have been a half hearted effort at fulfilling my civic duty rather than a full fledge attempt to support one candidate over another. Rather than stirred and inspired by either of the candidates I was angered and frustrated by a political system gone crazy, but last night as I listened to Barack humbly accept victory and McCain graciously admit defeat I wanted to believe. For the first time since the campaign began I saw in each of these men what I believed to be a genuine love for our country and the people in it. For the first time in a long time I felt the warmth of knowing that whatever makes us different isn't nearly as important as what we have in common.
I was listening as McCain spoke of crossing party lines to work with and support Obama in his presidency. I heard Barack as he promised to earn the trust of those who did not vote for him and to be the president of us all. I heard and now I am watching and waiting. I hope that the words each of them spoke will ring true.
I did not vote in yesterday's election. There was a glitch in the system and my registration was not received. If I had voted, it would have been a half hearted effort at fulfilling my civic duty rather than a full fledge attempt to support one candidate over another. Rather than stirred and inspired by either of the candidates I was angered and frustrated by a political system gone crazy, but last night as I listened to Barack humbly accept victory and McCain graciously admit defeat I wanted to believe. For the first time since the campaign began I saw in each of these men what I believed to be a genuine love for our country and the people in it. For the first time in a long time I felt the warmth of knowing that whatever makes us different isn't nearly as important as what we have in common.
I was listening as McCain spoke of crossing party lines to work with and support Obama in his presidency. I heard Barack as he promised to earn the trust of those who did not vote for him and to be the president of us all. I heard and now I am watching and waiting. I hope that the words each of them spoke will ring true.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
A Grandma Shower For Aola
Tons of love for Aola!
From Kristen
From Cara
Zoe (Peanut) will be here soon, and there is no better way for us to celebrate her arrival than by throwing a virtual shower for you, Aola!
Zoe is one lucky girl to have such a wise and loving grandma living so close by. She will be spoiled with all things pink and frilly, but more importantly she'll be given the room she needs to be herself.
"Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children." ~Alex Haley
A little something just for grandma!
A warm snuggly blanket for Zoe.
Something for the two of you to share!
Congratulations Aola!
Levi & Christi, I am so excited for the two of you. Your new little girl will change your lives in ways you never imagined. Babies are hard work, but they are worth every bit of it. Enjoy every second!
From Kristen
From Cara
Zoe (Peanut) will be here soon, and there is no better way for us to celebrate her arrival than by throwing a virtual shower for you, Aola!
Zoe is one lucky girl to have such a wise and loving grandma living so close by. She will be spoiled with all things pink and frilly, but more importantly she'll be given the room she needs to be herself.
"Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children." ~Alex Haley
A little something just for grandma!
A warm snuggly blanket for Zoe.
Something for the two of you to share!
Congratulations Aola!
Levi & Christi, I am so excited for the two of you. Your new little girl will change your lives in ways you never imagined. Babies are hard work, but they are worth every bit of it. Enjoy every second!
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